Winter is a perfect time to try something new.   Adults over 50 can find a wealth of activities at the Naperville Park District for fitness, friendship, fun and learning.  Many of the activities take place at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center (RCC), but that’s only the beginning of what’s available through the Park District for adults of all ages, including those over 50.

1. Stay active by participating in any Park District fitness class that suits your interest and ability level. If you are a Naperville resident 60 and above, you qualify for a 20% discount on any program in the Naperville Park District Program Guide that is not listed in the Active Adults and Seniors section (this discount is not applicable to day trips and externally ticketed events).  Some of the popular fitness classes include Tai Chi, Jacki’s Dance, Core Strength and Flexibility, Get on the Ball, and Awesome Abs, Strong Back.  For a different twist on fitness, try an adult dance class. Ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop classes are offered for adult beginners, with some classes also for intermediate levels. You can register for line dancing classes with or without a partner.

2.  Connect with others during weekdays at the RCC in downtown Naperville. Drop-in hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to join in a game or activity, or watch a movie. Popular activities include table tennis, bean bag toss, pool, Wii sports, bridge, pinochle, canasta, Mah Jong, and Bunco.  Individuals who enjoy being creative can participate in drop-in woodcarving or painting classes.  Book lovers can enter into the book club discussions or peruse the book exchange.  All of these activities are free of charge. One of the most popular events is the monthly Bingo game, with prizes and dessert provided for a low fee of $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. Volunteering at the RCC also is a great way to connect with others and assist the Park District at the same time.

3.  Get active and connected by joining an adult sports team or trying a new sport.  Men’s basketball, adult racquetball, indoor soccer, and volleyball are in session now. Registration for the 50 and over softball league opens in March with games beginning in May and continuing through September.  The softball league is casual, fun, and open to new players. Ages range from 50 to nearly 90. Teams play at Gartner Park on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. It’s never too late to take up a new sport, especially golf or tennis. Indoor tennis for beginners is offered in January and February, and outdoor tennis begins in April. For those who love golf or would like to learn the game, look for senior discounts, golf beginner lessons,  and special senior tournaments and events at Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses.

4. Get informed about finances, tax preparation, health insurance, and legal issues by taking advantage of free one-to-one assistance from trained volunteers. Sharpen your computer skills through free computer training classes taught by Neuqua Valley High School Interact Club students. Senior Seminars cover a variety of topics in the areas of health, finance, and self development.  The Art Institute Series brings insightful seminars on the Art Institute’s current collections. The next seminar is scheduled for March 25 at 10:00 a.m. in the RCC.

5. Get informed and connect with others as you get away for a day.  Learn more about upcoming outings to the theatre, sports events, trade shows, and other cultural events in the Chicago area. Most trips leave from the Warming House near Centennial Beach. Relax in the company of friends, and leave the driving to us. Upcoming trips include a trip to see the smash hit, Million Dollar Quartet, at the Apollo Theatre on Feb. 23 and a visit to the Chicago Flower and Garden Show on March 7.

We hope that area active adults and seniors will take advantage of these activities. For questions or to share your ideas for new programs, contact the Naperville Park District at 630-848-5000 or e-mail us at info@napervilleparks.org.

Bingo in Community Hall at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, March 2010