Remodeled recreation center draws newcomers

BELLA VISTA — Following its recent soft opening, the newly remodeled Bella Vista Recreation Center is seeing a lot of first-time guests.

Joan Glubczynski, director of recreation and wellness for the Property Owners Association, said the building was 50 years old and very outdated.

“Some of the spaces were not congruent to the demographics we have in Bella Vista today,” she said.

One of the goals of the remodel was to enlarge spaces that were in high demand, like the fitness center, she said. The new fitness center is 3,700 square feet, which is 1,700 square feet larger than previously. It has a designated free weight and functional strength area, with items such as a rope trainer and a tire trainer. It also has cardio and regular strength training machines.

Starting in 2024, there will be an option for adults 18 and older to purchase a key fob to access the fitness center 24 hours.

Improvements to the building also included enlarging it slightly by bumping out the east wall and northeast front side. The HVAC and electricity were improved and brought up to code, Glubczynski said.

The building has a large arena that can be used for open play, basketball, pickleball and fitness classes. Also, the large space will be rented out for weddings and other events, Glubczynski said.

There are also a variety of sizes of conference rooms available that may be rented annually on a regular basis for in regular meetings, or on a one-time basis for an event. The old stage has been removed, and a state-of-the-art sound system and audio visual system has been installed.

Two infrared saunas are a big hit at the center, Glubczynski said. The saunas reduce inflammation in the body by heating the body from the inside out, she said. Other benefits include relaxation and stress reduction. The saunas are usually used for 10 to 20 minutes, and they have adjustable colored LED lights for ambiance.

Near the infrared saunas are four family changing room/shower/restrooms. They are unisex, so a person can simply lock the door and have their privacy.

There is a workshop for POA personnel to build and fix items, and a kitchen with a refrigerator and ice machine to serve for events.

A spin room accommodates up to 15 people on bikes, and members must reserve their spot. A mural highlights one wall, and the room is equipped with state-of-the-art lights, Glubczynski said.

Also, there is an impromptu meeting room available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Each participant pays $1 with an activity card, she said.

Construction on the facility took about a year, and the reaction from the membership has been positive.

“Overall our membership has been very impressed when they come in, especially with the new line of fitness equipment and the extra space the fitness center has,” Glubczynski said. “The infrared saunas have been a huge hit with people who have not had a chance to try that technology. People are excited about open play in the arena and programmed pickleball time. Twenty-five percent or more who have come have never been in before. Whether they’re new or lived here before and never used it before, they’re excited to have access to it.

“We have a team of front-line staff who are eager to answer member questions and welcome people to this new community building.”

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rachel Dickerson) Property Owners Association members play pickleball in the arena at the Bella Vista Recreation Center, located at 3 Riordan Drive.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rachel Dickerson) The remodeling project included a new room for spinning.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rachel Dickerson) One of two infrared saunas is shown at the recreation center.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Rachel Dickerson) Some of the new equipment is shown in the fitness center.