The upcoming classes at the H.F.V. Wilson Community Center literally run the gamut from A to Z (aerobics to zumba).
The fall lineup includes several classes that are being offered for the first time, including a variety of art, dance and music sessions. Those offerings represent a new programmatic approach at the center.
“The University of Arkansas needs assessment told us the community center was being under-utilized during certain times of day,” Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Boatright said. “We’re following the study recommendations and input from our public meetings.”
The center’s program director, BréAnda Booker, said the new classes complement the popular recreation programs already in place.
“We want to reach out to the whole community,” Booker said. “We want to have something for everyone to do.”
Boatright said there was a need to increase the amount of non-sports programming.
“People said these were the types of programs they would like to see,” he said.
The H.F.V. Wilson Community Center receives funding from both the city and the United Way. Boatright said the new programs will benefit from a partnership with DaCapo Music, the Goddard Center and the Communities in Schools program.
Approximately 11,000 copies of the center’s new program brochure, Ardmore Fun Connection, were recently circulated throughout the city. Booker said she was pleased by the public’s response so far.
“The phones have been ringing and ringing,” she said. “It’s been amazing.”
Although she is still looking for a gymnastics instructor and an art teacher, Booker said she has lined up a talented group of volunteer teachers.
“I’ve been amazed by how many volunteers we had,” she said. “I feel like they all fell in our laps. It’s been perfect timing.”
Boatright said all of the classes are priced so they are affordable to a wide cross-section of the community.
“Most of the programs are at little or no cost,” he said.
Classes are scheduled to begin next week, and anyone who would like to be a volunteer instructor or would like to register for a class should call the community center at (580) 223-0136.
The new class offerings include:
Toddler Time for stay-at-home mothers
Praise dance
Ballet
Jazz dance
Kiddie art
Watercolors
Pastels
Drawing
Beginning keyboard and guitar
Gymnastics
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
steve.biehn@ardmoreite.com
