DEADWOOD - The Deadwood Rec Center will have a new home for the next year, sharing space with the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce at the city-owned Pavilion.

The Rec Center is in the early throes of a year-long expansion and remodeling project and director John Tridle said the move was done in a relative hurry to stay ahead of the construction crews.

"It was last-minute because the project was still not finalized," Tridle said. "We started moving out before it was approved, though."

There will be obvious challenges in sharing the space. The main entrance door is located at the far right, and users are urged to use that door instead of the Chamber's main door.

Tridle's office is located in a broom closet off the Pavilion stage. His phone will be switched over this week, with the number 578-3729. The stage is being used for exercise and cardio equipment. Weights and weight machines are on the Pavilion floor and a storage room below the stage. Tridle's computer system is off line until a new link can be established with Deadwood City Hall.

The Deadwood-Lead 76ers swim team will be practicing at the YMCA pool in Lead, since the Rec Center pool is being closed. The Deadwood summer rec program, for elementary age students, is being run out of the lockerrooms at Ferguson Field. Outdoor activities will be held there, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, students may use the Pavilion for indoor activities.

"It's been working out pretty good, even with all the rain," Tridle said.

There will be times the Rec Center at the Pavilion will be closed to users so the Chamber can hold its scheduled activities throughout the next year. For instance, the Pavilion will be closed to Rec Center users during the four-day Wild Bill Days gun show and auction.

There are other activities during the year, including nearly the entire month of October, when other events will trump the Rec Center's availability.

The facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Winter hours have not yet been set.

The project to expand the Deadwood Rec Center, build a new pool and elevated walking path is underway and is scheduled for completion July 1, 2010.