The Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center on Ann Arbor's east side will throw open its doors Sept. 10–13 for a free, four-day grand re-opening after more than a year of renovations.

The 51,000-square-foot facility at 2960 Washtenaw Ave. has been closed for upgrades since 2025. Improvements include two new saunas, new family changing areas, upgraded weight and cardio equipment chosen based on member feedback, and new locally inspired poolside artwork and lighting. The poolside mural was created by artist Thomas Moberg, according to the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.

All four days are free and open to the public.

The center is also offering 10% off facility passes and class passes during the event, plus the chance to lock in current membership rates before a January rate increase, according to the event listing on the county's website. Current annual passes run $306 for an individual resident and $646 for a resident family, per WCPARC's rate schedule. The new rates have not been announced.

Staff-led walk-throughs of the new equipment are scheduled Thursday and Friday, Sept. 10–11, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12–13, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 2–5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12, features a full Fitness Class Demo Day running 8:05 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lineup includes Step & Strength with Joanne, Yoga with Allison, Movement for Bone Health with Lisa P., Zumba Fitness with Jayne, Judo, Tai Chi with Lisa T., Indoor Cycling with Natalie and more.

Other highlights:

  • Thursday, Sept. 10, 5–6:30 p.m.: Adult Group Swim Lesson Demo (pre-registration required; space is limited)
  • Friday, Sept. 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m.: Aloha-themed Family Splash Night with Kona Ice on site for purchase
  • Saturday, Sept. 12, 9–10 a.m.: Aloha-themed Water Aerobics Dance Party

Raffles and giveaways will run throughout all four days.

The center, operated by WCPARC, originally opened in 1991 and draws roughly 400,000 visits a year, according to a 2020 feasibility study. The renovation marks a major upgrade for the 35-year-old facility.

Residents interested in locking in current rates can sign up during the event at 2960 Washtenaw Ave. The grand re-opening runs Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 13.