Spring is a time for change, and the recreation department has been hard at work making sure Villagers have plenty of new options for keeping healthy and staying fit.
Simon Bradbury, director of recreation, and his team have taken the initiative to offer a variety of classes and facility updates, as well as creating a new trail at the Wellness Center.
In January, Simon brought the “Commit 2 B Fit” program to Tellico Village, and more than 100 Villagers participated. This three-week challenge offered property owners support, access to personal trainers and food and fitness education.
The Raccoon Ridge Trail made its debut in early March. It is a three-quarter mile trail that descends into the woods past the community gardens. It was built at no cost and is currently maintained by volunteers.
In the near future, the recreation department plans on adding trail building classes for Villagers. In addition to the new trail, the Wellness Center is experimenting with some new classes and has tried out paddleboard yoga and new dance lessons.
Our hard-working employees within the recreation department are doing a fantastic job offering new fitness options and caring for multiple facilities throughout Tellico Village.
Safety is a top priority when it comes to maintaining workout equipment and workout facilities. In February, Simon held a meeting with concerned Villagers to address pool temperatures. In listening to property owner feedback, the pool temperatures were adjusted to safer standards and thermometers were introduced to each pool that are easy to read.
Because the water temperature is at a safer level, a new warm water therapy class, “Joints in Motion,” is being offered. This class is specifically designed to decrease joint pain and stiffness.
Education is crucial when it comes to maintaining a safe workout environment. The recreation department staff was recently trained on pool lift operation.
Larissa Lownsdale, activities coordinator, and Jessica Antrim, assistant manager, went through training to become certified pool operators. They will also be attending a management training workshop later this summer.
Simon also attended two trail building workshops, including the Cumberland Trail Conference. Two other staff members will also begin additional training for group fitness and aquatic fitness in the near future.
It’s clear to see that by continuing their education and training, our staff wants to provide the best, as well as the safest, fitness environment for residents.
As the needs of our residents evolve, so does our recreation department. Simon is currently looking into creating a paddleboard and kayak rental service. This would allow Villagers to rent paddleboards and kayaks at their own convenience. It would also allow residents to explore the natural beauty of Tellico Lake and the surrounding area.
In addition to new classes, the recreation department recently repainted the Kahite Activity Center and the Wellness Center. Extended hours of operation will soon be offered at the Kahite Activity Center.
Our recreation department is one that is innovative and creative. We are proud of what they accomplished thus far in 2017 and look forward to what’s to come.
If you are not currently a member of the recreation facilities, I encourage you to come check out the facilities and participate in the next Rec 101 at 12:30 p.m. March 30 at the Wellness Center.
