Rec Center Misc. Questions
What is your refund policy?
- Memberships – please see the Annual Membership Contract
- Programs – please see the Program Registration Form
How big is the facility?
67,000 square foot.
How much did it cost to build?
Approx. 12 million dollars.
Who owns and operates the Groveport Recreation Center?
The City of Groveport owns and operates the Groveport Recreation Center.
Who was the architect on the project?
Brandstetter Carroll Inc. • 2360 Chauvin Drive • Lexington, KY 40517 • 859-268-1933
Who was the project manager?
Messer Construction Co. • 3600 Fisher Road • Columbus, OH 4328-1012 • 614-275-0141
How long did it take to build?
Approx. 13 months.
When did the building open for public use?
January 10, 2004.
How long is the outdoor leisure path?
The outside loop is just over 1 mile in length. Walkers, joggers, bikers and roller bladders are all welcome. A complete listing of all of the Park Rules & Regulations are available inside the message centers throughout the park.
Is fishing permitted in the ponds?
Yes. Please see our Park Rules & Regulations for additional information.
I’m over 55 years of age. Can I get a Senior Center Parking Sticker as a GRC member and not join the Senior Center?
No.
What can you tell me about the statues of John S. Rarey and Cruiser at the front of the building?
John S. Rarey (1827-66) of Groveport gained international fame in the mid 19th century for his humane methods of horse training, which involved talking to the horse and using a gentle, but firm, touch.
Rarey’s horsemanship attracted people worldwide who brought their unruly horses to him for training. Throughout his life he refined his humane “Rarey Method” of training horses and gained national and international recognition.
His greatest success was training Cruiser (1852-75), the vicious English stallion owned by the Earl of Dorchester. Cruiser was noted for his speed, but his foul temper made it impossible to race him. Cruiser would go into fits of rage, kicking and screaming in his stall, if anyone came near.
While in England in 1857, Rarey accepted a challenge to apply his training methods to Cruiser. Rarey calmly walked alone into Cruiser’s stall and, to the surprise of onlookers, emerged three hours later riding Cruiser.
Rarey soon took possession of Cruiser and the pair traveled the world gaining fame and fortune as Rarey demonstrated his techniques.
In 1862, Rarey built a mansion at 751 Main Street in Groveport along with a stable and paddock for Cruiser.
The story of Rarey and Cruiser is a source of inspiration to the residents of Groveport and Madison Township. Groveport Madison schools adopted Cruiser as a mascot in the early 20th century (along with the school colors of red and black to reflect Cruiser’s fiery spirit and dark coat) because of Rarey’s and Cruiser’s example that combining intelligence, kindness, power, and discipline brings success.
Author: Rick Palsgrove, Editor of Messenger Newspaper and Groveport Resident
Artist: Alan Cottril