The PACC is Back!
Perham Area Community Center Expansion Complete
By Missy Hermes
From the minute you open the door to the Perham Area Community Center everything is fresh and bright, upgraded or expanded. Even that front door, and all the doors, in the expanded recreation and fitness center are brand new.
Members drove much of the exciting PACC expansion project. According to Nick Murdock, Economic Development Director for Perham, a survey went out asking for guidance on membership priorities. PACC staff and the board of directors then accessed funding sources to make it happen.
The services and programs they offer have expanded along with the building. For seniors, that means taking fitness classes in a gym now accessible via elevator. The center is enrolled with Silver Sneakers, Silver and Fit and the Renew Active Medicare fitness programs.
In the expanded upstairs area, walkers will find a 3-lane track as well as a bank of new treadmills. Convenient cubbies for storing personal items, ellipticals, climbers and stationary bikes offer a variety of fitness options. Bathrooms are now available in three different areas of the PACC.
On the PACC’s main level, fitness fans will find brand new weights and weight machines. The field house, home to the youth Lakes Basketball program, sports new coats of paint and flooring. A new HVAC system addresses air quality concerns.
One of the features sure to be a family favorite is the new Adventure Land. This climbing, sliding, multi-level indoor play area has a drop-off option for parents as well as an observation room. Need an easy idea for a kid’s birthday party? PACC collaboration with the local Pizza Ranch will provide fun, food and a private room for partygoers.
The updates in the pool area are especially striking. The old ceiling is gone, opening up thespace. The pool which hosts lap swim, swim lessons and water fitness classes also includes a swervy, curvy water slide and a rock walk climbing wall. A new therapy pool heated to 93 has opened too.
Longtime staples of the PACC like the roller skating area have updated furniture. “We are ready to welcome back longtime members and new ones,” says Courtney Skarie, the Aquatics Director.