The strategy, when discussions first began for the new Indian River County Intergenerational Recreation Center in south Vero, was to go big or go home. They went big, as visitors discovered at a ribbon cutting last Wednesday morning to introduce the impressive 40,600-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.
A crowd of county and city officials, non-profit agencies, members of the public and affiliated guests gathered in the shade of the mammoth red building before entering its soaring lobby. A coffee and light-bite reception hosted by Di’Michelli’s Catering took place against a backdrop of a white architectural wall and a reception desk highlighted by a bright, decorative light grouping.
Assistant County Administrator Michael Zito introduced some of those in attendance, including IRC Commission Chairman Bob Solari as well as architects from Borrelli + Partners and builders from KAST Construction, who spoke about the project. Coined the iG Center by staff, Big Red by others, the venue will be rented out for events, sporting functions, scheduled classes and activities.
“This was a collaborative effort with a lot of people,” said Jorge Borrelli. “This is an iconic building that we believe will put you on the map in terms of sports and event venues.”
“This facility represents your community,” said associate architect Dan Trbovich. “It directly relates to your county commissioners and staff down to the end-users who realize the value of having a quality building such as this.”
“This project was initially planned for 2002,” said IRC Administrator Jason Brown. “We had the hurricanes come and then the economic downturn came and we had concerns about operating costs and keeping our taxes low.”
Joe Wiggins, former president of the Oslo Concerned Citizens League, initially proposed the rec center when his daughters, now grown and married, were just 8 and 9 years old. “I wanted something for the children in our neighborhood to have some place to play and stay active so they could stay out of trouble,” said Wiggins. “I am glad I am still around to see it built.”
“Joe was the squeaky wheel even when I was back on the commission,” said former IRC Commissioner Fran Adams. “He was a great advocate for the children and still is.”
“People are going to love the whole building and the kids are going to love this gymnasium,” said Michael Redstone, county recreation manager.
“We normally rent the fairgrounds for our big combined reunions,” said Gene Bishop, referencing the Vero Beach High School Golden Grads reunions. “It appears that the parking lot would be easier for handicapped and seniors to navigate here. The lighting is better and the soundproofing in the gym makes it easier to hear.”
“They closed the senior center and we don’t have a place to play cards anymore,” said Marie Jeffes, anticipating the new game room might fit the bill. “We used to go there and dance and play games and it was a sin that this town did not have a place to go anymore.”
“This facility is very versatile and I think wonderful things are going to happen here,” said Brown.
