Memphis has a unique opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, mentorship and personal growth in a 100,000-square-foot arts, recreation and worship facility at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. The new Kroc Center which will house the Baptist Memorial Health Care Fitness Center, will open Feb. 23, and Baptist colleagues have the opportunity to join with special rates.
In 2004, Joan Kroc gave The Salvation Army $1.5 billion of matching funds for the construction of 30 Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers across the United States. After undergoing a rigorous application and selection process, Memphis became eligible to receive a matching gift from the Kroc Trust in 2005.
“The fitness program at the Baptist Memorial Health Care Fitness Center exists not because exercise is the most important thing we do every day, but because being fit helps each one of us do the critical things in life better, longer, and more effectively,” said Rick Ellis, fitness and aquatics manager at the Kroc Center.
During a tour of the incredible facility on 15 acres at the Mid-South Fairgrounds, Ellis reminds visitors that in 1 Timothy 4:8, the Apostle Paul tells us that, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (NIV)
He notes that staff at the Baptist Fitness Center are committed to supporting the overall mission of the Salvation Army by creating a facility and programs that welcome people from all parts of the community while having a positive impact on their health and fitness.
“The Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility with a professional, caring, enthusiastic staff focused on guiding the members to better physical and spiritual health. By creating an open, caring atmosphere, the staff members will learn the ‘life story’ of the members, opening the possibility to minister to the whole person,” he said.
The Kroc Center is the center for the surrounding communities, offering a comprehensive range of continuing education, visual and performing arts, health and wellness programs, family services and indoor/outdoor recreation for youth, adults, families and senior citizens.
Some of the amenities include:
- NBA-quality basketball courts
- Soccer fields
- Aquatic features
- Fitness center
- Worship area
- Art rooms
- Theater
- Meeting rooms
- Classroom facilities
- Referral programs
- Food services
Baptist colleagues can join the Kroc Center for $30 a month for an individual or $50 a month for a four-person family living in the same household. The $50 registration fee will be waived for all colleagues until the grand opening on Feb. 23.
To join, visit the Kroc Center office at 324 South Hollywood Street, just behind the Liberty Bowl, or download the membership form online at http://www.krocmemphis.org/membership. Stay tuned to Leader and MyBaptist for more information on the Kroc Center and grand opening events.