60 Forward reports strong first‑year uptake; partners stress sustainability
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Summary
60 Forward leadership reported more than 500 members using cardio equipment, multiple weekly classes, and 27,040 visits over the year; commissioners asked about financial sustainability and program growth.
Deb Schildroth, director of 60 Forward, presented a year‑end report at the Nov. 20 Ames Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, summarizing the first operational year for the senior‑focused center.
Schildroth said more than 500 individuals had been onboarded to the strength and cardio room, which includes eGym equipment tuned to individual ability, and the center offers roughly 15 weekly fitness classes averaging about 12 participants each. The center reported 27,040 visitors between October and the following August, with November of the prior year the highest month and February the lowest due to winter.
Programs in partnership with Mary Greeley Medical Center and Heartland Story County include education programs, tech‑support with Ames High School students, foot‑care clinics, and an expanded adult day center now serving people with chronic health conditions and cognitive decline. Schildroth said the bistro is open to all ages and contributes to revenues; center leaders described the current financial picture as sustainable but emphasized ongoing fundraising and potential sponsorships as areas they continue to explore.
Commissioners asked about the center’s ability to scale, the north vestibule and parking arrangements, and ties to upcoming facilities such as the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center. Staff and the leadership team said they will continue monitoring participation and revenue trends and pursue outreach to broaden awareness.
Schildroth invited commissioners to visit the center and emphasized that leadership is attentive to mission‑drift concerns while seeking partnerships that keep programming affordable and inclusive.
