- Midland Community Center
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Midland Community Center 
Type Non-Profit Industry Recreation Founded 1919 (Midland) Headquarters 
Midland, MichiganArea served Midland County, Michigan Key people Chris Tointon, CEO
Kevin Heye, Executive DirectorProducts Recreation Website www.mymcc.org The Midland Community Center (MCC) is a nearly 200,000 sq ft (19,000 m2) complex on three levels in the heart of Midland, Michigan that provides comprehensive social, recreational and personal development opportunities for all residents.[1] The programs of the non-profit organization are professionally designed and supervised.
Contents
History
The Midland Community Center was founded January 14, 1919 in conjunction with the very first bowling alley in Midland. The community center became a trend-setter, and other sports and pastimes were gradually introduced to the community, including basketball, handball, volleyball, table tennis, archery, tennis and softball.[2]
The first building at the site of the current center was opened in 1954, but it has been expanded several times since then. An indoor rifle range was open during the 1960’s and National Rifle Association sanctioned classes in marksmanship were offered for air rifle (BB gun) and small bore (.22). They were discontinued in the early 1970’s due to lack of interest. During the summer of 2005, the MCC locker rooms were completely renovated. The lockers themselves were the originals installed when the center was built and had fifty years of use. In addition to locker replacement, separate family and adult sections were built, the flooring was upgraded and plumbing fixtures were updated.[3] Also in 2005, MCC recorded 900,000 member visits, which is equivalent to 2,465 persons participating in an activity every day of the year.[4]
Umbrella structure
A new corporation was formed in 2005, the Greater Midland Community Centers, Inc. (GMCC), which provides guidance and assistance to five existing non-profit recreation centers in Midland County, including the Midland Community Center. Two classrooms at the MCC received a makeover to become the offices for the GMCC personnel. At the same time, GMCC announced a $5.1 million fundraising campaign to "enhance the quality of life for Midlanders," according to GMCC CEO Chris Tointon. Individuals and businesses contributed to the project, but the majority came from local charitable trusts including the Alden & Vada Dow Foundation, the Dow Chemical Company Foundation, the Dow Corning Corporation Foundation, The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Midland Area Community Foundation, the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation. The money paid for three projects, but more than half the total was used to create an "outdoor campus" at MCC.[5]
MCC expansion
The city averages 141 days each year below freezing,[6] so the MCC had always concentrated on indoor activities. A $2.5 million expansion in 2008 changed that. Part of the plan involved moving two homes and demolishing a third that was located across the street from the center that occupied land destined to become a new parking area, outdoor running track, outdoor basketball courts and a children's playscape. Walking and biking trails were also created[5][7] on what is now a 12-acre (49,000 m2) campus.[8]
To accommodate the new amenities, George Street was closed by the city and became the driveway to the new parking lot; the intersection at George and Haley Streets disappeared. A new entrance with a passenger pickup/drop-off was constructed on Jefferson Avenue. The entire project was completed in late 2008.[8]
In 2009, the MCC celebrated their 90th year of service.[2]
Programs
The organization provides the community with a diverse group of activities that include youth and adult classes, drop-in sessions and leagues for athletics.[9] In addition to aquatics, the indoor sports of basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and curling are featured. Outdoor sports such as flag football are organized in cooperation with the Midland Parks and Recreation department.[10][11] Offerings in fine arts are continuously scheduled and include art lessons, voice and/or instrument lessons and dance classes. Specialty fitness activities that are sponsored include fencing, martial arts (karate & judo), Yoga, boxing (non-contact), billiards, table tennis and badminton.
Funding
The United Way of Midland County provides significant funding for the center's operations. For 2009, UW allocated $282,900 for education programs, $61,500 for self-sufficiency programs and $270,600 for health programs. The total of $615,000 was 16.4% of UWs budget.[12] The MCC also relies on local companies to underwrite specific programs and free activities.
Yearly memberships are based on the number of household members and the specific programs used. Costs range from approximately $200 per year for an individual child to over $1000 for a family with access to virtually all programs.[13]
Fees are charged for participation in scheduled classes, athletic leagues, and most "drop-in" activities.
Facilities
The center has facilities and equipment to support the various programs needed for their large membership base.[9]
- Leisure Pool with water slide, lap pool and instruction pool
- Three full-size gymnasiums (one limited to Gymnastics)
- Squash, racquetball/paddleball and Wallyball courts
- Sauna and steam rooms
- Climbing wall for Indoor climbing
- Five dance studios and mirrored dance room
- Theater stage & production set
- Art and pottery rooms and kilns
- Exercise, cardio, weight and cycling rooms
- Indoor jogging/walking track
- Computer lab
Special services
Certain individual programs are available through the MCC for an additional fee. These include massage therapy, personal trainers, fitness appraisals, health screenings and personal nutrition education.
Deli
For the first time in its history, a food service business opened inside the facility in June, 2010. The Crossroads Deli is operated by a former resident who received culinary training at The Art Institute of Colorado before returning to Midland. The eatery prepares salads, soups, sandwiches, sweets and smoothies.[14]
References
- ^ [1] Michigan Vibe website: community partners-Midland Community Center
- ^ a b [2] Connect Michigan.com, January 14, 2009-Happy 90th Midland Community Center
- ^ [3] Midland Daily News, July 21, 2005-Extreme makeover in progress at the Midland Community Center
- ^ Lascari, Tony: [4] Midland Daily News, September 17, 2005-Midland Community Center reorganizing
- ^ a b Wirtz, Ralph E.: [5] Midland Daily News, September 5, 2007-Midland Community Center plans several projects
- ^ [6] Weatherbase, Midland, Michigan data
- ^ Leval, Dave: [7] WEYI/NBC channel 25, April 10, 2008-Midland Community Center expanding
- ^ a b [8] Fitness Business Pro, November 1, 2008-Interview with Chris Tointon, CEO of Greater Midland Community Centers, Midland, MI
- ^ a b [9] Midland Community Center website, Membership Highlights
- ^ [10] Midland Community Center, Leagues/Tournaments
- ^ [11] Midland Community Center, Schedules
- ^ [12] Midland Daily News, February 18, 2009-How UW money will be spent
- ^ [13] Midland Community Center website, Membership Options
- ^ "Chef opens new deli in Midland Community Center" Midland Daily News, June 20, 2010
External links
Categories:- Midland, Michigan
- Community centers in Michigan
- Non-profit organizations based in Michigan
- Buildings and structures in Midland County, Michigan
- Visitor attractions in Midland County, Michigan
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