Brewer Parks and Rec to help with 2008 fitness
Thursday, January 03, 2008 

For those who made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, become healthier or achieve a tighter tummy, the Brewer Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of classes and activities designed to help.

"Get up, get out and get active," is a new motto for parks and recreation, Director Ken Hanscom said Wednesday.

In addition to the many fitness offerings at the Brewer Auditorium, sledding and cross-country skiing at Doyle Field are great outdoor activities for individuals and families, and when it’s cold enough, three ice skating rinks in the city are cleared for all to use free of charge, he said.

"We serve ages 2 to 92," Hanscom said. "We have some things for fun or exercise, and others for those who want to make a serious effort in health improvement or weight loss."

And some activities, such as indoor walking, offer exercise and provide locals with a social outlet, he added.

The following are programs offered at the Brewer Auditorium:

• Indoor adult walking is free and held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• An adult fitness class is offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a new session starting on Monday. Classes are $15 per month for Brewer residents and $20 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a fitness mat.
• Older adult exercise program classes are from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and are designed to improve flexibility, strength and cardiovascular health. Classes are $2 daily.
• New adult yoga classes, geared toward all ability levels, are scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings and 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday morning and are being taught by Kripalu yoga instructor Bunny Barclay. Costs are $40 per month for Brewer residents and $50 for nonresidents.
• Yoga classes for those with multiple sclerosis are offered from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Costs are $12 per month for Brewer residents and $15 for nonresidents.
• Volleyball pickup games are held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants pay $2 daily.
• Open gym for basketball is offered from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays. Participants pay $2 daily.
• An indoor golf net is available for rent in mid-January. Hours of availability vary according to the building schedule, so users are asked to call ahead to reserve a tee time. Cost is $2 per half-hour.

When temperatures are 15 degrees and lower, the Thomas Caldwell Rink on Pendleton Street, the Doyle Field ice rink and a smaller one on Washington Street will be open, Hanscom said.

"We’re going to be out clearing the rinks" Thursday, he said.

However, this weekend’s predicted warm weather may cause the rinks to close, he added. Last year, the rinks were open for much of January and February.

For more information on these or other parks and recreation programs, call 989-5199.

This is a copyright article from the Bangor Daily News, Thursday, January 3, 2008.