Aug. 27, 2025

This piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

Sioux Falls residents recently shared their “wish list” of parks and recreation priorities — and the good news is GreatLIFE already delivers many of them.

“We were glad to see that our programs match up incredibly well with what Sioux Falls residents recently shared they’re looking for,” GreatLIFE president Nick Ovenden said.

“For those who are newer to our community or maybe just haven’t explored all GreatLIFE has to offer, it’s a good chance for a reminder of what your unlimited fitness membership can deliver.”

When Sioux Falls households were asked about their need for various programs, their top responses matched up extremely well to GreatLIFE programs.

Take a look at these ways GreatLIFE members can start enjoying some of Sioux Falls’-most requested recreation options today.

Adult fitness and wellness programs: 67 percent

With two-thirds of respondents requesting them, adult fitness and wellness programs topped the list of residents’ requests. That’s where GreatLIFE shines.

Your unlimited fitness membership gains you use of more than a dozen fitness centers across the Sioux Falls metro area and beyond. You’ll find unique offerings in each fitness center, including personal training and a huge range of classes.

Not sure how to begin? The GreatLIFE Great Start program will walk you step-by-step through your new membership so you take full advantage of all your new fitness opportunities.

Water fitness programs: 48 percent

GreatLIFE fitness members can take advantage of four indoor swimming pools with their membership. On the east side? You’ll find indoor water recreation at Willow Run, which includes a hot tub, and GreatLIFE at Avera, which offers a lap pool and warm water therapy pool.

On the west side? GreatLIFE Woodlake Athletic Club offers a chlorine pool, open/family swim, aqua aerobics classes and lap swim. GreatLIFE members also can enjoy aqua aerobics and lap swimming at EmBe downtown.

Travel and tourism: 44 percent

Did you know your GreatLIFE membership goes with you when you travel? You’ll receive up to a 20 percent discount at 38 hotels nationwide managed by Sioux Falls-based Regency Hotel Management.

Looking to extend your golf season? Take advantage of GreatLIFE’s relationship with Thompson Golf Group for discounts at select courses in Arizona.

Youth and adult arts and crafts programs: 39 percent

Arts and crafts at a fitness center? You actually will find it at GreatLIFE through the GreatKIDS program at the Woodlake and Performance Center locations. It’s a free option for members, so adults can get in a workout while kids enjoy some fun too — including a new craft each week.

Senior programs: 35 percent

GreatLIFE offers outstanding options for seniors, from personalized training geared to your unique needs to strength and balance classes and shallow-water workouts.

Plus, many seniors find they love the sense of community that develops around GreatLIFE fitness centers — you’ll find many regulars sharing coffee after a workout!

Tennis/pickleball lessons and leagues: 32 percent

GreatLIFE Woodlake is your fit for tennis, with options for court time, private lessons and leagues. And you’ll find plenty of ways to play pickleball within GreatLIFE. Drop in for play at Woodlake or Avera at no additional cost. Here are the details.

Youth sports programs: 29 percent

Beginning at age 8, kids can start to take advantage of a wide range of GreatLIFE programs — from a sports performance program that helps young athletes with speed, agility, strength and power, to the signature GreatLIFE PLAY Everything program, which introduces various sports and life skills.

Here’s the full road map of youth programming options:

Youth Learn to Swim programs: 29 percent

If you’re a GreatLIFE member, learning to swim becomes a lot more convenient — and you’ll even save. GreatLIFE partners with Safe Splash Swim School at Woodlake Athletic Club to offer classes for infants through adults. Visit here to learn more.

Youth fitness and wellness programs: 27 percent

As kids grow up, they can access even more GreatLIFE fitness options. Starting at age 10, kids can attend group fitness classes or work out at any fitness center under direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Youth Certification also is available to expand permissions to include attending fitness classes and using cardio equipment and weight machines without direct supervision from a parent or guardian at several locations.

Youth summer camp programs: 26 percent

Summer might be winding down, but there always are opportunities for camps and programs. GreatLIFE offers more than 70 camps and clinics throughout the year, including in eight schools. For details, visit here.

Golf programs/lessons: 24 percent

It’s exciting for GreatLIFE that about one in four Sioux Falls households expressed a need for golf programs — because there are plenty waiting for them.

Whether you’ve never picked up a golf club, are looking to perfect your game or are somewhere in between, GreatLIFE has a golf program for you.

Plus, the GreatLIFE Golf Academy ensures that you can continue to up your skills year-round. Visit here for full details.

Are you ready to begin meeting your household’s recreation needs? Join now with no enrollment fee when you sign a 12-month commitment. Stop in any GreatLIFE location, or visit here to get started.