I had the pleasure of meeting both the director, Matt Smith, and recreation Program Supervisor Timothy Messer. Despite the pandemic, they are working to provide recreation programs and open facilities indoors and out, to the best of their ability. I enjoyed touring Benson and seeing ball fields, soccer fields, picnic shelters, the band stand home to summer concerts as soon as they can return, municipal park, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts, playgrounds and the future site of a rehabbed space for a community center. While the Benson Civic Center at 1204 North Johnson shows its age, it was well maintained and designed for more active times. The weight room and cardio equipment are open with social distancing and masks required. The game room seemed so empty. There are two other under utilized meeting rooms due to the pandemic. The attached Benson Center for Active Aging was buzzing with volunteers at the clothing closet and also serves as a food pantry distribution site. Many virtual activities being offered as well. read more