May 1, 2014 - Mayor Madeline Rogero and City Parks and Recreation kicked off Older Americans Month today at Larry Cox Senior Center.
Each May, Older Americans Month is celebrated nationwide to pay tribute to our senior citizens and provide them with information to stay healthy and active. This year's theme is "Safe Today, Healthy Tomorrow."
Knoxville Parks and Recreation will offer various activities at its two senior centers open to the public throughout the month of May. Activities will include rummage sales, craft classes, bingo, blood pressure checks, and field trips to the Cove, the movies, the International Biscuit Festival, Pigeon Forge shopping, and a local musical.
The City's two senior centers are:
Larry Cox Senior Center
North Knoxville
3109 Ocoee Trail
865-546-1700
South Knoxville Community Center
South Knoxville
522 Old Maryville Pike
865-573-3575
Additionally, Community Action Committee Office on Aging will be hosting a free "Seniors Outdoors!" event at Ijams Nature Center on Friday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Partnering with City Parks and Recreation, Ijams Nature Center, and the Legacy Parks Foundation, CAC will offer guided strolls and hikes, various exhibits, kayaking and mountain biking demonstrations, and more to introduce seniors to the many outdoor opportunities within Knoxville city limits.
"Dr. Bob" Overholt will attend the Seniors Outdoors! event as a celebrity guest speaker. To register for the free event, please call the Knoxville Office on Aging at 865-524-2786 by Tuesday, May 13.
For more fitness-oriented Older Americans Month activities, City Parks and Recreation's Athletics Division is offering two sports leagues open to seniors.
Pickleball is a new sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping pong to offer a fun, easy way for players to enjoy a racket sport.
Open games will be available to players of all skill levels at no cost through May 21, 2014:
Mondays and Thursdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Deane Hill Recreation Center, 7400 Deane Hill Dr. (865-690-0781)
Wednesday evenings 5:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Deane Hill Recreation Center, 7400 Deane Hill Dr. (865-690-0781)
Tuesday evenings 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Milton Roberts Recreation Center, 5900 Asheville Hwy (865-546-4536)
Open games of "Senior Fun Softball" will also be offered at Caswell Park, located at 620 Winona St, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 9:30 a.m. There is no cost to seniors who want to play. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.