Happy 2017 from the Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC). Winter is a great time to renew your passion for getting fit or learning something new. We have classes and programs for all ages at the WPCRC. As the center welcomes the new year, I want to share some accomplishments from 2016 and some upcoming activities for 2017.

First, I want to thank all the families that have been coming out to the Warner Family Fun Nights. These family focused events are in their third year and have been a great success. In fact, WPCRC received a 2016 Silver Star Award for family programming from the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association, which recognizes outstanding recreation programs throughout the state. The support of the community is what makes Family Fun Nights great, so we hope you continue to come and have fun.

The next Warner Family Fun Nights will be Feb. 10 and March 10. We will have pottery and art projects, family fitness classes like POUND and WERQ, bouncy houses, and more fun to beat the winter blues. On March 10 the theme is “Beach Party.” We will show a beach-themed movie with popcorn, host a beach-themed dance, and have lots of fun dreaming of sunshine.

Second, WPCRC has some exciting new ideas for 2017. After putting some statistics together for a Madison Parks project, we realized we had over 209,000 visitors last year. We served a lot of people! In 2017 Madison Parks and WPCRC are scheduled to do some extensive planning to determine the future needs of the center and the possibilities for expanding the facility. We also plan to develop some new programs as we try to tie WPCRC into the efforts of Madison Parks in connecting children to nature. Look for updates on programs and community outreach by signing up for our email blasts or following us on Facebook.

Third, I hope you will start the year right by becoming a fitness center member and regular visitor. We have state-of-the-art machines and equipment, flexible and affordable memberships and plans, as well as opportunities for youth to use the area. Fitness center rates went up slightly for 2017, but the cost per visit is still one of the least expensive options in Madison.

Don’t forget to visit us at the WPCRC. Let us know if you think of something we could be doing to better serve the Northside. See you at WPCRC, where everyone is welcome.