Now, three weeks into the position, Mr McGeown (48) said it was his dream job because it involved contact with a lot of people and it was a community venue that involved all sectors of society.
"Isn't the ultimate having a job that is also your interest?" he said.
He believed the centre was probably the town's "worst-kept secret" and his primary focus was to raise its profile and show the community what was available.
"I really want the community to know this is their community centre. I really want this place to hum," he said.
He was looking forward to the revival of North Otago Penguins basketball with the team's first game for the season - a home game - at the centre on June 8.
Mr McGeown has had a variety of jobs over the years - he has served in the army, worked at the freezing works, managed the boarding hostels at both Waitaki Boys High School and St Kevins College and sold real estate.
In November, he will graduate with a bachelor of arts degree - majoring in history - from Massey University, having studied extramurally for the past four years.
He has been involved with the recreation centre since it opened in 1987 when he was a part-time weights instructor and, before that, was an aerobics and weights instructor at the fitness centre at the Northside Seven.
Mr McGeown retired from rugby at the end of last yearbut was still a keen pig-hunter and he was considering getting into power-lifting and competing at the Masters Games.
