Senior Fitness

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

Keep moving with this low–impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. This chair–based class includes range of motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability. $3 donation suggested.

Cardio Chair Drumming

You become the music in this full–body workout that leaves you smiling and ready for the day. This class is done seated in a chair while drumming on a big stability ball or floor. We provide everything you need. All abilities are welcome; we don’t go down to the floor. Instructor: Kim

Easy Does It

This class is designed to meet you where you are in life to improve daily life activities as we age. We will focus on gentle movements for your joints, stretches for your muscles, balance work for fall prevention, and is followed by breathwork. The class is half-standing and half-sitting in a chair. We don’t go down to the floor.

Instructor: Kim

Iyengar Chair Yoga

This is a gentler form of practicing yoga postures while sitting or standing, using a chair for support. It's beneficial for anyone as it increases flexibility, improves strength, and reduces tension. Breathing techniques are also part of the practice. All classes end with a short period of deep relaxation. Instructor: Rafael, CIYT

Senior Fit Class Pass Scholarship New!

This scholarship is for patrons 60 and older who have a membership to the MCC and want to get a Fit Class Pass. Limited to Merriam residents. Low-income guidelines apply.

*Fees may vary due to the number of classes offered each month.

^Check at the Welcome Desk or with class instructor for schedule updates.

50+ Workshops

Wednesdays

Members can access all of these classes for only $25 per month! See the full list of classes on page 24.

Social Security: Your Questions Answered ▶ Sept. 6

Instructor: Edward Jones

Healthcare and Your Retirement ▶ Oct. 4

Instructor: Edward Jones

Outsmarting Scammers ▶ Nov. 1

Instructor: AT&T staff

Getting to Know Your Cell Phone ▶ Dec. 6

Instructor: AT&T staff

Special Events

Silver Screen Matinée

All workshops are held at the MCC.

Every Wednesday ▶ 1 p.m. ▶ FREE

Enjoy a free showing of a recent movie in a relaxed environment. Schedules are available at the Welcome Desk and highlighted in the bimonthly “Boomer Buzz” newsletter. Snacks are provided weekly with the first and third Wednesdays, thanks to Merriam Gardens. Movies are subject to change.

Bingo

Second Thursdays ▶ 1:30–3:30 p.m. ▶ $3

Aug. 10 • Sept. 14 • Oct. 12 • Nov. 9 • Dec. 14

Join us on the second Thursday of each month for a fun–filled afternoon! Prizes include gift cards and consumables. Call 913–322–5550 to preregister. 301104

AARP Smart Driver Course

Saturday, Sept. 23 ▶ 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

$20 / AARP member ▶ $25 / non-member

“R” is for reverse, “D” is for drive; some things don’t change but our reflexes sure do as we mature and vehicles are different from when we first started driving. Hone your driving skills with this Smart Driver Course. AARP prefers interested students preregister with the facility and give the instructor the check made out to AARP the first date of the class.

Instructor: AARP 301105

Speed Stacking for Seniors

Tuesdays & Thursdays ▶ Oct. 10 – Nov. 16 ▶ 10–10:45 a.m. ▶ $40

Learn cup-stacking patterns that challenge your brain to make new connections between the right and left hemispheres. When the two brain hemispheres work together, it organizes the brain for better concentration and problem solving. This cross-lateral activity increases blood flow in all parts of the brain and makes it more alert. This activity can be done sitting or standing. Instructor: Elaine 301103

Lunch and Learn: Spooktacular

Friday, Oct. 27 ▶ Noon–1 p.m. ▶ MCC ▶ $5

Join fellow enthusiasts as you learn about fun facts and test your wit at this lunch and learn event. Enjoy games and make new friends! Register online or at the Welcome Desk. Bring a tasty dish to share and dress spooky to celebrate Halloween! Instructor: Kim 301108

Merriam Community Center Information and Policies

The Merriam Parks and Recreation Department's mission is to provide first–class facilities and parks and enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors through educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities.

Department Leadership

Anna Slocum, Director

Dave Smothers, Assistant Director

Renee Jenkins, Recreation Manager

Cole Surber, Recreation Manager - Aquatics

Lisa Naughton, Guest Services Manager

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

Scott Diebold

Katie Leary

Christopher Leitch

Laura Sagan

Kathy Stull

Evan Quinley

George Vesel

David Zuckley

Monthly meetings are open to the public and held on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the MCC.

Community Center Closures

Occasionally, portions of the Merriam Community Center may be closed for specially-scheduled activities and holidays. Anticipated closures will be posted as early as possible.

Cancellation Hotline: 913–322–5591

Holiday Hours and Closings

Monday, Sept. 4: Labor Day | 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving | CLOSED

Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 25: Christmas | CLOSED

Sunday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

C onnect

@merriamparks

@merriamksparksandrec

Registration

Please register at least three working days before the class start date. Register early as many of our classes reach capacity due to popularity.

Scholarships

Recreation scholarships are available to help defray the cost of swim lessons and memberships. Limited to Merriam residents, low–income guidelines apply. For an application, contact us at 913–322–5550 or visit merriam.org/scholarship

Refund / Cancellation / Transfer

The City of Merriam Parks and Recreation Department prides itself on providing first–class recreational opportunities. Although patrons desire to attend all sessions for which they are registered, there may be circumstances that prevent them from completing programs. Recognizing the need to assist in these situations, programs, memberships, and rental refunds will be handled per the policy posted on the website and available at the Merriam Community Center. Administration reserves the right to review and alter policies as needed. Policy changes and notifications will be provided in writing on the website and posted at the MCC Welcome Desk.

Facility users are expected to respect MCC property and fellow users. Destruction of property, profanity, and abusive behavior won't be tolerated. Violators will be asked to leave the facility, and repeat offenders will have privileges permanently revoked. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in the MCC and within 10 feet of all entrances.

The MCC isn't staffed to provide individual child supervision. Please don't drop children off and leave them unattended. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible person age 14 or older. No person under the age of 16 is allowed to participate in, or attend, adult fitness classes.

Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation

Sharing in Your Community’s Future

Established in 1988 as a means to provide support for Merriam's recreation facilities, programs, and parks, the Foundation has provided more than $186,000 to support the Parks and Recreation Department. The Foundation’s largest fundraising activity is the annual Flags 4 Freedom event, held during the week of July 4.

Individuals or groups wanting to contribute in honor or memory of a loved one should contact Anna Slocum by email at aslocum@merriam.org or call 913–322–5550 for more information.

Board Members

Scott Diebold

Frank Dover

Carol Eubank

Lori Hanson

Shannon Heffron

Nancy Hupp

The City of Merriam doesn't discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or familial status. Merriam Parks and Recreation is committed to making accommodations as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made to Merriam Parks and Recreation one week before the start of a program. Please indicate what accommodations are needed.