Civic Center bustles in opening week
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| Mayor Patricia P. Christensen and members of the Port St. Lucie City Council and other local dignitaries prepare to cut a ribbon marking the opening of the new Civic Center. |
Posted: December 5, 2008
The highly anticipated grand opening of Port St. Lucie’s Civic Center finally arrived. And what an exciting week it was.
On Monday, Dec. 1, Mayor Patricia Christensen, members of the City Council and several County Commissioners joined other noted dignitaries for the official ribbon-cutting. The morning began with overcast skies and a drizzling rain, but the sun began to peek out as the ribbon was officially severed with oversized gold scissors and the 100,000-square-foot facility opened its doors to the public.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the “Community Meet and Greet” event was held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All day, the public toured the center while watching live demonstrations that exhibited just a few of the classes available in the recreation and fitness facilities. Residents watched belly dancers teach their craft, practiced on brand-new stationary bikes used in the popular spinning classes, spoke with professional trainers while trying out the extensive exercise equipment and shot hoops in the full-court gymnasium. Visitors also admired the beautiful racquetball courts and marveled at the creative wall murals in the children’s activity room, painted by Civic Center Recreation Manager Kelly Tiger. Kids of all ages played pool and video games in the game room.
On the opposite side of the building, guests got their first glimpse of the Emerald Ballroom, a breathtaking 13,464-square-foot venue to be used for multiple events, including wedding receptions, expos and galas. The Ruby Conference Room, directly across the hall, was divided into smaller rooms that showed visitors some of its many uses, including smaller expos, conference and meeting rooms and a place for private parties. Without the dividers, the Ruby Conference Room has 5,790 square feet of space. At the end of these elegant venues, French doors open up to a brick veranda that overlooks water fountains, a perfect spot for cocktail hours or gathering places.
Also on Tuesday, visitors were able to wander through the Green Market, held outdoors in Village Square every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Strolling from vendor to vendor in picture-perfect Florida weather, those present could purchase from local farmers, bakers and crafters while listening to live music.
The center’s Art Gallery held its own grand opening with an elegant reception on Wednesday evening, Dec. 3. Visitors listened to beautiful music by harpist Sarah Bartal, while viewing the creations of photographer Tony Arruza and sculptress Esther Wertheimer. The works of these talented artists will be on display for six weeks as part of the center’s year-round exhibitions. Opening night of each new artist’s six-week exhibit will include a reception with light refreshments and live music.
On Thursday evening, Dec. 4, the celebrations continued outdoors in Village Square, where the Port St. Lucie Community Band played holiday music and encouraged the crowd to sing along. Commemorative tree ornaments were distributed, refreshments were served, and those gathered gasped when Mayor Christensen flicked a switch to light up the holiday tree, generously donated by Mann Research Center and decorated with energy-efficient LED lights courtesy of Florida Power and Light. The lighting of the 24-foot tall Norway spruce from North Carolina preceded a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived on a fire truck, complete with sirens and lights flashing.
This is just a sampling of the wonderful things Port St. Lucie’s Civic Center has to offer. For more information, go to the Civic Center's Web page, or better yet, come see the Civic Center in person.
For additional information, contact:
Rita Hart
Public Information Officer
City of Port St. Lucie
(772) 873-6325
rhart@cityofpsl.com