New Respect Empower Community Center opens in Medford

The REC Center in Medford opened Thursday morning with the goal of helping people of all ages to improve their mental and physical health.

The REC stands for Respect Empower Community. It is led by director Adam Rodman along with his wife Robbi Rodman. Rodman has more than a decade of fitness experience with Stronger Version Fitness in Medford.

The new REC Center includes the fitness components of Stronger Version Fitness as well as a much more with activities and services for adults and seniors and plans for future space to give a healthy and positive place for youth in the community.

The REC Center is described as “a space where connections thrive, ideas flourish, dreams take flight and bodies are nourished mentally and physically. The REC Center stands not just as a brick and mortar, but as a beacon of hope and unity.”

The Rec Center is located at 540 Jensen Drive in Medford. The building is 20,000 square feet with the main gym area at over 10,000 square feet. There is a spacious studio area in the gym space that will be used for classes and is where Feet N Motion dance holds classes and practices.

Rodman explained that the gym space is roughly the same size as the former Stronger Version Fitness space with areas for cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights. Toward the rear of the fitness area is a turf section for sportsrelated training drills.

A highlight of the new space is a wide indoor walking track. Rodman explained that the track surface has a cushioning built in to make it easier on joints. It takes about 13 laps to equal a mile.

The building also includes a pickleball court which will allow members to schedule times to play. Inside the main entrance there is a large lobby/gathering space and a nutritional drink bar.

Rodman envisions this as a place for people, particularly the seniors who use the facility to gather before and after coming to work out. He said he feels the socialization aspect is important for people to remain connected to one another.

There are also offices where trainers can work with members and spaces to hold classes on a variety of topics. Rodman envision classes on fall prevention or how to cook healthy for one being offered there in the future. There are also spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms with saunas before you enter into the workout area.

One of the cornerstones of the new facility is still in development. There is a large, secure space set aside for the creation of a youth area which will include places for youth to meet, a gaming area and a lounge area.

It is intended as a safe space for particularly high school aged youth. Rodman noted that the community learning centers at the elementary and middle schools are well used but that there is no similar thing for high school aged students.

“On July 31, 2022, a young girl in our community named Samantha Balciar took her life at 13. I was shocked and in disbelief. I couldn’t sleep for days wondering how and what I would do if one of my 3 girls were in her situation. My wife and I talked, and we knew we had to do something...we just couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore. We connected with friends and community members and came to the conclusion there is a gap for kids ages 12-18 in Medford community. We want to close that gap,” Rodman wrote.

The concept is that it will provide, “A safe haven outside of school and home where kids can come to relax and enjoy themselves. An inclusive space that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, providing them with the resources and interactive programs needed to thrive and flourish. A gathering spot where kids can connect with other teens and adult mentors so they feel camaraderie and support. Please consider assisting with this crucial effort to bring hope and support to the children in our community.”

“Empowering one another, embracing diversity, and standing united, we strive to cultivate personal growth, foster wellbeing, and fortify our community. This is accomplished through mutual support and collaboration with a variety of community partners. The REC Center offers a safe space for our youth, a social and learning space for senior citizens, and health and wellness opportunities for all.

We aim to build a stronger, more inclusive community where every individual thrives and contributes to the collective flourishing of our community.”

Rodman noted that the youth area will be able to have its own exit and can be shut off from accessing the rest of the building for events and activities.

Rodman said one of their goals is to raise funds in order to allow young people to use the REC Center at no charge. Sponsorships are available for this for businesses and individuals with recognition signs to be displayed in fitness center space.

People can find out more about how to help by visiting thereccentermedford.org.