Discover Greensboro Guide Summer 2020

SMITH AND TROTTER ACTIVE ADULT CENTERS Parks & Recreation expands opportunities for adults 50 plus.

Goodbye “seniors,” hello “active adults.” Greensboro has traded in the “senior” label for something that’s a more accurate description of what it offers older generations. Last year Parks and Recreation renamed its senior center the “Smith Active Adult Center” and dropped the age range for people who can participate in activities there from 55 to 50. This spring, the department opens the revamped Trotter Recreation Center with a new focus on activities for older adults to meet the ever-growing needs of seniors in the city. “This is an active, energetic welcoming place for all ages and abilities,” said Greensboro Parks and Recreation’s Jennie Matkins, who oversees programming for older adults. “It’s not a place of just old people sitting around. It’s a very active building. It is a very active environment.” The centers offer free fitness classes and a low-cost fitness center. Smith has aquatics classes in its indoor pool. Fannie Thompson, 73, a Greensboro resident and a member of the Smith Center advisory board, takes the arthritis aqua program to “stay fit and active, making sure my limbs are able to move.” But there are also more intense activities. “We have classes from chair balance all the way up to Zumba and boot camp and cardio sculpt and yoga

on the mat for those younger, able-bodied folks who want a good workout,” Matkins said. Ellen Drehmann, 66, a Greensboro resident, visits the fitness room, joins in some of the craft activities, and visits to play cards with friends. “A lot of times there is a misconception that we are kind of a rehab (facility). We are not. We are active, vital seniors that are looking for place to be active and creative,” Drehmann said. The centers also host a range of social activities – including craft clubs, dances, hiking outings, and day trips – plus regular speakers on topics like retirement and Medicare. Trotter has a small computer lab with six public computers, available for workshops or personal use. Trotter’s proximity to Hester Park, with its fishing pond, archery range, and walking track, also have the department considering new program opportunities.

Smith Active Adult Center 2401 Fairview St. Trotter Active Adult Center 3906 Betula St. Hours of Operation: Mondays to Thursdays, 8 am to 8 pm Fridays, 9 am to 8 pm Saturdays: 9 am to 1 pm Sundays, Closed More info: www.greensboro-nc.gov/ActiveAdults

Plan your Visit

Admission is free

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