By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The Pontiac Rec Center is expanding its programs to include family events and programs for seniors.

Parks and Rec Director Taylor Baxter said they wanted to include family events, which was how the Family Dodge Ball Tournament was born.

“If there’s someone you don’t like and you want to take out your aggression on them with a dodge ball, this is your chance. It’s not going to hurt anybody. It’s something to get more families involved, do things together, and we have the space for it – we’re going to try to do as much as we can. It’s going to be a good time. Pretty fun!” Baxter said.

The department has also recently become a Silver Sneakers Approved Facility, and Baxter explains what that means for area seniors.

“How this works, depending on what kind of health insurance you have, you can actually come into the rec center for free. You don’t have to pay anything. It’s awesome because we record your visit and we get X amount of dollars each time you come in the rec center. So, check with your health insurance if you’re 55 and older, though I need to check, but look for the Silver Sneakers program. We are a Silver Sneakers approved facility. It’s pretty cool,” Baxter said.

This event is March 24 from 6:30 to 8:30. RSVPs are due March 22. The cost is $10. For more information, call the Rec Center at 844-6818.

Baxter was a guest on a recent Community Forum, which can be found at WJEZ.com.