Collinwood High opens for night rec & community programs

Did you know that Collinwood High School is open three nights a week for all ages recreation, fitness classes, dinner for kids and more—all for free?

It’s open from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays whenever school is in session, now through the end of March, thanks to a partnership between Cleveland Rec, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Neighborhood Leadership Institute.

Amenities include a weight room with free weights and basketball courts with open gym. The CMSD has been working on the pool and reports that it should be ready to reopen after the holiday break.

Enrichment programs include aerobics from 7-8 pm with Body Rocks Dance & Fitness; board games and arts & crafts with Vanessa Windham; and Tai Chi classes with Chris Burnett from 6-7 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. There’s a line dancing class on Wednesdays, and chess every day. Whatever your energy level or ability, there’s a program for you.

Getting in on the program is easy, and all ages are welcome. Convenient covered parking is available, and you enter through the side door on the one-way drive off St. Clair Ave.

On your first visit, you’ll register at the front desk with site coordinator Kevin Bates or site administrator Serena Ellis. After that, you'll just check in at the desk on the way to your program, just like you would at a rec center.

While you’re there, check out the multipurpose room, lunchroom, auditorium, classrooms and other spaces with an eye on what other activities you’d like to see held there, because the program theme for this year is ‘Bring it!’. The Institute is looking to connect more with the community around the site, and program director Blair Wise is looking for feedback from folks in Collinwood about events, activities and existing community programs that might use free space during program hours.

You can schedule your block club, afterschool program, mom’s group, film class or book club for a one time or recurring session at Collinwood. Just reach out to Blair by phone at 216-658-1360, or by email, blair@neighborhoodleadership.org.