Clifton Fire to provide free hot dogs
By Walt Mares
CLIFTON – The opening of the Clifton Gym offers a major step forward for recreation in Clifton, where very little of it currently exists. It will be marked by the grand opening Friday, Aug. 3, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. The event includes free hot dogs provided by the Clifton Fire Dept., and a bounce house along with a raffle for prizes and several giveaways.
There will also be basketball throughout the evening.
The grand opening is being sponsored by the Morenci Recreation Department, which is under the auspices of the Morenci Community Services Center MCSC). Director Steve Richardson said the public is invited to attend.
The gym is located on the former Clifton Schools grounds in South Clifton.
While the MCSC is headquartered in Morenci, four miles from Clifton, the gym opening is an outreach effort to include Clifton, which other than a splash pad, has little in the form of recreation for Clifton residents, especially for children.
The summer heat is certainly a factor in stifling or eliminating any outdoor activity. Recent outdoor temperatures have been well above 100 degrees. The air-conditioned Clifton Gym offers a welcome respite from the heat.
Several Clifton youths have availed themselves of the Fitness Center in Morenci which has indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a large arena for basketball, volleyball and other activities. However, it can be difficult for some in Clifton to find a ride to or from the Fitness Center.
Richardson said having the Clifton Gym open makes it far more convenient for those who live in Clifton to have access to recreation. He emphasized the gym is open for use by adults and youth. No conflicts in scheduling are anticipated in the facility’s use as recreation department staff members will be on hand at all times when the gym is open.
The gym also has a large area that can eventually be used for other activities such as ping pong or art and other classes.
For more information contact the Morenci Community Services Center at 865-7475 or stop by the Fitness Center.
