I once attended a seminar with a friend at the Griswold Center on travel writing. We noticed we…read morewere the youngest ones there by a long shot, but didn't think much of it. Then I returned while in Worthington to gain more information and come to find out it is recreation center for senior citizens! But, I said to myself, I'll check this place out anyway because our elders want to know what's around town as well. I was told by one of the workers that a lot of people think it's like a nursing home; except it's not because no one actually lives there and it's for people ages 55 and older who are still living on their own.
Even though I got some funny looks while checking out the place, I think it seems like a great little rec center. The building is bright and cheery and the old architecture is classical. Based upon their quarterly information booklets, it's quite an active place. The membership fee is cheap, at $10 annually for Worthington residents and $15 for nonresidents.
With that membership people can get discounts to go on any of their planned trips to places around Columbus like the Franklin Park Conservatory, around Ohio like ski trips to Mad River Mountain (aka the Bellefontaine Bump) or to a dinner and a show at La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Dayton, and even to other states like to Almost, Maine to see the Northern Lights.
A large number of events are held right at the Griswold center from seminars on armchair travel to candy making and cookie baking classes. Griswold Center also helps people with their shopping - grocery and occasionally the mall. Educational opportunities are also available, such as tax assistance, computer basics and language classes. Fitness is a pretty big thing at the Griswold Center. There is a fitness center and people can have a personal trainer or join a fitness class like Pilates, yoga, table tennis and more. Dance classes are yet another option, including line, ballet or perhaps zumba (dance aerobics). Support groups are an important asset, including Alzheimer's for those who have loved ones suffering from the disease or are suffering from it themselves, a widow and widower support group, a diabetes management support group and a host of others. Creative arts incorporates cross-stitching, drawing, watercolor painting, writing or teddy bear making. Cards and games featured are bingo, bowling, bridge, poker, billiards and mah-jongg. Health and wellness is important and the Griswold Center offers clinics, nutrition counseling and massages.
I think for this I'd have to say the four stars means "good" to me. Obviously, other than that seminar, the place is not for my use.