Resolve to have more time for fun and good health with some help from the St. Charles Park District.
Start the new year off with an inspiring event at Toast to the New Year on Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Baker Community Center. The all-new event will feature a light brunch while designing a personalized vision board to set the goals for the year.
Katie Miller, assistant superintendent of recreation for the St. Charles Park District, has helped plan the event, based her own personal experiences with a similar program. The comfortable setting is a great opportunity to take a pause to visualize what one wants to achieve in the year.
“It’s about setting aside time to share your dreams for the year,” Miller explained. “I’ve looked back over ones I’ve created in the past and it’s so cool to see what’s come from it. I found the process very valuable, inspiring and motivating.”
Miller said the park district staff will provide all the materials for making a vision board will be provided. She said it’s about setting intentions, whether its specific goals or making positive changes.
Miller said she’s done similar events with friends, and it’s also a great idea for siblings, adult child and parent or couples too. The park district will provide an array of juices and participants can bring their favorite champagne or tonic water to create mimosas. Attendees must be 21 and older to attend. Advance reservations required and tickets can be purchased on the park district website.
Parent’s Night Out invites Swifties to unite
It’s called Parents Night Out but for Swiftie fans it will a blast. Make plans for the park district’s February Parent’s Nights Out, Taylor’s Version, Friday, Feb. 28 at Pottawatomie Community Center. The park district staff is hosting a Swiftie-themed event for ages 5-10, complete with music, karaoke, dancing and friendship bracelets too. There’s an option Pizza Pre-Party from 5:30 to 6 p.m., for an additional cost. It’s the perfect excuse for parents to enjoy dining in downtown St. Charles so reserve event tickets and make a restaurant reservation too. The event is expected to fill quickly.
Explore a new sport
The new year is a great time to shake up workout routines and the St. Charles Park District is excited to launch Drop-In Rowing at Sportsplex. Rowing is a low impact, full-body workout where individuals can build strength, improve posture and boost cardiovascular health.
Rowing is versatile, with the ability to alter intensity, endurance and power movement. The repeated movement can create a meditative feeling while concentrating on the motion. The Drop-In Rowing at the Sportsplex is available 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and is available to those ages 10 and older.
At the Norris Recreation Center, learn how to make the most with indoor row coaching available to members and non-members at the facility. Working with a row coach, learn how to maximize the benefits and create customized exercise plans. Check out the Indoor Rowing Clinic at the Norris Saturday, Jan. 11 for those ages 12 and older. Utilize a small group setting to review proper form and exercise techniques. Advance registration is required for the clinic.
Mark the calendars for Bring-A-Friend Weekend at the Norris Recreation Center, Jan. 18-20. It’s a great time to introduce a friend to the classes, services available the facility. Having a workout buddy to stay accountable is a great way to meet those fitness goals.
Discover yoga and its benefits with the Mind over Mat(ter) workshop, an introductory yoga workshop over the course of multiple weeks at the Norris Recreation Center. The class meets at 7:45 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 16 through Feb. 20.
And yoga is truly an activity for everyone, and to make it more accessible the park staff has developed a new class, Broga, inviting men to give yoga a try in the company of fellow males. The class will be at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 and in addition to providing an overview of the moves, participants can learn how yoga helps to build strength, flexibility while reducing issues with the back, neck, shoulders and joints.
Be sure to check out the Thrive in ’25 campaign at the Norris Recreation Center where staff will be offering rewards, specials and activities throughout the year to encourage members to stick with their fitness plans.