One of the new locations for the Variety Club, a daytime program for adults 18 and older who have disabilities, will be held at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the biggest thing is that this expansion gives adults with disabilities more choices, more opportunities and a stronger connection to their community,\u201d Lee County Parks & Recreation Supervisor Christin Caron-Bomtempo said. \u201cWe\u2019re not just moving Variety Club to two new buildings; we\u2019re expanding what is possible for the people we serve. We want adults with disabilities to know that they belong in our recreation centers, they are welcome in our programs, and there are opportunities throughout Lee County for them to be active, social, and connected.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beginning Sept. 8, the Variety Club will be offered at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 North Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers, and Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. <\/p>\n
The program will no longer be offered at Karl J. Drews Community Center.<\/p>\n
The club has been offered since 2009 and most recently has been based at the Karl J. Drews Community Center.\u00a0The program is offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per month.<\/p>\n
Although transportation is not provided, participants who need assistance can call LeeTran Passport at 239-533-0300.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the needs of our community have changed, we saw an opportunity to expand the program into our community recreation centers,\u201d Caron-Bomptempo said.<\/p>\n
The two new locations were determined by looking at the community\u2019s need, accessibility and where the county saw the interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe already had done some programs at the Estero Recreation Center, and it is near to many of our current participants. We also received a lot of interest from the North Fort Myers area, but the distance to Karl Drews was a barrier. Expanding to these two locations allows us to reach more people and connect participants with their local recreation centers,\u201d Caron-Bomtempo said.<\/p>\n
The Variety Club is a daytime social and recreational program for those with disabilities who are no longer in school.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough Lee County Parks & Recreation, participants have opportunities to build friendships, stay active, learn new skills, explore the community and, most importantly, feel welcomed and included. It\u2019s about giving adults meaningful opportunities to socialize, make choices, build independence and be part of their community,\u201d Caron-Bomtempo said.<\/p>\n
Those interested in getting involved can contact their preferred recreation center, or the program specialist assigned to that location.\u00a0The North Fort Myers Recreation Center can be reached at (239) 533-7200.<\/p>\n
A required assessment packet will need to be completed, as well as an in-person interview and the purchase of the recreation center\u2019s lifetime membership \u2013 a\u00a0one-time $10 fee.<\/p>\n
Registration opens Monday, Aug. 17, and programming begins on Sept. 8.<\/p>\n
The programs include social, recreational, fitness and community-based activities, such as arts and crafts, games, physical activities, music, swimming, community outings, and field trips.<\/p>\n