February 2007
Snackabana Cafe Opens in Recreation Center
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.