Caldwell Rec Center offering new activities

by joni taylor

The Caldwell Parish Recreation Center has been the hub of activity for the parish over the last couple of months.  It really started last year with the new recreation board members who are dedicated to creating a center that everyone in the parish can enjoy.  They cleaned and tossed out years of clutter.  New exercise equipment was purchased for the men’s and women’s workout rooms.  More recently the inside of the center was painted giving an old venue a clean, fresh look that is more modern and appealing. 

The Recreation Board and new director, Crystal Grafton, have been working tirelessly to bring new activities to the center that appeal to everyone.  They now offer Powerhouse Gymnastics, Bob Allen Karate, Boxing, Yoga, Zumba for Beginners and Dance Fit Zumba.  The Garden Center is now host to a new Garden Club that is focusing on Landscape Design, Community Gardens and Beautification. Ms. Grafton said that the current programs would be expanded for the summer months.  She said they are working on bringing in more activities for everyone.  

David Crain, President of the Recreation Board, said “The Recreation Board is very pleased with the progress thus far and are looking forward to summer programs that we are currently trying to implement. It is great to see so many people utilizing the facilities and activities at the Recreation Center as well as the Community Center and Garden Center. “ 

The facilities are still available for rentals for parties, reunions and other events.  The Caldwell Parish High School had their prom Saturday night in the center.  The decorations were beautiful.  There was a recent event called “Dyeing for Easter” where for $5.00 the kids got to dye a dozen eggs and take them home.  This event was a huge success.  Those that donated their time to paint the center were feted with a crawfish boil.  A retirement party “fish fry” was given in honor of retirees Robert Knight and Alynne Comptom for their many years of service to the center.

Clearly, for a nominal $2.00 a month membership fee, this is the best deal in the parish for entertainment and activities.  In the last couple of months membership has grown from approximately 50 to 250 members and is still growing. The Recreation Board has plans for new tennis courts, additional ball fields, a walking trail and a water park.  Long range plans include a swimming pool.  The community seems to be motivated by all the positive changes that have been made with the Recreation Center.  However, at the last election the millage for the Recreation Board did not pass.  The community still has a chance to keep the Recreation Center going if the millage, which is the same as it has been for over 15 years, is voted in during the next election.  Without this the community center will not have the funds to keep operating. 

For more news from Caldwell Parish, go to www.caldwellwatchman.com.