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Connerton Opens Sports Center

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

In The Loop

Published: January 7, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - In a time when many developers are trying to do the bare minimum, Connerton's Terrabrook has kept its commitment to the community to build an $8 million amenity center.

"We started planning the amenity center a couple years ago," said Stew Gibbons, president of Connerton. "It took about a year to build the 11,000-square-foot facility. Ultimately, we plan to add to the facility. Right now, only the first phase is done."

The new 21100 Fountain Garden Way facility offers a super pool aquatic playground with water features, a fitness center with Cybex equipment and locker rooms, a kid's club with structured activities, a Connerton Cafe, meeting rooms, tennis courts, a basketball court, volleyball courts and an outdoor amphitheater.

"The aquatic center is great for the kids because there is a huge 1,000-gallon bucket that fills with water and then spills," Gibbons said.

"It has a waterfall effect, which is fun for the kids because each time it's a different experience. Kids can spend hours out there.

"There are also slides, a 10,000-square-foot pool and a toddler pool that is shaded for the younger children."

Tamara Wallett, a resident of Connerton for two years, said she loves the new facility. Before Connerton opened the center, Wallett was working out in her garage and running the trails, but now she said she is thrilled to have the fitness center.

"It is very nice and fully equipped," Wallett said. "It has everything I could want. I have been there four times a week since it opened. I was running the trails and lifting weights in my garage but it has been getting cold outside and I was not really loving it. Now I am much more motivated."

Outside the center, the amphitheater provides a place for Connerton to have various events, such as a movie night.

"It provides the perfect opportunity for outdoor performances," Gibbons said. "During the grand opening, we had a huge inflatable screen with a movie showing. There are lots of ways our residents can use this."

Gibbons said he sees the amenity center as the perfect fit for his community, which is why the company stuck with its commitment in the face of economic downturn.

"It is our theme to live, grow and flourish," Gibbons said. "Physical and mental activities are all a part of this theme. The facility is nice because it provides a place for the residents to gather and get to know each other."

Within the next few years, Terrabrook plans to have the Connerton Preserve ready for residents to explore. The 3,000-acre park will have walking trails and will connect by sidewalk to the amenity center.

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