Dozens of people turned out to help Minneapolis' newest community center, the Northeast Recreation Center, celebrate its grand opening Saturday.
The city's first new recreation center to open in about five years features a full-court gym, a walking trail, multipurpose rooms and a learning kitchen. It's located next to the Jim Lupient Water Park on Johnson Street NE.
The 15,000-square-foot facility is one of just a few city parks with a solar power installation on the roof.
Recreation center staffers said the facility's programming is designed to serve young families — offering preschool and youth athletics — as well as active adults.
Emily Erpelding, holding her infant at Saturday's opening, said she was thrilled to have the new center. She said she's been accustomed to going farther away, to either the Logan or Windom recreation centers.
"This is great, and so close to home," she said.
KAREN ZAMORA
