The Plainfield Recreation and Aquatic Center now has a place for patrons to
fuel up before or after workouts. The Snackabana Cafe opened January 3.
"We've been wanting to have a cafe inside for some time," said Nate Thorne,
Manager, Aquatics Operations, whose organization handles an outdoor cafe
during the summer at Splash Island. "The indoor Snackabana offers a limited
menu. Right now it consists of mainly 'park' food but we are starting to pay
attention to healthier foods. We are now carrying yogurt and have fresh fruit
available every day."
The cafe is experimenting with other healthy foods. "Currently every couple of
weeks we try out something new, like soups or pre-packaged salads, to see how
they go over," said Thorne. "If they're successful, they may be added to the
regular menu items."
One decision that has been made has been is to invest in equipment to make
smoothies. "We've had a lot of interest from our fitness enthusiasts who would
like to see us offer smoothies and protein drinks. Hopefully we'll have those
available in March."
The cafe hours currently are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday the Snackabana is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thorne stresses, how- ever, that the
hours are subject to change. "We are in the evaluation phase of those hours,"
he said. "As we see how our patrons respond to the cafe, we may make
adjustments."
New Programs Added at the Recreation and Aquatics Center
New programs available at the Recreation and Aquatics have patrons cycling,
swimming, spiking, and dribbling, as well as moving to the beat of aerobics.
"We have lots of new programs coming on line," said Dan Fletcher, Recreation
Program Supervisor. "The Spring/Summer Program Guide, which will be out soon,
has all the details."
Fletcher cited the new cycling classes as an example. "We've just started
offering them, and we've had good response," he said. The later classes are
filling up first, but we anticipate that they'll all fill up as people find
out about them." The Town has purchased fourteen of the specially-made bikes
and grouped them together on one side of the fitness center for the classes.
Five cycling classes are offered Monday through Thursday, at 6 am, 9 am, 4:30
pm, 5:30 pm, and 6:30 pm. On Friday, classes are at 6 and 9 am, and on
Saturday at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 am. Classes last one hour. The fee for
members of the rec center is $4 per class, non-member residents of Plainfield
pay $5 per class, and non-member, non- residents pay $6 per class. Punch cards
may be purchased at the front desk for 15 classes. They cost $45.
Martial arts classes are another offering that's new, with both kids and
youth/adult classes. ?Fit for Life' is a new kids' aerobics class that's being
offered. Children ages five through seven who want to learn basketball skills
can sign up for the ?Little B'ballers class, and kids ages eight through
twelve can join the ?Super Spikers' and learn volleyball. There's also a dance
class for children three through ten years-old.
On the aquatics side of the rec center, new classes are being added as well.
"Our water aerobics classes are as popular as ever, and the swim lessons have
been going especially well," said Nate Thorne, Manager, Aquatics Center. "We
offer both group and one-on-one swimming instruction. The group lessons, which
have a five to one ratio of students to instructors, have been popular and
we'll be adding more of those. But the demand for one-on-one instruction is
outstanding. We want to add classes in those, too. There aren't too many
places around that offer individualized training."
For more information on these or any other recreational programs, see the
upcoming Spring/Summer Program Guide or stop at the front desk and ask about
specific programs.
Summer Sewer Rates Available to Residents
Just a reminder that residents have only until April 15 to sign up for summer
sewer rates, so now is the time to get into the Town Hall and register!
The special rate, an unmetered $25.20/ month, applies to single family
residential sewer service only and is available for a non- refundable $50
application fee. Rates are good from the June billing through the October
billing. This rate does not apply to sewer service for any premises used
wholly or in part as commercial, industrial, or multi- family (two units or
more) property.
Questions may be directed to Lois Burgner, Utility Billing Director, at
317-837-0000. To complete the application, residents should go to the Town
Hall, 206 West Main Street.
Summer Employment Available at the Recreation and Aquatics Center
Interested in a summer job? The Plainfield Recreation and Aquatic Center is
now hiring for all positions this summer, including lifeguards, guest
services, and food operations.
Applications may be obtained at the Town Hall, at the front desk of the rec
center, or on the Town's website, www.townofplainfield.com. Any questions should be
directed to Nate Thorne at 837-2163.
