The Joe Abrahams Fitness Center, fully restored after historic hurricane devastation, is reopening to the public -- marking the completion of a nearly year-long effort to bring all storm-affected Parks and Recreation facilities back online.
"This marks two of the most-anticipated post-storm celebrations for our residents," Mayor Jane Castor said. "This gorgeous fitness facility with views of Bayshore and downtown is a special place to work out and socialize. And the splash pad brings so much joy to our kids."
Repairs at Joe Abrahams came to nearly $1.9 million, with $1.5 million going to repair the building, and $368,000 going to replace ruined equipment. Those numbers are part of the more than $35 million in damages sustained by Parks & Recreation facilities city-wide.
About 4 feet of storm surge inundated the building and everything was lost - from drywall and desks to internal doors and fitness equipment. The building had to be rewired for electrical, and the air conditioners were replaced. The flooring in the rear exercise room had to be replaced, and the building received a new roof.
"It has been a long wait, but the end result will make people happy," Parks and Recreation Manager Ted Fowler said. "New, top-end equipment, new air conditioning and new floors have set Joe Abrahams up to be the best it ever has been."
Memberships are $15 a month or $150 a year. Drop-in visits are available for $4.
Classes that will be held at Joe Abrahams include High-Intensity Interval Training, Zumba, Chair Yoga, Core Essentials, Fit & Flexible, Line Dancing, and Fit, Fun, Fab!
The fitness center, originally the Ballast Point Fitness and Wellness Center, was renamed by Mayor Dick Greco in March 2002 for the then-director of Parks and Recreation. Joe Abrahams, who held that position for 24 years, passed away two months later at age 71.