South Lake Tahoe has a new Recreation & Aquatics Center.

The grand opening on Saturday began with remarks from Mayor Cody Bass and other leaders associated with the project, followed by a song and dance routine by local youth groups.

The city said the 64,000-square-foot center is the culmination of 11 years of work and almost $83 million spent. Funding mainly came from revenue bonds and Measure P funds. Voters passed Measure P in 2016 to increase the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax, or TOT, by 2%. The TOT is charged to visitors at hotels or other lodging facilities within the city.

The new center includes a swimming pool and lazy river, batting cages, an event center, and more.

“We … have two full court gyms. We have multiple breakout rooms, weight rooms,” said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass. “We have a full commercial kitchen so that we can do senior nutrition for our seniors as well as other events throughout the community."

Ricky Riddle is the city's Construction Manager. He said he's proud to be part of a project for his community -- and his family.

“As a father of two myself, I'm mostly excited to see everyone here today and the years to come, and, you know, teaching both of these two how to swim,” Riddle said. “It almost brings a tear to my eye how excited I am to be able to build something that my whole family can use, all of my relatives, and the whole community."

People in South Lake Tahoe are excited to have the brand-new facility. One community member said it's definitely an improvement over the last one.

"When I went to play pickleball there, I couldn't believe that the tiles are coming up,” said Janet Coniglio, who’s lived in SLT since 1959. “So yeah, this is really great. In the wintertime, we don't have a whole lot to do. Except ski."

The city said you will need a membership to access the building. You can purchase a day pass or an annual membership and view operating hours on the city’s website.

As for the old recreation center, the City Council will discuss its future at a later meeting.

Alin Beane spoke to locals to get their reactions.