As summer fades and fall moves to take its place, thoughts turn to activities that encourage a changing of the seasons.
This autumn, the St. Charles Park District’s Adult Activity Center has a number of new programs geared especially to those 50 and older who are interested in active and meaningful experiences.
“A lot of the inspiration behind these new programs comes from simply wanting to give people opportunities to try something different, learn something new, and connect with their community in unexpected ways,” said Lynne Yuill, Adult Activity Center Supervisor. “We’re offering a mix of civic connection, hands-on experiences, and behind-the-scenes learning that you may not find in a typical activity guide.”
It wouldn’t be fall without some fun down at Primrose Farm. In Easy as Apple Pie, participants will make a mouth-watering apple pie, learning the steps to create pie crust and transform peeled apples to a delicious gooey filling. Easy as Apple Pie will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, September 25.
Participants can get to know the important work that goes into restoring natural areas in Growing Home Prairie Seed Processing from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 5 at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Experts will explain the methods used to process seeds and why sourcing seeds from area sites is key to healthy and resilient natural areas.
Civil Connections with Mayor Hull will offer community members the opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts and have a productive dialogue with the city’s mayor. Individuals are invited to join the conversation from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 20 at Pottawatomie Community Center.
Also up this fall is the Chair Volleyball Clash from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 and again on Tuesday, November 3, during which a spirited match will take place between the St. Charles team and a group from Aurora.
“Participants originally registered to play chair volleyball, but later that year, the program blossomed into a popular drop-in opportunity,” said Yuill about this program’s progression into something more. “As the group grew and players became more enthusiastic, they wanted to take their game beyond our own gym and have the opportunity to play other teams. What began as a simple registered program had evolved into a team with enough enthusiasm to travel and play others—and it was exciting to see where the participants themselves took it.”
Transportation from Pottawatomie Community Center to Aurora as well as lunch will be included.
The AAC is also hosting a full line-up of trips, including those to Starved Rock for an Oktoberfest event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, October 19 and to an Amazon Fulfillment Distribution Center from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 4.
Among the most popular offerings, however, is one in which the participants don’t even know where they’re going.
“For the Mystery Trip, participants sign up knowing almost nothing, climb on the bus, and spend the day trying to figure out the clues,” Yuill explained. “The destination is part of the fun, but really, it’s about the sense of adventure and not knowing exactly what’s around the corner. The popularity of this trip really speaks to the idea that our participants aren’t just looking for something to do—they’re looking for adventure and an experience.”
This fall’s Mystery Trip will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 24.
Moving into December, the center will put on Holiday Houses in Gingerbread Style from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, December 14. Pre-built structures make decorating easy so the emphasis is on festive fun. All supplies including colorful candies and frosting will be provided.
To learn more about these programs and to register, go to stcparks.org/aac.