For more than 30 years, the Brunswick Community Recreation & Fitness Center has been providing residents with a place to swim and sweat out their fitness goals in a 55,000-square-foot facility located on Center Road.
With boundless opportunities to exercise and socialize, Parks and Recreation Director Taylor Petkovsek breaks down the most popular programs for children and adults as well as the top reasons to join the rec center’s more than 6,100 dedicated members.
Children's Summer Camp
When it comes to children’s activities, there’s no topping the Children’s Summer Camp Program, Petkovsek notes. Reintroduced in 2021 after the pandemic, the weekly program hosts 120 first through fifth graders per day. Among the highlights are daily dips in the swimming pool, indoor Gaga ball and pizza Fridays. Weekly field trips to nearby attractions such as Scene 75, Fun ‘n’ Stuff, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium have been known to sweeten the deal.
Petkovsek says the program has been so successful that they are seeking ways to accommodate additional kids.
“We’re trying to come up with options to accommodate all of those in the community who need a weekly childcare program,” she says.
Adult Classes
The rec center is looking to identify more activities for people ages 18 to 35, Petkovsek says. However, there’s still plenty for adults to enjoy.
If Zumba or yoga is your idea of a good workout, the dance studio is destined to become your favorite hangout. If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, pick up a paddle or a ball and try your hand at pickleball or basketball in the gymnasium. For those who prefer aquatics, water aerobics and open swim offer a kick of cardio without the pressure on your joints.
When you’re all done chipping away at calories, you can relax in the locker room sauna or relieve stress in the hot tub.
SilverSneakers
Lace up your sneakers and hit the gym, the walking track or any other amenity with your free rec center membership via SilverSneakers. Those 65 and older who qualify through Medicare Advantage plans receive a complimentary membership that includes nearly 15 weekly SilverSneakers classes, including classic workouts, Tai Chi, circuit classes, Zumba and water workouts, to name a few.
“We’re fortunate that we’re in a good community to begin with, but a lot of the staff members who work here really care about this place,” Petkovsek says of the rec center. “And I think that it shows.”
