Recreation for Everyone at the Woodruff Leisure Center

By Nicole Collins

The Woodruff Leisure Center (WLC) has a little something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to exercise, have an event, child care or just looking for a place to hang out with the family, the leisure center could have just what you need.

Tucked away on Cavins Road, the WLC is one of seven community centers operated by the Spartanburg County Parks Department. The City of Woodruff owns the land, but Spartanburg County runs and maintains the building and property.

The WLC staffs two full-time recreation coordinators, Korey Manley and Vicky Venth. Additionally, it has seven part-time employees that includes the after school team and the senior recreation assistant who coordinates the senior program. At press time, Venth was in the process of hiring two more part-time staff for the after-school program.

The After-Class Enrichment (ACE) after school program is currently at capacity with 60 children. The original cap for the program was 50, with several children on a waiting list. During this school year, the center increased staff to add the children from the waiting list onto the roster, bringing the total up to 60. Venth says she tries to keep a certain ratio of staff to kids and right now, the roster is at max capacity.

“We’re constantly trying to push our limit and get as many kids in the after school program as we can because we think it offers a lot for both the kids and the parents,” says Venth.

As a whole, each of the Spartanburg County community centers’ after school programs are growing constantly, says Venth. All the sites try to make sure there is not a waiting list, but with the growth in the area, there seems to be a bigger need for after school programs.

Last summer, the WLC building had some renovations that included fresh paint and new flooring. And then in January, the site opened a new playground.

“We are super excited to have a brand new space for the community to bring their kids to hang out and play,” says Venth. “The county decided to do some sprucing up at a few of their facilities and we wanted to bring an updated, larger-scaled playground to the WLC. This one includes monkey bars, swings and a few other fun amenities that the old playground didn’t have.”

In addition to the playground, walking trail and outside fitness equipment, people can participate in classes such as yoga and senior line dancing or join the 24-hour fitness center for $10 per month with no contract.

“I’m really glad [the fitness center is] something we can offer to the community. It’s affordable and close to home for most people,” says Venth.

The WLC is hoping to offer Zumba and meditation classes starting tentatively in February.

And if you’re ever in need of a place to host an event, consider the WLC. It is available to rent for events like birthdays, gender reveals, bridal showers and more. Each rental comes with access to the kitchen, which has a stove/oven, food warmer, refrigerator and ice maker.

Woodruff Leisure Center
550 Cavins Road
Woodruff, SC 29388
864-476-7967

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Park Hours: November 1- February 28: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; March 1 – October 31: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Programs
ACE (After-Class Enrichment): A weekday after school program for children ages 4-12. Monday-Friday 2:30-6:00 p.m., $10 per day plus a $25 registration fee.
Summer Camp: Registration for the current ACE families began on Monday, February 3. The public can begin registering on Monday, February 17. Camp registration fee is $45 per child and is non-refundable. The weekly fee for camp, which includes all field trips, is $90 per child.
50+ Upstate: A program designed for senior with activities including exercise, devotional, games and lunch. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday that the leisure center is open. The program is free and is always accepting new participants.
Michelle’s Dance Academy: Offers tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and clogging for ages 2.5 and older. Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call for registration information.

Regular Fitness Classes
Yoga for all ages: Tuesdays 8 – 9 a.m. and Thursdays 6 – 7 p.m. Different instructors for each class. $5 per class
Rockin’ With Rhythm (senior line dance): for ages 50 and older, on Mondays 6-7 p.m. and Tuesdays 6:-7:30 p.m. $10 per month. Call to inquire about attending a class.