RECREATION YEAR-END RECAP ….

RECREATION

YEAR-END

RECAP

See page 14. Recreation 2024 End of Year Recap

by Kathy Thayer

Recreation Manager

With 2024 coming to a close, we all tend to reflect on the current year as we look forward to the next one. The Recreation Department is no different and as we plan ahead for 2025, we look back on how we did this year.

For certain, we were busier than ever: 17 community special events (including the Great LW Discovery Tour), 12 Amphitheater shows, 45 weekend dances plus a Halloween party, courtesy of Abilene, and two New Year’s Eve dances set for next week. Besides her involvement in coordinating many of these events, Deborah Badger, our event coordinator, conducted 13 bus excursions.

Our amenities drew vigorous participation with the golf course, Aquatic and Fitness centers increasing attendance across the board, facilitated by 20 part time employees, all LW residents. The Community Gardens opened under the guidance of part time attendant, Julie O’Brien, with 156 minifarmers currently settled in. Residents interested in getting a lot may contact our office as everyone on the waitlist has now been accommodated.

The new website has been up for several months. It’s a great place to research our 150-plus clubs. Look under “Community” and you’ll find information including time and place of meetings as well as contact information.

Under the “News” tab, click on special events and you’ll see the flyers currently running on digital screens in our amenities and offices, highlighting clubs. We have recently added recurring reservations on the “Calendar.” Click on a reservation and it will take you to the club’s information page.

Next year we will be working closely with the Communications Department on cultivating more sponsorship for our events. Up till now we have just dipped our toes in the water but by actively pursuing vendors interested in getting their name out to our residents, we hope to be able to offset some of our expenses for the events we bring to you, a win-win for sponsors and LW both.

On behalf of the Recreation Department, we wish you a happy, active, and fun filled 2025 and thank you for your part in making this the amazing community it is. We welcome your respectful input and inquiries on all things Recreation. Please let us know what is on your mind.

For further information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com.

Residents visited a special butterfly exhibit at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes in May.

Cowgirls dressed up for a Garth Brooks tribute show in Leisure World's 2,500-seat Am phtiheater in September—one of the 12 performances of the 2024 Amphitheater season.

In July, Recreation took residents on a trip to the Pageant of the Masters, an art festival in Laguna Beach.

People shopped around the Administration parking lot in September during one of several community swap meets.

Residents enjoyed live music and tasty treats at the Fourth of July Classic Car Show in July.