Hundreds of residents and visitors fill the state-of-the-art facility daily.
The 56,000-square-foot multi-generational facility has been a shining light for locals as well as visitors and has an overwhelming attendance of 600-700 people on an average weekday.
“Cottonwood’s decision to build this facility followed years of community input and planning,” said Cottonwood Director of Parks, Recreation and Library Jak Teel. “We recognized the need for a year-round, all-weather space for fitness and recreation.”
“Today, it stands as one of the most popular and heavily used public facilities in the Verde Valley,” added Teel. “Looking ahead, our plans include expanding program offerings, upgrading amenities and strengthening community partnerships.
The 56,000-square-foot complex includes a fitness floor, indoor gymnasium, indoor pool, aerobics studio, climbing wall, event hall, meeting rooms and staff offices. Cottonwood Esthetician Svetlana Bourlaka attends five times a week for her exercise regimen. “It is a beautiful gym and I’m able to do both my cardio and my workout with free weights and machines. I’m very pleased with this facility.”
“The gym is equipped to support a wide range of fitness goals,” said Recreation Center Manager Julia Root. “The free weight area features bench press stations, incline benches, a Smith machine, power racks and a full set of dumbbells. The cardio area includes stair steppers, treadmills, recumbent bikes and a rowing machine to keep workouts varied and effective. For those who prefer guided movement, the resistance machine area offers more than 15 machines designed to safely target and strengthen specific muscle groups.
Fitness classes range from Zumba, aquatics, aerobics, endurance, strengthening, cycling, stress reduction and toning.
The 60,000-gallon swimming pool includes a lazy river, hot tub and a monumental three-story slide that likely entices all ages to give it a try.
“We’re always working to improve the facility, with several upgrades on the horizon. Most notably, we are in the process of replacing all of our cardio and suspension training equipment and completing important preventative maintenance in our pool area to ensure its long-term health.”
Verde River Dental Hygienist Shelby Johnson is a member at the Cottonwood Recreation Center and attends four to five times a week. “I use the treadmill and all the weightlifting equipment. It’s great for our community and has helped with my overall health. The people here are really nice.”
A variety of rates and passes are offered including discounts for seniors, youth and military families and day passes. “We partner frequently with local schools for swim lessons, after-school programs and athletic space access,” said Teel. “From the beginning, our goal has been to create a welcoming space where all members of the community can connect, stay healthy and have fun. Personally, I believe recreation is more than just fitness – it’s about improving quality of life.”
Winnemucca, Nevada visitors Michael and Diana Padua worked out four of the six days they were vacationing in Cottonwood. “We found the complex to be very well-managed and clean. They really stay on top of their equipment. Even the locker rooms were immaculate. We were very impressed and so grateful to have had access to such a beautiful facility.” VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
The Cottonwood Recreation Center is open 4:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 928-639-3200.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: “We recognize the need for year-round, all-weather space for fitness and recreation,” said Cottonwood Director of Parks, Recreation and Library Jak Teel, third from the left with recreation staff members Caitlynn Neal, Dana Dowell, Julia Root, Sarah Latham, Travis Wilson and Tristan Wright.
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