In a typical year at the Naperville Park District, Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center is bustling with activity on weekdays during daytime hours, hosting a variety of drop-in activities for adults ages 50 and up.
Although COVID-19 has suspended those gatherings, the Park District has been able to move some of its senior programs outdoors for fall and also offers virtual classes and a few indoor programs in larger spaces to allow social distancing.
Several outdoor programs will take place at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, where there is table seating spaced to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Participants also may bring a folding chair if they prefer. Outdoor Bingo is offered on Tuesdays at 10AM, Wednesdays at 11AM, Thursdays at 1:30PM and Fridays at 2PM through October 30. The fee for each 45-minute session is $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents.
Two free presentations also will be hosted at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion: The Civil War: Little Known Facts and Trivia on Tuesday, September 22 at 2PM and Book Talk: The Face in My Window on Thursday, October 1 at 2:15PM. Advance registration is required for both the free and fee-based programs and closes the day before the event.
Kung Fu enthusiasts may register for the Senior Kung Fu Outdoor Practice Class which will be located at the pavilion at DuPage River Park, 808 Royce Road, on Mondays at 9:30AM from September 21 to October 12. Participants must also be registered for the Virtual Senior Kung Fu Instructional class, which meets on Tuesdays.
“We hope that these outdoor classes will give seniors an opportunity to get outdoors in the fresh air and see others in person while the weather is still pleasant,” said Program Manager Lorraine Ouellette. “And if good weather extends into November, we may be able to add more Outdoor Bingo dates.”
A new indoor presentation, Medicare Options, will take place on September 21 at 6PM, giving adults ages 30 and up information to help prepare for the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which begins October 15. The program will be located in Community Hall with a maximum of 20 participants with chairs spaced apart to adhere to social distancing. If needed, this presentation will be offered on another evening to accommodate a wait list. Advance registration is required for this free program and closes the day before the event.
Virtual classes will continue to be offered for seniors this fall. Several new classes are available, including Retirement Tax Planning and Technology Help Sessions for Seniors. Other popular programs also available in virtual form are New Horizons Band DuPage, Kung Fu, Tai Chi and WellFit Seated Strength Training and Better Balance and Core classes. Visit www.napervilleparks.org/programguides to learn more and to register.
One of the new virtual classes for adults ages 18 and up that seniors can register for is Conversational Spanish. Participants can learn Spanish at home with an interactive and engaging curriculum tailored to fit the needs of the students enrolled.
“We are excited to offer Conversational Spanish for the first time to adults of all ages,” said Program Manager Lorraine Ouellette. “Our instructors are affiliated with Language in Action, Inc., and are fully bilingual, experienced professionals who will guide you on your journey to achieve your language goals.”
