Now that the basketball season is over, West Penn Recreation Center is very quiet, especially later in the evenings.  This can be nice if you’re stopping in to work out, but those low attendance numbers are not so good for the center.  West Penn was closed for a number of years, until residents circulated petitions and worked to have it opened again.  Still, many Polish Hill residents don’t go to West Penn, and recently it was announced that the facility will be closed on Saturdays until further notice.  We are very concerned that unless residents use the center more regularly, it will close again.

West Penn has a basketball court and a good weight room.  In the dance studio are a stationary bike, treadmill, and stair climber, and a tv and VCR–so you don’t have to just look at the wall while you’re getting fit!  By 7:30 or 8 pm, the place is pretty much empty.  If you were thinking of checking out the center, starting an exercise program, or proposing a class or program, this is a good time to do it.  And when you go, please sign in–and put “Polish Hill”, not just your zip code.  We want Citiparks to know that residents are using West Penn!

One of the current classes at West Penn is adult martial arts on Monday and Friday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm.  Instructor DeWayne Adams tells us that the core of the class is a group of young men who have been training together for two years.  In addition to two class days per week, the group attends sporting events related to the discipline.

The class isn’t just for this group, though; DeWayne welcomes new students.  Participation is just $10 a month, and you’ll need to bring a mouth guard and mixed martial arts (MMA) gloves.  If you are interested and would like more information, call DeWayne at West Penn Recreation Center, 412.622.7353.