New Norwood Recreation Center Busy on First Day of Operation-September 25, 1984

Following its weekend dedication ceremony, the town’s new civic recreation center on Nahatan Street experienced a bustling first day of operation yesterday, with municipal officials expressing high hopes for the facility’s future.

Strong Opening Day Turnout Across All Age Groups

Recreation Superintendent Robert Ivatts noted that he never doubted the former National Guard armory would see heavy resident usage. “I was really pleased with the amount of people that showed up today,” Ivatts said. “There’s been great interest. I really believe things will turn out good.”

Activity surged immediately following the end of the school day. “After the schools got out today, you couldn’t move in the place because it was so packed,” Ivatts described. Throughout the building:

Gymnasium and Weight Room: The gymnasium drew continuous crowds for basketball, while the weight-lifting room saw heavy traffic from residents testing out the new equipment.
Game Room: Local youths filled the game room, taking advantage of amenities such as the pool table.
Senior Center: Located on the top floor, the senior center proved an immediate success. Margaret Amirault of the Council on Aging remarked, “It’s great, we think it’s wonderful. All the seniors feel this is a wonderful spot for the center. We thank the town very much for it.” Seniors gathered to chat and play cards, providing a vital social outlet. Amirault noted, “A lot of older people moved to Norwood recently. The center is one way for them to meet people and make friends.”

Heading the senior center is Harriet Hally, who coordinates on-site programs alongside organized luncheons and day trips for local seniors.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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