This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Boxing great Gene Fullmer's biggest knockout may have happened outside the ring.
The retired two-time world middleweight champ must have been floored when his West Jordan hometown named its first recreation center after him several years ago.
The Gene Fullmer Fitness and Recreation Center has lived up to its namesake. So have patrons of the 50,000-square-foot facility at 8015 S. 2200 West. They tend to pop in early each morning and stay late every night.
"You should have seen me when I came in here," laughs Burton Anderson, who works out mornings on a bike at the center. "I started three years ago when I had arthritis problems in my back and neck. I went to the doctor's [office], and when my insurance money to cover my therapy ran out, I joined the fitness center."
Built for $7.5 million, the center boasts lap and leisure pools, a running track and full-size gym, an aerobics area and fitness room, and a place staffed by professionals for parents to drop off their children while they work out. The center sports a wide range of youth and adult sports and recreational programs as well.
If the center's programs lure patrons there, the people keep them coming back.
"My favorite thing about working here is the people. They are so diversified and interesting," says Lavone Pyle, who has worked in the facility's fitness room for two years. "I know a couple of people who have lost at least 100 pounds."
Olga Rivera lapped up the center's programs, especially the pool and the elliptical machine, during her recent visit from Mexico.
"I live in a small area in Mexico where we don't have a fitness center," Rivera says. "I like coming here because it makes me feel so good."
When fitness buffs are not working up a sweat, they often are lounging about watching the big-screen TV in the large lounge near the front entrance. LaTrill Loveridge, who works the front desk at the center, loves to meet and greet the people there.
"This place was suggested to me by a friend who thought I would do a great job here because I love people," she says.
Loveridge has enjoyed the center - and so have many others. Many love the birthday bashes the center hosts. Debra LeFevre, who hosts the parties, says swimming, pizza and birthday cake make for a great combination.
"Everyone loves the pools we have here because both the outdoor and the indoor pools have basketball standards where swimmers can play basketball," LeFevre says.
Center Director Susan Kocher says the fitness center is a family facility.
"Mom can work out while dad does something else, and there are also programs to keep the youth busy as well."
Inexpensive off-track programs involving bowling and arts and crafts are popular with year-round students. Personal trainers also are on hand, along with programs aimed at prepping teens how to use the equipment in preparation for their admittance into the workout room. Golf, tennis, basketball, T-ball, dance, martial arts, football and soccer are a sampling of the center's other activities.
Special events include Celebrate the Slide, Family Nights, Splash & Sparkle, Pioneer Party and End of Summer Bang. A calendar at the front desk lists upcoming events.