GREENVILLE, N.C. — The South Greenville Recreation Center has a new look, and it will be offering more opportunities than ever to those in the surrounding neighborhoods.

A group of anxious City and school officials gathered at the facility Saturday morning with community members for the reopening and dedication ceremony, marking the end of just more than a year of renovations and additions to the facility. When they finally got a tour, the looks on their faces told it all.

"This facility is amazing," Recreation and Parks Director Gary Fenton said. "This is something that everyone in Greenville can be proud of."

Since closing in October 2015, the South Greenville Recreation Center has undergone more than $3 million in renovations and additions to more than double its size to the current 18,815 square feet. Among the features of the new facility are a gym, reception area, staff offices, ADA-compliant weight room, a computer lab, classrooms, a game room, ADA restrooms with lockers and showers, a Police Athletic League classroom, and a multipurpose room. The new facility is also the City's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified building, a certification it received for its sustainable design and green features.

A unique partnership between the City of Greenville and the Pitt County School System made it possible. The City financed the majority of the costs for the improvements with the assistance of a $600,000 contribution from Pitt County Schools. As a result, students at neighboring South Greenville Elementary School will have access to the facility for physical education classes and special events. PCS will also be assisting with some of the maintenance costs.

"We are grateful for the financial partnership between the City and Pitt County Schools," Fenton said. "City and county entities can't always work together on projects, but we were able to team up on this project and it will benefit both organizations."

Originally built in 1957, the South Greenville Recreation Center had not had any significant renovations until this one. The project's funding was approved during the Fiscal Year 2015-16 budget process, and the City Council awarded the construction contracts in December 2015. The facility has been closed since October 31, 2015.

"We were averaging about 3,800 users a month before the renovation," South Greenville Recreation Center Manager Bershuan Thompson said. "I think we will have a substantial increase in that number. I think people from all over the city will come here and use this facility, and that is what we want. This building will impact the health of our community and we can't wait to get started."

Some information in this report was first published in The Daily Reflector.