La Crosse, WI
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Stay In the Loop
There are many ways you and your family can stay in the loop with La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department activities and events:
E-Connect E-Newsletter: Subscribe to receive our Parks & Rec E-Connect Newsletters. Enter your email to join the club!
Facebook: “Like” our La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry page on Facebook for event details and updates.
Instagram: Follow our La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry page on Instagram for program highlights, updates, and event details.
JUST FOR FUN
Seniors, would you like the La Crosse Parks & Rec delivered to your doorstep?
When registering for programs, be sure to let the staff know if you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive the La Crosse Parks & Rec Connect activity guide in the mail. Getting added to this mailing list is FREE of charge! *If your address or any household information changes, please be sure to give us a call at 608.789.8640 or 608.789.8298 to update your information in order to continue receiving the activity guide in the mail.*
The La Crosse Community Theater sells Senior Preview Tickets to adults over the age of 62. These tickets are $15 and must be paid for at the time of purchase. Tickets are available at the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center, the South Side Neighborhood Center, or the Community Connections Center through 12pm the day of the show. Tickets are only provided for select shows and limited quantities are available.
Join us for lunch and socialization, too!
The La Crosse County Senior Nutrition Program’s congregate dining is now offered at the South Side Neighborhood Center. Congregate dining provides nutritious meals to individuals 60 years of age or older, and their spouses regardless of age, in a group setting, allowing for opportunities to socialize with others. Lunch is provided Monday through Friday at 11:30am. Diabetic meals are available upon request. To make a reservation, or learn more about the program, call the meal site at 608.792.6996. Reservations are required at least 24-hours in advance; Monday reservations are required by noon on Friday. Voluntary contributions are requested, however, no one is ever denied because of the inability to donate. The suggested donation is $4.00 per meal.
Need a Ride? The ADRC Ride Assistance May Be Able to Help
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of La Crosse County may be able to help with ride needs! If you are a resident of La Crosse County, 60 years or older, or have a disability, you may qualify to use the La Crosse County Minibus Program. This program uses Abby Vans and is wheelchair accessible. Rides are available Monday-Saturday, 7:00am-6:00pm; and Sundays 7:00am-2:00pm. Fees per ride vary based on location of pick-up and drop-off. Please call the ADRC at 608.785.5700 for more information. To request a ride, you must call at least 24 hours in advance.
SENIOR EXCURSIONS
Senior Excursions are popular day trips for anyone ages 50+. Pre-registration is required, space is limited and payment is required at the time of registration. For a complete list of upcoming Senior Excursions, click here.
DEMENTIA SUPPORT & EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department and the La Crosse County Aging & Disability Resource Center offers a wide variety of dementia support and education programs. For a complete list of these programs, click here.
CONCERTS & DANCES
The La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of concerts and dances. For a complete list of these programs, click here.
SENIOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
The department offers a wide variety of Enrichment classes for ALL adults here. Below is a list of classes just for those 50+.
Mah Jongg Club
Tuesdays; Year-Round12:00pm-3:30pm | $2 per session; pay as you go
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center All players welcome. Not a teaching session.
Bingo (#555006)
Wednesdays; November 20, December 4 & 18, 202412:30pm-1:30pm | South Side Neighborhood Center
Ages 50+ | Min: 4 | FREE
**Registration Deadline: One day prior to session**
Stop by the South Side Neighborhood Center for Bingo. Play for the fun of it and win prizes!
Open Cards, Board, and Word Games
Tuesday, December 3, 202412:30pm-2:00pm
South Side Neighborhood Center
Ages 18+ | Max: 20
$1 per session; pay as you go
Get together with old friends and new friends alike to play favorite card games, board games, and word games. There are games available everyday at the South Side Neighborhood Center. These are once a month scheduled times to come in and play in a reserved room.
Wise Wednesdays (#555024-57)
Wednesdays; November 20, December 4 & 18 202410:30am-12:00pm | South Side Neighborhood Center
Ages 18+ | Max: 15
FREE | **Registration required; Register anytime**
Have some fun and connect with others to socialize, learn tools to cope with aging, enhance lifelong learning, and improve joy in your day-to-day life in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. This is an open class, join when you can. Facilitators: Heather Quackenboss. Snacks provided by Eagle Crest for those who register on select dates.
