Salt Lake County is closing one of the oldest recreation centers it operates: the aging Marv Jenson facility in South Jordan.
Its final day of operation will be March 31.
Officials say it’s time for the 35-year old center at 10300 S. Redwood Road to be put out of commission because a remodeling is impractical and expensive: an estimated $20 million.
“Marv Jenson Recreation Center has been loved and served our community well, but after extensive study of this facility, we’ve determined that ... a complete rebuild would be required to bring it up to the standards we have set for our recreation centers,” County Mayor Jenny Wilson said in a prepared statement.
“While we know this facility is still a strong recreation asset in South Jordan, it is not economically feasible to continue to operate the building,” said Martin Jensen, director of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation.
Marv Jenson Rec Center — named for the former county commissioner who trained the late world champion middleweight boxer Gene Fullmer — was constructed in 1983 as a private health club. It was purchased by the county in 1995 for $1 million.
The county intends to sell the property on which the 40,000-square-foot building sits. But it will continue to own and operate the 18 acres of park space.
Patrons, including monthly and yearly pass holders, will have to go to other recreation centers for services. Memberships will be honored at all 21 county rec centers, including one in Draper scheduled to open early next year.
The nearest facility is the South Jordan Rec Center, 10866 S. Redwood, but that is owned and operated by the city and is not part of the county system.
The closest county rec centers are Gene Fullmer, at 8015 S. 2200 W. in West Jordan, and the JL Sorenson, 5350 Main St. in Herriman.
Many of the children’s programs at Marv Jenson will still be offered by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation at area parks and schools.
Racquetball courts are available at JL Sorenson and Redwood Rec Center, 3060 S. Lester St.
