‘It’s been great meeting new members and we’re excited to witness their progress’

ROCHELLE  — In recent weeks, the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District and The REC Center have seen an increase in members amid the new year and resolutions by members of the community, Superintendent of Recreation Andrew Murray said. 

“We see our peak membership for the REC Center hit around 2,400 members during the new year,” Murray said. “Our membership in previous years has had the same trend. It’s been great meeting new members and we’re excited to witness their progress over the next few months.”

Murray said the park district was excited to increase its group fitness class offerings from December and made them all free for qualifying members in January. 

“We felt it was important that our members get to try a fun fitness option while they strive to improve their health,” Murray said. “These group fitness classes are great ways to connect and almost create a ‘buddy system’ for those trying to accomplish their goals. In addition, our great staff continue to work hard each day ensuring the facility maintains our cleanliness standards during this higher-usage time.”

Murray said that group fitness plays a large part in the park district’s efforts to encourage new users to continue their membership. Those programs provide opportunities for socializing, creating accountability networks, building connections with staff and members having more fun while working out, he said.

The park district offers various youth and adult programs that can be found on its site to help those with new year’s resolutions to continue working on their goals.

“Our group fitness instructors and personal trainers are constantly glowing with reports of progress being made each week by various district residents,” Murray said. “We have one member who started his journey at the REC last January, and has lost over 100 pounds to date. He is just one amazing example of the success stories that are happening here each day.”

Murray said it’s “always exciting” to see the community enjoy the REC and the start to 2023 has been no different for him.

“Whether that’s new faces using our fitness center, kids starting swim lessons for the first time, larger participation in our group fitness classes, or those using our fieldhouse walking track during these winter months,” Murray said. “Our travel basketball league also started this month, which brought a crowd of over 400 people on the first gameday. It’s easy to feel a sense of pride when outside communities continue to be amazed by what the REC Center offers.”