BOUNTIFUL -- They say the third try is the charm. But in the case of the South Davis Rec Center, it's going to take a fourth. That's because after delays pushed back the opening from December to January and then to mid-February, it won't be opening this week.

The long-awaited opening date has now been postponed to March 5.

"We're still experiencing moisture problems," said John Miller, director of the new rec center. "There's still some moisture in the cement, which means we can't put down the floor."

The moisture levels must be below 3 percent. Laying the floor before the moisture level declines would drastically shorten the floor's lifespan.

"We'll open the track with just the cement," Miller said. "Once the moisture level is down, we'll have to close the track for a week or two so we can install the rubberized floor."

Beyond the moisture build-up that has continually delayed the rec center's opening, the fire marshal and building inspectors still need to give their final approvals before the building can open.

"We want to make sure the facility is safe for the public when we open," Miller said. "We're doing everything we can to get this done."

Meanwhile, parts of the facility are open to high school swim teams, hockey teams, ice-skating clubs and Junior Jazz teams.

And, progress is slowly but surely happening.

"The murals in the lobby are up, and they look great," Miller said. "Right now, we're mostly just working on putting in the final finishing touches."

"We are really excited to open for the public,"Miller said. "March 5 should be the final date."