NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants. These grants, made possible by support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), support park and recreation professionals in increasing access, availability, participation and sustainable support for programs that improve physical activity, engagement, and quality of life for older adults. More specifically, SHAPR grants aim to increase the equitable dissemination, delivery and sustainability of five arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs) in park and recreation agencies. 

City of Lake Elsinore, National City and City of Menifee are all in different phases of their SHAPR grant journeys, yet they share similar sentiments about the work thus far. While on the surface, many of their programs may seem like they’re “just workout classes,” the depth of this work transcends physical activity. At its heart, it’s truly all about community. 

Learn more about each site visit and programming at the agencies, as well as the SHAPR 4.0 grant, below. 

City of Lake Elsinore 

We weren’t sure exactly what to expect on these site visits, but our first day with the City of Lake Elsinore exceeded expectations. We were greeted by staff members who made us feel welcome right off the bat and quickly jumped into a Fit and Strong! class that we were invited to participate in. This eight- or 12-week program is ideal for adults with lower extremity pain and mobility challenges. We felt right at home with the mix of oldies and cumbia playing in the background and noticed that the facility was packed with older adults using resistance bands and weights, counting down the exercises with the instructor. There was laughter and dancing, and you could tell how excited everybody was to be in class.  

Following the class, we met with a handful of program participants, including a Spanish-speaking participant, Cecilia. What stuck out most during our conversation with Cecilia was her ability to feel connected to a community despite the language barrier. Her experience perfectly illustrates how social connection can transcend language, along with the intentionality and care that goes into City of Lake Elsinore’s programming.  

We finished off our morning with a pizza party where we connected and laughed alongside other program participants. In between karaoke and eating pizza slices, we heard about how the center has not only helped them build friendships, but has kept them active. Getting to spend the morning with participants was by far our favorite part of the visit. It made us reflect on the importance of having safe and inclusive spaces that give folks the opportunity to gather and connect. Other highlights of the day included a visit to city hall and Launch Pointe – a recreation destination and RV Park. 

National City

On the second day of our site visits, we were excited to visit National City, located about six miles south of San Diego. National City was part of our second cohort of SHAPR grantees and was awarded a grant to offer the Walk With Ease (WWE) program to its older adult participants. The WWE program is a multi-component, low-impact walking program that teaches people how to safely and comfortably incorporate physical activity into their everyday lifestyle.  

Although the WWE program was not taking place during our visit, the city’s recreation supervisor lead us on a tour around Kimball Park, where WWE classes are held. While walking the park, we saw many other park users playing softball, listening to music, exercising and riding bikes. Next to the park is a new multi-use facility scheduled to open this November. The facility has been designed as a community intergenerational hub to include a new senior center located on the lower level of the building.  

While the new facility is being completed, older adults utilize the MLK Jr. Community Center, also located near Kimball Park. Here they gather three days a week for morning socials, followed by various fun activities such as crochet, karaoke and fitness classes.  During our visit, most attendees of the morning social also stayed to participate in the fitness class.  

Just steps away from the new facility is the city’s nutrition center. This is where the older adults are invited to enjoy a fantastic meal. The food is prepared daily by chefs and caters to a variety of cultural backgrounds and diets. We were told that older adults often line up long before the center opens so they can ensure they receive a meal. The menu for that day was baked chicken in mole sauce, zucchini and corn, cactus salad, brown rice, a warm tortilla and a peach cup. Often, there is also entertainment offered during mealtimes. The nutrition center offers discounted meals for adults along with a suggested donation from the older adults (60+).  

City of Menifee

On the last day of our site visits, we had the opportunity to visit the City of Menifee, located in Riverside County and part of the Inland Empire region of California. During the visit, we learned the city was only established 16 years ago and had originally started as a 55+ only community, called Sun City. With a significant population of aging adults, this makes programming even more critical to support the health and well-being of the Menifee population.  

During our visit, we were able to watch and participate in their Walk With Ease program in collaboration with the Sun City Civic Center, an offering provided due to their participation in the SHAPR grant. It was especially exciting to hear about the progress some participants have made in their health since incorporating the WWE program into their routine. We also toured the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center where we learned about the variety of programs, events and supports offered to the Menifee aging adults population, including an additional WWE program offered at the center. 

Implement Similar Programs in Your Community With a SHAPR 4.0 Grant 

NRPA has completed three SHAPR grant cycles so far, and applications for our SHAPR 4.0 grant are currently open through October 25. Learn more about training grants through this 2023 blog post and consider applying today. 

Questions? Browse the Frequently Asked Questions, or attend an optional office hours session on October 16 or October 23.

Cara Myers (she/her) is an NRPA marketing and engagement manager. 

Natalia Ospina (she/her) is an NRPA senior program manager. 

Colleen Pittard (she/her) is an NRPA partnership manager. 

Jennifer Ward (she/her) is an NRPA evaluation manager.