LAKE CRYSTAL REC CENTER
Supporting A
lot of people still think of the Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center as being a new facility in town, but actually this is the 15th year the center has been open and offering numerous fitness, recreation and social activities for people of all ages. Since 2000 seniors have been a large population of folks who have come to the rec center for all kinds of events and activities – swimming and aquatics classes in the 150,000-gallon pool, cardio and strength training in the gym, basketball on the two full-size courts, a brisk walk on the coated walking track, and community gatherings in the meeting and conference rooms, among other things. “It’s more than a rec center; it’s a community center,” said Ryan Yunkers, executive director. Yunkers and the other staff know that seniors are a big part of the loyal community that uses and supports the center, which is why the facility has offered numerous programs for seniors throughout the years. Examples include senior fitness classes and pickleball lessons and activities, which are incredibly popular. “We have always offered things for seniors. But in 2014 we really took a more concerted effort to have a full gamut of offerings for seniors, and to be really intentional about what we offered,” Yunkers said. Out of this effort came the Senior Series, offered at least monthly at the center. The idea was to offer a mix of educational and social opportunities, and the program has been going in earnest since last April.
14 SPRING 2015 Mature Lifestyle
Seniors At least once a month the facility offers an event that includes a specific recreational and physical activity; an educational speaker; a social activity; and a healthy meal. The events have typically been held on Wednesdays, but there is not a specific date identified for each month. The last event included a session of pickleball for beginners, a free-will donation lunch catered by Lakes Sports Bar and Grill, and an educational session on wills and trusts led by Stacey Edwards Jones of Jones and Magnus law firm. Yunkers said attendance at the events has been good, with as many as 56 people
taking part from not just Lake Crystal, but as far as Madelia, Mapleton, and Mankato. They hope more seniors learn about the program and take advantage of the different offerings each month, which have been supported by $13,500 in donations from area businesses and foundations so far. The center is always looking for additional sponsors for future events. Anyone interested in more information about the Senior Series or other rec center opportunities should call 507-726-6730 or visit the facility at 621 W. Nathan St., Lake Crystal.