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$8 Million Amenity Center Opens

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: December 31, 2008

In a time when many developers are trying to do the bare minimum, Connerton's Terrabrook has kept its commitment 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."

In addition to providing the aquatic complex, the developers also provided a fitness center for adults and a kid's club room for children 12 and under to play at structured activities while their parents work out.

Outside the center, the amphitheater provides a place for Connerton to have various events like 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 in the next few years, Terrabrook plans to have the Connerton Preserve ready to go for residents to explore. The 3,000-acre park will have natural walking trails and will connect by sidewalk to the amenity center.

For more information about Connerton, visit connerton.com or call the main office at (813) 235-6767.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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