Wondering how to maintain a fitness routine while caring for your little ones? The Salvation Army Kroc Center offers a solution.
While moms work out, attend a class or participate in programs at the Biloxi facility, their children can enjoy structured, supervised fun in the Kroc Center’s Play Care program.
“We normally have at least two Play Care staff members to watch the children in the Play Care area, which features an indoor treehouse with a slide,” says Morgan Shiyou, marketing and public relations manager for the Salvation Army. The staff members are well-qualified employees and volunteers, she adds, who are properly trained in first aid, CPR/AED and child safety.
Play Care is free to children with a membership for the first two hours. For others, the fee is $3 per hour. Members can purchase additional time for $3 per hour per child. Children must have a membership or a day pass and be checked in by a parent or guardian.
PLAY CARE GUIDELINES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- Parent or guardian must remain in the facility.
- Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis for children ages 2 months to 12 years.
- Parents must diaper and discipline their own children and will be paged/called to Play Care as needed.
- Snacks and drinks are allowed, except those containing peanuts (due to allergy concerns).
- Children who appear sick will not be admitted. This policy is strictly enforced to protect the health and safety of all children and staff.
- Play Care hours are subject to change with reasonable notice.
Adults and kids alike can find plenty to keep them occupied at the Kroc Center, according to Shiyou. The 52,000-square-foot community center has an indoor pool, two-story water slide, fitness center, track and field, gym, arts and more. While the center is membership based, it offers scholarships to those who may not be able to afford to join and hosts free events that are open to the public.
“Year after year, the Kroc Center remains committed to meeting the needs of the community and finding innovate new ways to become an inclusive space for all,” Shiyou says. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we ensured our members received the necessary tools to get through difficult times, such as virtual fitness programs, drive-thru food pickups and children-centered social media events.”
For the holiday season, the center has planned a virtual Santa visit, Holiday Shape Up weight-loss contest and an eight-week membership opportunity for $20. The $50 membership fee will be waived for the month of January, Shiyou says, adding, “Let’s get 2021 off to a good start!”
IF YOU GO
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
575 Division St., Biloxi
(228) 207-1218
krocmscoast.org
www.facebook.com/kroccentermscoast