BOUNTIFUL -- Pull out your swimming suit, dust off your ice skates, the South Davis Rec Center is finally ready to open. It's been seven months since the Bountiful Rec Center closed its doors to the public, and after postponing the opening date four times, the highly anticipated, new Rec Center will open Monday, March 5.

"We are really excited to open," said John Miller, director of the Rec Center. "It's going to be a great facility for the community."

The state-of-the-art center includes competition pools, a leisure pool, an Olympic-size ice rink, rock climbing wall, racquet ball courts and more.

The competition pool, which has been open to high school swim teams since January, will now also be open to lap swimmers and water aerobics.

Those looking for a more "fun" water experience can visit the center's leisure pool, which includes a lazy river, jacuzzi, circular slide, and a basketball and volleyball net.

Although the leisure pool is enclosed, unlike the old Bubble, sun-lovers shouldn't fret. During the warmer months, visitors will be able to lounge outside, as the pool is connected to an outside area where a splash pad and pirate ship will be located.

"We think the splash pad and leisure pool will be a lot of fun for the kids," said Miller, "And people will still be able to spend time outside tanning or doing whatever they like."

The Rec Center also includes party and meeting rooms (some with kitchens), a snack bar, an indoor soccer floor and a lobby large enough to host high school dances and all-night parties.

The facility's third level houses a running/walking track, which includes a 360- degree view of the city. Residents 60 and older may use the track free of charge.

"We care about our seniors and hope this will keep them moving," Miller said. "And the view is great."

For those looking for a serious workout, the facility will also be stocked with all new exercise equipment, including 15 elliptical machines, 10 treadmills, many weight-lifting machines and more.

"Overall, the facility should please everyone's interests and needs in one way or another," Miller said. "We believe that people will be very pleased and happy about what we've done."

While the Rec Center is officially opening Monday, March 5, a grand opening celebration won't take place until April.

"On April 7, we will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony," Miller said. "Then, from April 9-14 we will have week-long activities spotlighting the different aspects of the facility."

The three-level facility was constructed with an $18.4 million bond approved by voters and received an additional $2 million from Davis County.

It's been a long, bumpy road for the Rec Center. In August of 2004, plans were made to demolish and rebuild the beloved Bubble. In 2005, a ground-breaking ceremony was held and construction for the new Rec Center began. On Aug. 12, 2006, the facility's doors officially closed to the public, leaving the community without a place to play.

The original opening was intended for late 2006, but construction was delayed, forcing the opening to be postponed over and over again.

For more information, about the Rec Center, or to purchase a pass, you may visit www.southdavisrecreationcenter.com or call 298-6220.