St Joseph City Council Tuesday have formally named the new, CIP-tax funded recreation center near Phil Welch Stadium to replace the old Muchenberger Center.

Council voted 6-3 for “St. Joseph Recreation, Exercise and Community Center.”

That’s “REC Center for short.”

The 33,000-square-foot facility will include three basketball courts, an elevated running track, community rooms, a 3,000-square-foot exercise room and other areas.

Funds from the city’s half-cent Capital Improvements Program sales tax will cover the center’s $4.5 million price tag.

Board members Pat Jones and Barbara Bass joined Mayor Bill Falkner voting against the ordinance naming the facility. All three mentioned phone contacts from folks in their district who hoped the council would continue to honor the Muchenberger name.