How local recreation centers are working beyond their walls
By Tim Mertz
Local fitness, recreation, and aquatic centers have long been pillars of their communities, and for good reason. Within those walls, they serve a vital function—to help people lead richer, fuller lives by promoting a healthier lifestyle.
They do this by offering fitness and aquatic classes; access to recreation facilities; health, wellness, and nutrition coaching; plus a variety of other programming options designed to help community members lead their best lives.
Community recreation centers matter now more than ever. With a nearly 40-percent obesity rate and only 23 percent of Americans getting enough exercise, health and well-being are important focus areas for many people (1).
These centers also engender a sense of belonging to a community that residents are clearly seeking. Almost half of Americans feel lonely, with research suggesting that loneliness may rival obesity as a threat to people’s health (2). And recreation centers can serve as an often-overlooked means of helping halt this alarming trend.