Programs

Community recreation centers hold the key to a number of benefits that enhance the quality of life in your community. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or socioeconomic status, there are valuable programs at your local rec center for little to no cost. Whether it’s fitness classes, after-school programs, community events, or job training, there’s a little something for everyone. Here at the Banks County Recreation Department, we are always looking to add a variety of programs to help share with our community. Events or programs can be held on or off-site, and can range from knitting to engineering. The possibilities are endless! 

If you are interested in starting a program, class, or event, please email Director, Kat Roberts at kroberts@co.banks.ga.us 

Here are 6 key benefits of having programs, 

1. Stay Healthy Longer

Community recreation centers offer many programs that benefit both the body and mind. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have lower blood pressure, delayed onset of diabetes, lower heart disease rates, and overall increased longevity. Exercise also helps increase white blood cells and aids in strengthening your immune system.

The health benefits of recreation centers extend to children as well. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), children who live close to multiple recreation centers were more physically active and less likely to be obese than children that did not have access to recreation centers.

2. Reduce Stress

The benefits of sports complexes not only help the body, but they also create a less-stressed mind. Stress greatly affects the community at large, and studies conducted in both the United States and Australia have found that people who participate in recreational activities are more resilient to stress and experience better mental health.

Recreation has a positive impact on happiness as well. A study in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined the results of over 23 studies dating back to 1980. The studies included over 500,000 people and found that there were correlations between happiness and exercise.

3. Benefits to Families

Couples and families that play together tend to stay together. Family ties are improved by spending leisure time with each other. Recreation centers like the ones in Madison, WI, one of the nation’s best park systems, host family fun nights that provide activities including art projects and a bounce house.

Recreation centers also present opportunities for parents to model good health for their children. Research from the University of Cambridge indicates that for every minute of physical activity a mother engages in, her child is more likely to perform 10 percent more of that activity.

4. Cultural Diversity

We often discuss the “recreation” part of community recreation centers, but rarely emphasize the “community” part of the term. Participating in group activities can help increase cohesion among members of a community. Many community recreation centers have programs that highlight the diversity and educate community members.

5. Boost Your Students’ Performance

Recreation center programs can be a critical part of increasing the likelihood of student achievement. A variety of studies indicate this, including ones done by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and The After-School Corporation, among others. After-school programs can have positive impacts on classroom behavior, test scores, and reading and math achievement. After-school programs have also been shown to enhance experiential learning.

6. Public Safety

Among the great of programs offered at recreation centers throughout the country, ones that promote safety including CPR and first aid classes are among the most important. Many recreation centers offer swimming lessons for both children and adults at little cost along with classes on water safety. Additionally, recreation centers provide a meeting space for community members to discuss important issues such as crime prevention and disaster preparation.