WESTBROOK – Westbrook’s Community Center got a little busier last week when the renovated gym opened its doors.

The gym, originally built in 1976 at the former Wescott Junior High School, underwent a nearly $1 million renovation, with updates to a leaky roof and the most obvious, a new, green, rubber gym floor.

“The floor is multi-purpose now and it’s easier on the knees,” said Maria Dorn, director of community services. “There was some skepticism, but everyone who has used it said it’s a perfect combination.”

In the week since the gym re-opened, hundreds of people have already flooded in.

“There were a bunch of guys milling around here around lunch time on the first day, just waiting to play,” said Greg Post, deputy director of community services.

Throughout the week there are anywhere from 30 to 35 programs scheduled in the gym. These programs include adult, middle school and high school basketball, open gym for members of the public, and fitness programs, including the 5:30 a.m. Boot Camp, whose members were the first to try out the new gym.

Westbrook City Engineer Eric Dudley said the center used $85,531 from a Community Development Block Grant and $25,000 in municipal funds to repair the gym floor and remove asbestos in the hallway. Another $5,000 in local funds was used to paint the gym. A $750,000 grant from the Cornelia Warren Foundation paid for improvements to the roof, additional skylights and locker rooms. Volunteers from Indexx Laboratories in Westbrook accomplished some of the work.

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, the gym re-opened.

The gym got new lights with motion sensors, a new roof with skylights, an upgrade to the locker room facilities and other maintenance changes that needed to be completed before the new floor was installed.

Another change is the color scheme inside. Instead of keeping the Westbrook school colors, blue and white, Dorn said, the decision was made on a color theme that matched the community center’s logo and didn’t make those who did not attend Westbrook schools feel excluded. Hence, the green floor.

“The green floor is very unique, according to our flooring company,” Post said.

Local boys play a basketball game in the renovated gym on the new green floor at Westbrook’s Community Center.  Staff photo by Suzanne Hodgson