Member Spotlight: The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, located at 5th and Broadway, will open with a grand celebration for the public on Sept. 18. Its mission, according to Major Dan Jennings, is to inspire, instruct and involve.
There is no doubt that the magnificent 98,000-square foot facility will inspire awe. The main entrance includes a water feature that snakes its way to the building, reminding visitors of the community’s proximity to the Mississippi River. This river theme is continued in the floor’s tile pattern and waterfall on the main level, the curved rails on the second floor, the design of back-lit lights reminiscent of the Bayview Bridge in the Kroc Church, and in the pool area.
The pool features a ‘lazy river,’ whirlpool, bubble bench, lap pool, zero-entrance child’s area with a small slide that looks like a steamboat, and an impressive waterslide that can be seen from the street and from the fitness machines on the second floor.
The fitness area will include 88 machines (treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes, among others), free weights and universal machines, a rock climbing wall, a studio for aerobics and spinning classes and a full-size gymnasium with electronically controlled basketball hoops and volleyball nets and a walking track.
“Now that construction is nearly complete, there are other businesses and organizations investing in the west end of Quincy,” says Jennings. “We would like to think that The Salvation Army Kroc Center has, by investing in the area, inspired others to do the same.”
The fitness and pool areas are accessible through membership only, but 30 percent of the building will be open to non-members, too.
“The Kroc Center is a place for learners of all ages and we want to provide an atmosphere of instruction,” continues Jennings. “We want our visitors to learn new knowledge, develop new skills and discover new insights. And, because of our deep faith, we want to receive instruction from God’s Word.”
Students will receive homework assistance and educational services in the hi-tech Youth Room, complete with a laptop bar and wireless internet services. Local artists and dance instructors will teach a variety of classes in the art and dance studios. The general public can stop in for lunch or a cup of coffee at the Kroc Café, supported by a full professional kitchen. And, of course, the Kroc Church is open to all.
“The Salvation Army has a deep commitment to spiritual development,” says Jennings. “We want the Kroc Center to be a place where seekers receive inspiration from the Holy Spirit. We want to be a place where people come to express their Christian faith, a place to hear from God and be inspired to become the people that God has called them to be.”
Jennings stresses that membership at the Kroc Center is for everyone.
“This is not a center for only a limited few, but a place which people from every economic, social and cultural background can access and become a part of fantastic programs. Get involved! The Kroc Center has such a broad appeal, we believe it will be a place fostering community and inclusivity,” he says. “And, we think it will ‘wow’ our community when they walk in the building.”
Charter memberships are available until Sept. 16 and include special offers on an annual basis; regular memberships will be available at the Grand Opening Sept. 18. For more information, call Angie Duerr at 855-872-KROC (5762), visit www.krocquincy.org or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/kroc quincy.
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