By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – Normal Township’s Activity and Recreation Center, or ARC, has partnered with the SilverSneakers program, which reduces the cost for the elderly to utilize ARC’s services.

ARC Communication Coordinator Samantha Oleson says this makes the facility more open to those living in retirement who may not be able to access a fitness center.

“We encourage people to be here, whether it be for the physical aspect that they will get through using the SilverSneakers program or just the social aspect of being around other, it’s going to enrich their lives,” Oleson explained.

Oleson also explained that working with SilverSneakers allows ARC to offer its services to a new group of people who may not have been able to access the facility before.

“I think now we’re going to be reaching that population and it’s going to encourage more people to be here and to use the health and wellness services that we offer,” said Oleson. “To better their lives, to stay healthy, and to make sure they’re getting the best out of the years of retirement.”

ARC is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the weekdays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. ARC has an indoor walking track, cardio and weight training equipment, and dance and yoga classes available to its members.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].