5/23/2007

WC Rec Center extends welcome mat
By Don Klein

They show up by the hundreds every day to participate in all kinds of diversionary and sports activities at the relatively new Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. 

The nearly two-year old, 47,000-square-foot center sits upon the 80-acre John Walter Smith Park on the outskirts of town and features a gymnasium with retractable bleachers, a four-lane walking track and courts that can be simultaneously used for two different sports, such as adult indoor soccer, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball and so on.

"People come here every day for whatever reasons interests them," said Summer Dunlevy, recreation program manager. "There's group of men who come here often from Berlin to play ping pong," she said pointing to a group of older men off to one side of the massive gym "they came here once, found out they liked it and now come back all the time."
That is a good description of the patrons at the center which structurally stands like a Gulliver in an area full of Lilliputians residences. Any resident of the county, even some from nearby counties, is welcome.

The track floor provides a shock-absorbing cushion that is ideal for walkers and joggers, especially those who suffer from arthritis and/or physical injuries. Circling the track 9.637 times equals a mile. The surface is so smooth that one exerciser was seen walking while reading a book. It is especially welcomed by experienced runners and track participants.
Athletic fields for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse and other outdoor activities are sprawled around the edges of the outside of the building. Courses, both indoor and outdoor, are offered from ping pong to boating to weight loss programs.

The center is the starting point for numerous out-of-town bus trips. They offer Baltimore Orioles games against the New York Yankees on July 28 and the Boston Red Sox on August 11, both on Saturday for locals. The buses make additional pickups at Berlin and Salisbury on the way.

There is a bus trip to see "Mary Poppins" in New York on August 15 and another to see the King Tut Exhibit at the Franklin Institute of Science in Philadelphia on September 20.
The center, located at 6030 Public Landing Road, also runs summer camps, after school programs, boating safety, senior softball, after school bowling and bowling camp, and after school golf and golf camps. There are programs for the young and the old.

As summer approaches there are numerous camps available. Soccer and baseball camps are held at the adjacent John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill. Volleyball and basketball camp is held at the center itself. Golf camps are held at the Ocean City Golf & Yacht Club and at the Nassawango County Club in Snow Hill, Cheerleading camp is at the center and swimming lessons  are scheduled in three sessions through the summer.

For children three through five who are just beginning to participate in youth sports, there is Start Smart, a national program designed for children and their parents. At present the Recreation Department is offering an introduction to the basics of playing basketball, baseball and soccer for this age group.

For the older set the center offers lunchtime fitness programs three times a week in conjunction with the Worcester County Health Department. This program offers step, strength and flexibility exercises between 12.30 and 1 p.m.

There is also a 12-week nutrition and physical activity program on how to lose weight and keep it off.  The program is conducted by a registered dietician and a certified exercise specialist. This, too, is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting at 4.45 p.m and ending at 5.50 p.m.

"In time we will be adding new programs," said Ms. Dunlevy.

Upcoming trips through the Worcester County Recreation Center
New York City on your own - July 14
Orioles vs Yankees - July 28
Orioles vs Red Sox - August 11
Broadway show "Mary Poppins” - August 15
King Tut Exhibit in Philadelphia - September 20
For further information call 410-632-2144.

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