Laramie Parks and Recreation is excited to share recent changes at the Laramie Community Recreation Center. Additions include a multi-generational climbing and activity area called the “Rec Zone” as well as new digital signage and online membership registration.
The Rec Center revamp comes on the heels of the remodel of the Grand Hall in 2021. The renovation remodeled the entrance to streamline check-in and create touchless turnstiles and also replaced cubicles in the administrative area with individual offices. This took space from the childcare room and indoor playground which had been underutilized in the current area. The “Rec Zone” replaces the indoor playground with equipment suitable for children, teens and adults.
“We wanted this area to be something that people of all ages and abilities can access and enjoy. Parents with children, older kids, younger kids, it’s open for everyone. The area focuses on physical movement to keep people active and healthy, that’s our goal,” says Recreation Manager, Jodi Guerin.
The activity area now features unique and fun ways to move your body including climbing walls and Kinetix action towers from El Dorado Walls, and a new interactive game called MOVMNT, by Burke that the Recreation Center is excited to introduce. This piece was discovered after a Rec Center staff member attended the National Recreation and Parks Association Conference to learn about engaging, competitive games they could offer Laramie. The MOVMNT piece has been a great addition that anyone can play to enhance their mobility, enjoy a challenge and have fun. Users can play solo or with friends and even adjust difficulty levels. MOVMNT fulfills the interactive full-body movement activity that the Rec Center was looking for ensuring the entire area is kid-friendly and engaging for all ages.
“This new activity area has been very well-received by the community. Kids have been enjoying it quite a bit. It’s also great for people to who want to watch their kid’s basketball while also letting their other kid(s) play and be engaged,” says Jodi.
Further updates to the Rec Center are anticipated to be focused on the leisure pool this summer. Rec Center staff are currently laying the groundwork, ensuring the leisure pool updates can be as smooth as possible with limited closures.
Building on the activity area momentum, the Rec Center is also anticipating an exciting season for youth programs, several of which are currently still open for registration:
- Middle school age recreational soccer is open for registration until April 3rd. This program is a program for children who are a little bit older but don’t want to play in a competitive soccer league.
- The Rec Center is also partnering with the Lander Valley Jackalopes Track and Field to offer a youth track and field program to help young athletes develop their skills. Registration for the Track and Field program closes April 17th.
- Registration will open on April 20th for the Adventure Kids Summer Camps. This includes nine weeks of programming for the summer with each program lasting a week and featuring different activities. Kids can register for any number of weeks. Parents should register early as registration for the Summer Camps fills quick.
- The Rec Center is also gearing up to release summer swim lessons later this spring. Stay tuned for details and follow the Laramie Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates.
To view all activities and programs, plus register, visit parksandrec.cityoflaramie.org/ . To learn more about the Recreation Center and its amenities and programs please visit www.cityoflaramie.org/parksandrec. For questions or to request an interview, please contact Jodi Guerin, Recreation Manager, at jguerin@cityoflaramie.org or (307) 721-5259.