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| The "SRAC" marks its 10th birthday Long-sought recreation center opened in May 2009  The
opening 10 years ago this month of the Smithfield
Recreation and Aquatics Center fulfilled a dream
shared by local leaders and residents of the town over
the past half century.It came about as a joint project of the Town of Smithfield and the Johnston County Board of Education and thereby serves not only the public at large as a recreation center but also adjacent Smithfield-Selma High as an auxiliary facility for the school's athletic programs. Funding to make the SRAC a reality came from several sources: $7.5 million from loans to the Town of Smithfield, $3.5 million from Johnston County Public Schools, $1 million raised from individual and corporate donors by Smithfield's Friends of the Park, $950,000 from the state's recreation trust fund, and $475,000 from Johnston County recreation bonds. Total cost of the project, including furnishings and equipment, was $13.5 million. To learn more about present-day costs of operating the SRAC, read the Smithfield budget report elsewhere in today's edition> The Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center is a "shared" facility, with the high school getting priority for what it needs during the school day and the town free to use it for activities the rest of the time.... |
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 The main pool is sized to accommodate swim meets by local high-school teams. But it's mostly used for individuals' lap swimming, "free play," and swimming lessons. |
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 The "splash park" is a shallow pool that features all sorts of gadgets for spraying and dumping water upon willing youngsters. |
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 Youth basketball instruction and play is a major wintertime activity. The gymnasium has two full basketball courts side by side and is also used for volleyball. |
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 A well-equipped workout room is popular among adults. Next door is a large room for aerobics. Downstairs are a couple of enclosed racquetball courts.  Besides facilities for public recreation, the SRAC includes a weight room and a locker room for the SSS football program's use. For more information about programs and memberships, visit SRAC's website> |
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