Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a cadre of city elected officials cut the ribbon this week on the Al Oerter Recreation Center in Flushing, a $50 million state-of-the-art facility named after the legendary Queens Olympian.

The multimillion-dollar recreation center, funded by the city, is located near the Queens Botanical Gardens in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The center is now open for business, the mayor, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall announced at the unveiling ceremony.

"The Al Oerter Recreation Center is a beautiful facility that is aptly named after one of Queen's own," said Bloomberg. "It’s got everything an aspiring young Olympian would need to start pursuing his or her dreams."

Bloomberg said the center would increase access to recreation for Queens residents. "It's a very welcome addition to the Flushing and Corona community, and it's part of our effort to make recreational opportunities more widely available in all five boroughs," he said.

The center is indeed fully stocked for the athletes of tomorrow. It features a gymnasium, indoor racquetball court, weight rooms, space for aerobics, an indoor track, and even a computer resource center.

The center's namesake, Al Oerter (1936- 2007) was born in Astoria and went on to become the most dominant discus thrower in the world. Oerter won gold medals in the discus throw at four consecutive Olympic Games between 1956 and 1968. He is one of only three Olympic athletes in history to win a gold medal for the same event in four consecutive Olympics.

"It's an honor for our family to have the Al Oerter Recreation Center to open in his name," said Cathy Oerter, the Olympian's wife. "I hope all those that walk through those doors will know the power of fair play, hard work, and being at your best."

The center is now open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Annual membership costs $50 for adults, $10 for seniors, and is free for children under the age of 18.