Troy

Recreation programs abound for young and old

By Terry Oparka
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Deb Jacques Douglas Sierem, 9, makes a splash with camp counselor Mike Fairchamp during Aqua Camp held over winter break Feb. 18. The popular camp is offered again at the Troy Community Center during Spring Break, April 1-5. Photo by Deb Jacques Douglas Sierem, 9, makes a splash with camp counselor Mike Fairchamp during Aqua Camp held over winter break Feb. 18. The popular camp is offered again at the Troy Community Center during Spring Break, April 1-5.

Favorite programs go on and a few new ones will be offered as the Troy Community Center continues to break even.

Carol Anderson, temporary recreation director, said that the programs at the community center must be cost-neutral due to budget constraints. As a result, very few new programs could be put in because of the staff time needed to coordinate anything new.

“We lost a lot of staff,” she said.

That said, a number of programs continue to draw strong interest and participation from the community.

These include the senior programs, preschool activities, youth sports camps and Safety Town.

“Safety Town is a phenomenal program,” Anderson said.

Safety Town is an eight-week program starting June 17 for children entering kindergarten and first grade and introduces children to the rules of the road on their bicycles, and how to stay safe on the playground, as well as from fire, electrical hazards, prescription drugs and strangers. The older children also learn about water and gun safety.

Cindy Stewart, community affairs director for Troy, said that the youth sport camps are possible because of the “great” partnerships with Troy School District staff and local businesses.

Stewart said the Senior Expo March 19 is also a big draw and features more than 80 vendors offering information on health, housing, financial services, home care and other issues affecting seniors.

The Community Garage Sale and Flea Market held in the Liberty Center Parking Garage June 1 is popular and is open to all who wish to sell wares at the event, Stewart said. “It goes rain or shine, because it is held in the garage.”

Tables to sell items are available for $20 for residents, admission for shoppers is $2 and children younger than 12 are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Troy Seniors for senior programs at the community center.

The Aqua Camps held on winter and spring breaks for children ages 5-13 and the golf camp held during spring break continue to be popular, Stewart said. New recreational programs include Arts and Crafts Tile Making for children ages 14 and older, Princess Party April 20 for children ages 3-5 and Clay Projects for Seniors.

For a complete list of programs, check the city magazine “Troy Today,” which is also available online on the city website, www.troymi.gov. The Troy Community Center is located at 3179 Livernois. Call (248) 524-3484 for information.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Terry Oparka at toparka@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1054.