State-of-the-art lap pool in West UniversityThe City of West University Place has just re-opened its two newest sports facilities – and boy, are they terrific!

This photo shows the new Recreaction Center pool.  The Rec Center, as it is known locally, is located at 4210 Bellaire Blvd.  The City purchased this property form the Southwest Family YMCA, which had occupied the site from 1947 to 2001.  Following renovations, the building and pool were re-opened by the City in 2004.  Unfortunately, damage from Hurricane Ike made the building unsafe, and the City was forced to tear it down.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that a municipal bond election in 2007 funded the redevelopment and expansion of the current Rec Center, which just opened in 2010.

The addition of a second neighborhood pool means that play-swimmers now concentrate at Colonial Park Pool.  The Rec Center's eight-lane, twenty-five-yard pool is reserved for adult lap swimmers, classes, and swim teams.  It is heated and covered year-round.  Large garage-like doors enclose the pool, and the doors are opened whenever the weather permits.  A glassed-in observation room allows visitors to watch the classes and swim meets.

Membership information and class schedules can be found on the City’s website at www.westu.org.  Or just call the Rec Center at 713-662-7420.

Roger Martin