Parks And Rec Launches New Programs For Seniors
Friday, February 13th, 2026
The Dalton Parks and Recreation Department isn't just for kids. While the DPRD takes pride in providing championship athletics and incredible activities for Dalton's youth, the department is also expanding its programming for residents of all ages. This year, the department has launched three new programs for Dalton's senior citizens: Senior Fit Club, Senior Mind and Mingle, and Ageless Adventures.
"That was a big push from the Mayor and Council when I got hired (as DPRD director), it was just kind of stressed that we wanted to start moving back into the traditional rec role. Back in the day, we used to have a lot more adult programming, whether it be pottery, whether it be some of the line dancing and some of the clogging, stuff like that," said Steve Roberts, who returned to Dalton as Parks and Recreation Department director in 2024. "As we move forward, especially as we move back into the John Davis Recreation Center, it's going to allow us to really develop not necessarily just a senior program by itself, but hopefully an adult program. Hopefully, we can target the whole gamut from people in their 20s through their 70s."
Caption: Dalton seniors play games together at a recent session of the DPRD's "Mind and Mingle" program. Retired school principal Paulette Bonds learned a new game with an 82-year old grandfather who came with his daughter and grandson to spend an afternoon out of the house
The Senior Fit Club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am until 11 am and gives seniors a plan for 20-minute circuit training with cardio, stretching, or weight training to build flexibility, strength, and vigor. The Senior Mind and Mingle program brings together seniors every Friday from 11 am until 12:30 pm to play a different game each week. It is designed to challenge the mind and support brain health while also building social connections. Both programs are free. Ageless Adventures is designed to give seniors a monthly day trip to a point of interest with round trip transportation. This month's adventure is a trip to the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville with lunch in Calhoun on the way. The only costs are a $5 travel fee, admission to the museum, and food. New trips will be planned each month.
"The senior program as a whole, it's sort of trying to approach the whole person. We're (working on) physical, social, and mental programs," said Recreational Coordinator Audrey Simmons. "We're probably going to do a couple of workshops where we teach them Internet safety... teaching them how to use certain apps and how to stay clear of scams and fraud and all those types of things. So we'll do some workshops like that for the seniors."
Many of Dalton's senior residents have lived here all of their lives and have well-established social circles. But in retirement, people don't always socialize as much as they used to. The Parks and Rec programs offer a chance to expand social networks to meet new people and make new friends both for longtime residents and also those who are new to Dalton.
"When we were doing the Senior Fit Club, there were two ladies who came in, and they didn't know each other. We did the program, sort of guided them through the three segments of the Fit Club, and now when you go up there (to the gym) they're walking together, having conversation. (Then) we had a new lady that came on Tuesday and she joined in with them. So now it’s the three of them walking the track. And Senior Mind and Mingle, they are all getting along and laughing together. It's been really fun watching everybody sort of connect," Simmons said. "What I've noticed is, if they come to one... they'll want to come to the other ones. Like, there's this one lady in the Fit Club, when I told her about the Ageless Adventures, she was like... 'I want to go!' So, they're just flowing through all (the programs). I think it's needed."
Program Division Manager Craig Cady says that the credit for Dalton's new senior programs all goes to Simmons. Cady said that when the department started to look at offering classes for older residents, Simmons came into his office and drew it all up on his white board.
"Audrey's strong suit is she's very creative and she does her research," Cady said. "My parents are almost 80, and the way she drew it out, I'm like, 'I didn't even think about the Internet safety.' The fact that she took the time to break it apart into the physical, social, mental... because these are the things they're concerned about. They're not as social as they used to be once they retire. And their minds need to be active, and they want to be up and doing things. And the way she had broken it down, she was very meticulous. And with us wanting to push adult programs, I thought it was so creative the amount of work she put into it, and the feedback's been great."
Caption: The "Senior Fit Club" program includes weight lifting exercises as well as stretching, mobility, and cardio fitness routines. Forrest Starks got some work in with dumbbells at the Mack Gaston Center gym
The DPRD also has also managed to strike gold with programs for adults of all ages, including a twice-monthly line dancing class that usually ends up packed with participants almost elbow to elbow. Between sports leagues for kids and adults and the various programs and meetings hosted at the Mack Gaston Community Center, space can be at a premium. But with the renovations to the John Davis Recreation Center on Civic Drive expected to be completed in the spring, there will be so much space for activities. The DPRD plans to take advantage.
"We're starting to try to branch out also," Roberts said. "We're branching out to look for instructors. We've come up with a dance instructor, hopefully with some ballroom dance. We're gonna have a introductory ballroom class that will kick off once we kind of get into the main building. Also, I think we all encourage anybody that has any class ideas to let us know, because we're looking for new ideas and volunteer instructors to help us get do those classes. And it doesn't have to benefit everybody in the city for it to be something that we're interested in.
The DPRD's Facebook page is updated frequently with announcements for new classes and updates on existing programs. The DPRD also advertises classes on their website and with flyers available in the lobby of the Mack Gaston Community Center. And those interested can also call the department for more information during business hours at 706-278-5404.
"You're always welcome to pick up a phone a call over here. Somebody will answer and answer your questions," Roberts said.
