Worthington Griswold Center

I once attended a seminar with a friend at the Griswold Center on travel writing. We noticed we were the youngest ones there by a long shot, but didn't think much of it. Then I returned while in Worthington to gain more information and come to find out it is recreation center for senior citizens! But, I said to myself, I'll check this place out anyway because our elders want to know what's around town as well. I was told by one of the workers that a lot of people think it's like a nursing home; except it's not because no one actually lives there and it's for people ages 55 and older who are still living on their own.Even though I got some funny looks while checking out the place, I think it seems like a great little rec center. The building is bright and cheery and the old architecture is classical. Based upon their quarterly information booklets, it's quite an active place. The membership fee is cheap, at $10 annually for Worthington residents and $15 for nonresidents. With that membership people can get discounts to go on any of their planned trips to places around Columbus like the Franklin Park Conservatory, around Ohio like ski trips to Mad River Mountain (aka the Bellefontaine Bump) or to a dinner and a show at La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Dayton, and even to other states like to Almost, Maine to see the Northern Lights. A large number of events are held right at the Griswold center from seminars on armchair travel to candy making and cookie baking classes. Griswold Center also helps people with their shopping - grocery and occasionally the mall. Educational opportunities are also available, such as tax assistance, computer basics and language classes. Fitness is a pretty big thing at the Griswold Center. There is a fitness center and people can have a personal trainer or join a fitness class like Pilates, yoga, table tennis and more. Dance classes are yet another option, including line, ballet or perhaps zumba (dance aerobics). Support groups are an important asset, including Alzheimer's for those who have loved ones suffering from the disease or are suffering from it themselves, a widow and widower support group, a diabetes management support group and a host of others. Creative arts incorporates cross-stitching, drawing, watercolor painting, writing or teddy bear making. Cards and games featured are bingo, bowling, bridge, poker, billiards and mah-jongg. Health and wellness is important and the Griswold Center offers clinics, nutrition counseling and massages.I think for this I'd have to say the four stars means "good" to me. Obviously, other than that seminar, the place is not for my use.

So, I've been to the Griswold twice as The Olde Worthington Farmer's Market rents this space Saturday mornings for their winter market. What I've found from being there volunteering and standing across from Yvonne, their weekend volunteer receptionist, is that this place seems to be mostly for seniors and a little bit for community activities. The Griswold has a small workout room, a conference room, and a large gathering hall or multi purpose room, whatever you want to call it. They have a decent amount of parking and nice landscaping. They offer many senior activities like exercise classes, game nights (bridge), tea time, field trips, etc. etc. They offer this to senior residents of Worthington and beyond for a very small price. It's seems like a great way to stay active and meet like minded people. Seeing it from the prospective of a person participating in renting the space. They seem very gracious. They just expect you to respect their space and clean up. Well, who would expect to have to do that? The site manager, Amanda (I think) is a cool lady and she does a good job keeping the place running. Check it out if you're a senior looking for something new!

I stopped over this morning to get infomation that would help me decide whether to join or not.The room is pretty small but there's a lot of equipment stuffed in there. It's open from 8:00 am til noon and 4:30 to 6:30. There's an attendant on duty most of the hours it's open. It costs $15 year for non-residents and $54 for 20 sessions. That's not bad in my opinion, because it works out to about $2.50 per session. The only decision I need to make is the distance. It's about four miles away from my home. I guess that's not too bad. And it's a ton cheaper than joining a private health club.

Grossly over-priced. Every event there is a ripoff. City of Columbus centers are much nicer - at reasonable prices

This center is a great resource for people over 55. The staff are professional and welcoming. Members can take advantage of low-cost or free activities and trips. The fitness classes are outstanding and include offerings not found elsewhere such as Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and Alexander Technique.