On Monday afternoons, preschoolers run the place. Weeknights, jump ropers stomp the floor, and on weekends, basketball tournaments cover the courts.

This is the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex(MAC), an indoor multi-sport center off Meadowbrook Lane in Ellicott City. The complex marks its one-year anniversary on December 5, and athletes across the county say they are happy to call the MAC home.

"We were eagerly awaiting the building and completion of the facility," said Dave Riddle, a Clarksville resident who plays volleyball twice a week at the complex with a 55 plus coed team. "We love it."

The $3.67 million building features 35,000 square feet of unobstructed gymnasium space that can accommodate four basketball or six volleyball courts. Electronic drop down nets let different games go on at the same time. The complex also has a concession area, meeting room and office space. Since opening, the complex has housed more than 75 programs, including preschool sports, summer camps, tennis, soccer and volleyball, basketball and jump rope tournaments.

"This facility has expanded what we offered before and allowed us to establish new partnerships and bring in new tournaments," said Matthew Knoerlein, MAC manager. "We're serving the community as a whole, but we're also just trying to bring individuals in and let them know the benefits."

Before the MAC, many of the indoor county recreation and parks programs took place inside Howard County schools. Groups like the Kangaroo Kids, a precision jump rope team, practiced in school gymnasiums or cafeterias. But given the program's growth and the limited availability of school gym space, Meadowbrook had just what the team needed, said Cindy Bork, administrative coordinator for Kangaroos Kids.

"It's nice to be in a consistent home with an athletic surface," Bork said. "We're very happy to be there."

Kangaroo Kids practices at the complex at least five days a week. The team held two tournaments at the MAC in 2010 and plans to hold more in 2011.

As the complex enters its second year, Knoerlein said he would like to see the complex hosting more large-scale tournaments. It is also available for event rentals.

"We want to maximize use of the courts," Knoerlein said.

But for now, Knoerlein said he needs to focus on the first full winter season.

"We're about to get very busy," he said.