North Charleston officials are celebrating after the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday of a new sports facility.
According to a press release, the $25 million North Charleston Sports Complex includes five regulation-size gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and a myriad of other indoor athletics. The facility also features five new tennis court which meet official U.S. Tennis Association standards, a roller rink for street hockey and roller-skating, and a 25-meter competitive pool (complementing the North Charleston Aquatic Center in Dorchester County).
The new facility replaced the long-standing Danny Jones Recreation Center, which officials say was renovated to add more space and updates.
In an interview with news outlet WCSC, North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess credited the Danny Jones Recreation Center with helping cultivate him as a man and believes the new facility will do the same for youth in the community.
“The facility gives the opportunity to build minds and elevate young athletes just as the former center did for me," Burgess said.
The facility will be free to use except for the pool which will have a fee.
“This building and facility show that our city is committed to recreation and providing opportunities for folks to exercise, have fun, and watch the kids play basketball. It is something the community can rally around and see. There is recreation out there that we want everyone to be a part of,” said Tj Rostin, director of Parks and Recreation for North Charleston.
The North Charleston Sports Complex will officially open to the public on April 1, but the outdoor facilities, including the roller-skating rink and tennis courts, are currently open for usage.
