MEMBERS of the Country Club of Jackson (CCJ) now have a new facility where they can burn off that extra piece of pecan pie or second helping of turkey and dressing.

Last week, club officials held a ribbon cutting for the new fitness center and spa. The 16,500-square-foot workout facility is the final piece of the club’s multimillion-dollar master plan designed to remodel its campus and improve its offerings for members.

“We finished a year ahead of schedule,” said Larry Marquez, clubhouse manager. The center features a Pilates reformer studio, spin studio, and aerobics room that overlooks the club’s scenic golf course.

He credits the early completion of the project to the architect and contractors working on the project.

According to a news release, the facility was designed by Richard McNeel of JBHM Architects, and was built by Harris Construction.

Fitness center offerings include a full line of cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers and recumbent bikes. It also has amenities that many look forward to after a hard workout: steam rooms, saunas, a whirlpool tub, and smoothie bar.

Busy mothers and fathers who want to get in a good workout will also be able to; the club provides nursery care for children six years and younger.

Looking to provide more things for its younger members and to expand its membership base, club officials began the renovation project in 2008.

The $14.5 million plan included building a new golf pro shop with storage for golf carts and bikes at the southern end of the campus; expanding the lower kitchen in the clubhouse; and adding a coed lounge where the old pro shop was located.

Additionally, CCJ officials brought on crews to remodel the tennis courts, and add hard surface courts to meet the needs of the junior tennis program.

“With the new pro shop, we also re-did 18 holes to create a championship golf course,”Marquez said. The holes are now longer and present a tougher challenge for those looking for one.

For golfers who might be a little rusty, CCJ doubled the size of its putting green. In all, the club on St. Andrew’s Drive has 27 holes, Marquez stated.

“We needed to remodel,” he said. “We took a survey of our membership and asked them what they wanted to see. A committee was formed and they came up with a master plan.”

CCJ GENERAL Manager Pat Joyce said many of the members were looking for more family-oriented activities, such as the junior golf and tennis programs. This year, the club in North Jackson brought in a number of younger members, many who were in their 40s, who wanted activities in which to involve their children.

The private club has approximately 1,120 members. “With our increase in facilities, we have room to grow,”Joyce said.