LCC to offer weekly free admission

LCC to offer weekly free admission
By Cassandra Kyser
Starting this month and running through the end of 2025, the Lawrence Community Center is hosting Free Community Days.
Every week, there will be one day when anyone can come to the Community Center, no fees or membership required. Individuals can access the entire facility: gym, racquetball court, weight room, cardio room, TV lounge, and locker rooms.
There will also be structured activities scheduled on Free Community Days, such as volleyball, basketball, and indoor mini golf. 
“This is to increase healthy living among the whole community, especially families. We’re providing a place and something for them to do,” said Director of Anamosa Parks and Recreation Cale Yoder.
In an effort to increase access to the facility, Yoder said scholarships to cover membership fees were also considered. Free Community Days were chosen instead, as these times benefit the entire community, not just a few scholarship recipients.
This month’s Free Community Days are Friday, Feb. 14,  Monday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 24. 
The Free Community Days are offered in partnership with Jones County Economic Development and Iowa’s “5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!” initiative.
“Healthy Choices Count!” encourages individuals to have:
5 servings of fruits and vegetables,
2 hours or less of recreational screen time,
1 hour or more of physical activity, and 
0 sugary drinks 
Free access to the Lawrence Community Center is also filling an identified need for those living in Olin and Anamosa. According to the “5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!” Evaluation Report released in September 2023, 35% of Olin and Anamosa residents lacked access to places to engage in physical activity. 
For more information and to view the schedule of Free Community Days throughout the year, follow the Lawrence Community Center on Facebook.