We offer quality opportunities for those over the age of 60 to continue learning, stay fit, improve health and most importantly, have lots of fun. Age is just a number. Nothing proves that statement better than the hundreds of active people who participate in Lancaster Rec Senior Programs.

To participate in any of the programs below, you must join the Lancaster Rec Senior Center. Membership is free!

Membership Application Activities Calendar

Get Active While Having Fun

Staying physically active has many benefits. Being active can boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure and even reduce the symptoms of depression. Physical activity also strengthens your body and helps maintain your balance. We offer many opportunities to get you moving in a safe environment and in community with others. We also offer a variety of social and educational activities to keep your mind sharp.

Yoga

Yoga for seniors can help to reduce certain chronic health symptoms, improve balance and flexibility and can also provide a positive form of relief from stress and anxiety.

Indoor Shuffleboard

Come for the fun, a little exercise and to be with friends on the courts. Play on Wednesdays, September through May from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym. Attend any Wednesday for $2 each day.

Indoor Pickleball

A cross between badminton and tennis, pickleball is easy to play and learn. Play on Mondays, September through May from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym. Attend any Monday for $2 each day.

Exercise Class

Offered every Monday morning at 9:30 a.m., this class is designed to improve your flexibility and balance for seniors. A certified instructor leads sitting and standing exercises.

Geri-Fit Strength Exercise Class

Geri-Fit is a FREE on-going strength training program for individuals 60 and older. Held Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Geri-Fit has been proven to improve balance, flexibility and strength. Participants will perform exercises using dumbbell weights and resistance bands. One-on-one instruction is provided in the group setting by a certified instructor. Each person is encouraged to work at his/her own pace. Dumbbell weights and resistance bands will be provided. Be sure to bring a water bottle and wear tennis shoes. This program is free and funded, in part, under an Agreement with money allocated by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Lancaster County Office of Aging.

Fitness Walking

On good weather days, we walk in Brandon Park. When the weather isn’t cooperating, we walk indoors at the Lancaster Rec Center Gym. Held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Walk With Ease

This six-week program is held Thursdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. starting April 2. Taught by a certified leader from the Arthritis Foundation, Walk With Ease is a program proven to reduce pain and discomfort of arthritis, increase balance, strength and walking pace, build confidence and improve over all health. Be sure to bring a water bottle and wear tennis shoes. This program is free and funded, in part, under an Agreement with money allocated by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Lancaster County Office of Aging.

Technology Classes

The use of technology is becoming more prevalent everyday, and it can be very confusing. Lancaster Rec Senior Center will be offering classes to help you become more comfortable with the latest technological advancements. Classes are free.

Majong Classes and Freeplay

Similar to the card game Rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and calculation and involves a degree of chance. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. In recent years, it has gained global popularity and is one of our newest offerings.

Lancaster Senior Orchestra

Make beautiful music with the Lancaster Senior Orchestra. This fun-loving 48-member group practices and performs under the direction of conductor Richard Mazzur with assistance by orchestra manager, Barry Russell. Practice is held at the Lancaster Rec Center on Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through June. Concerts are performed for retirement groups, homes, communities, churches, civic organizations, school groups, and service clubs throughout Lancaster County. Annual membership dues are $15.

Pinochle

Enjoy playing pinochle year-round on Tuesdays from 12-2:30 p.m. at the Rodney Park Happy Hearts Senior Center and Thursdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Lancaster House North Happy Hearts Senior Center. Membership in the Happy Hearts Senior Center is required for Pinochle.

Painting & Drawing Art Class

Bring out your creativity and express yourself through drawing and painting. Class meets on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. year-round at the Lancaster Rec Center. Fees are $22 for five-week sessions. Membership in the Lancaster Rec Senior Center is required.

Summer Senior Art Club

Spend an afternoon with other art enthusiasts to work on your art projects. Share your skills and learn new ones. Class meets on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m., June through August at the Lancaster Recreation Center. Bring your own supplies. Membership in the Lancaster Rec Senior Center is required.

Health and Wellness Programs

Every month, different programs are scheduled. Blood pressure checks are done on a routine basis. Flu shots are provided prior to flu season. Fruit and vegetable vouchers are provided throughout the year. In addition, we provide:

  • Meal and nutrition programs
  • Hearing and vision assessments
  • Referral and connection to appropriate community support systems
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Assistance, information and guidance in understanding Medicare and insurance
  • Tax-preparation assistance

Important Details

For assistance with any senior fitness or recreation program, contact Susan at sdavis@LancasterRec.org
or 717-399-7671.

Our friendly Senior Center staff will be glad to introduce you to our programs. We offer quality opportunities to learn, improve health and most importantly, to have lots of laughs. Special events include holiday parties, summer picnics, live entertainment, volunteer appreciation celebrations, inter-generational activities with our preschool classes and day trips to great places.

Seniors can register for van transportation to and from their homes to the Lancaster Rec Senior Center. For those driving to the Senior Center, handicapped accessible parking is available, as is an accessible ramp into the Senior Center.

Senior Center closings due to inclement weather are listed on WGAL TV 8.