If you stuffed yourself during the Thanksgiving holiday and felt you needed to pick up your routine exercise plan at Russellville's Carpenter Center you may have been surprised to find your car was the only one in the parking lot.

The center, which is usually open Monday through Saturday, has been closed since Thanksgiving. According to Russellville's Parks Director Cathy Maroney, the center underwent a much needed updating to the locker room areas.

With extended daily use, these areas receive quite a bit or wear and tear,” said Maroney who decided to clean and paint the floors. The locker rooms house the restrooms, showers and lockers for patrons of the center.

“With increased participation at the center, it had become necessary to update the floors in both locker rooms,” said Maroney. "Initially, the floors were painted over the holiday break to alleviate a major loss of time being closed to the public; however, issues arose with the project and now both floors will have to be completely redone.”

Maroney said it was the city's intentions to have the facility open and ready for use by Saturday, Dec. 6. All current active pass holders will be credited the time lost.

“The employees of the Center appreciate the patience of the patrons during this time as we strive to continue to provide a safe and clean facility for their use,” said Maroney.