Coping Skills (#555009-97)
Fridays; November 15, December 6 & 20, 202410:00am-11:30am | South Side Neighborhood Center
Ages 50+ | Max: 20
FREE | **Registration Deadline: One day prior to session**
Do you need a little help coping with life? Join for casual conversation and helpful information. There will be discussions over a variety of topics, including healthy ways to cope with change and life transitions as you grow older. This is an open group, so join when you can, as each session offers new and interesting discussions.
Medicare 101: “Understanding the ABCs of Medicare” (#549006)
November 13 or December 11, 202410:00am-11:00am | South Side Neighborhood Center
Ages 50+ | Min: 1 Max: 15
FREE
**Registration Deadline: Friday prior to session**
This program is geared toward those who will be NEW to Medicare in the next year. The class will provide a foundational understanding of Medicare – one letter at a time – covering the different elements. Hear about the various costs and benefits and learn about eligibility, enrollment, and getting on the path to a successful transition to Medicare. Facilitated by: Tina Johnson, Elder Benefit Specialist, Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County
Coping with Grief & Loss (#555027-40)
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
10:00am-11:30am | Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Ages 50+
FREE | **Registration Deadline: One day prior to session**
Consider joining for this monthly group to connect with others while getting support and
education. Each month will offer a different topic to provide helpful information for coping with grief and loss. Facilitators: Kris Bjerke-Ulliman and Dana Bistodeau.
Awareness and Misperceptions of Hospice Care (#555024-144)
Wednesdays; November 20 & December 18, 202410:00am-11:00am
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Ages 50+ | Min: 2 Max: 15
FREE
**Registration Deadline: One day prior to session**
Hospice care focuses on comfort and dignity at the end of life; it involves care and support services that can be of great benefit to people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and other comprehensive services and support hospice provides, and opportunity for questions. Presented by St. Croix Hospice.
What Senior Citizens Should Know About Selling Their Home
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 (#555019-168)1:00pm-2:00pm | Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
Ages 50+ | Min: 4
FREE
**Registration Deadline: Two days prior to session**
Whether you are downsizing, buying in a new community, moving in with family, or renting an apartment, it takes careful planning to get the most out of your equity. Learn tips and tricks on planning ahead and have your questions answered with Cristina Kovacs, Senior Real Estate Specialist with Gerrard-Hoeschler Realtors.
Snacks provided by Eagle Crest for those who register on select dates.
Your Financial Life – Medicaid, Estate Recovery, & Long-Term Care (#555019-156)
Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 10:00am-11:30amBlack River Beach Neighborhood Center
Do you understand what will happen should you need nursing home or long-term care? In this seminar, review basic estate planning tools and the process of how to qualify for Medicaid; and define what Estate Recovery means in the State of Wisconsin and discuss why understanding the rules is important.
SENIOR CREATIVE PROGRAMS
The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department offers a number of creative programs for ALL adults. Join other crafters, knitters, crocheters, and artists - there is something for everyone! Click here to see all of the programs.
SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES
Looking to get or stay active? The department offers a wide variety of fitness classes for ALL adults here, including a variety of Yoga classes and Zumba classes. Below is a list of classes just for those 50+.
Staying Active Together
Mondays & Thursdays; September 5-December 19, 2024
9:30am-10:30am | Black River Beach Neighborhood Center (#548100-64) OR
9:30am-10:30am | South Side Neighborhood Center (#548100-91) OR
9:30am-10:30am | Virtual (#548100-75)
Ages 50+ | Max: 20
Registration Fee: $15; Registration Fee w/ Resident Discount: $10
Registration Required, Begin Anytime
Join Brianna as she provides an hour of cardio, balance, and
strength exercises. You can also now access the virtual Staying
Active Together class by attending in-person at the South Side
Neighborhood Center! To attend in person, at either Community
Connections Center or South Side Neighborhood Center, or for virtual at-home attendance call the La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department at 608.789.8640.
TECH HELP PROGRAM
The Library and La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department are offering Technology Classes. Do you have questions about a new device or just need some help with your device? Bring in your cell phone, tablet, iPad, or any other technology item that you may have and the
La Crosse Library staff will be available to help with your questions. If you are more comfortable with individual sessions or your questions require an extended period of time, one-on-one appointments are available through the Library’s Access and Engagement (renamed from Adult Service’s) Department. Meet with a staff member at the main library, on Mondays from 12:00pm-2:00pm or Thursdays from 3:00pm-5:00pm.