Fitness room opening helps mark Pine Community Center’s 15th anniversary

The new fitness room at the Pine Community Center represents a two-for-one deal.

A pair of smaller rooms minus a wall dividing them equals a sum that effectively is greater than its parts.

“This is a dream come true,” fitness coordinator Lynda Brletic said. “For the past year and a half, I’ve wanted this, and I can’t believe it’s happening.”

She joined Gina Kampi, the center’s program coordinator, in wielding the scissors for a Feb. 17 ceremonial ribbon cutting, which was followed by the first class in the expansive area.

“With this building, one of the challenges we’ve had is the basketball court was the only place to do large group fitness,” township manager Jason Kratsas said. “Now, we have this room that can handle 35-plus people.”

Such a space was in demand by community center members who concentrate on staying in shape.

“Pretty much from the day I was hired, I went around and asked people what they would like,” Brletic said. “I drew up the plans, because I have a background in architectural design.”

Inside the room is a series of mirrors to enhance the natural light that streams from a bank of windows, along with improved acoustics compared with the gymnasium and other use-specific features.

“There’s a nice floor system in here that is really tailored for this specific use,” Kratsas said. “If you jump a little bit, you can feel the give in the floor.”

The new room should provide better connections between class instructors and participants, according to Brletic.

“In the gym, it was so big that you lost that intimacy and partnering,” she said. “And I think this is really going to help the group to adhere.”

Kratsas acknowledged her role in seeking the type of improvements that resulted in the two-for-one room.

“We really love Lynda’s passion,” he said. “You can see that, and we wouldn’t be here without it.”

Opening the fitness room was part of a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the community center, which offers a variety of programs and events, and fitness amenities such as stationary bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, strength training equipment and a walking track. Pine’s board of supervisors has its meeting room at the center.

During the celebration, Supervisor Pat Avolio thanked township staff members for helping to keep the center an integral part of the community, including Pete Geis, director of parks and open space; Kevin Bacon, community center manager; and Stacey Graf, assistant township manager.

Avolio further recognized two guests who, between them, served for 36 years in chairing the board of supervisors: Mike Dennehy and Ed Holcroft.

Plans for the community center came to fruition on their watch, Avolio acknowledged, as part of the board’s “vision that our facilities and services within the township need to meet the needs of our residents in an efficient and forward-thinking manner.”