Looking to ease into a low-impact fitness routine that builds strength, improves flexibility, and helps you stay active? Willard Community Center is excited to partner with the YMCA to bring you the Fit for Life: Strength & Stretch Program, now offering both morning and evening class options to better fit your schedule!
This welcoming, low-impact class is perfect for older adults or anyone looking to stay strong and connected in a supportive environment. Led by YMCA instructors, the program focuses on gentle strength-building and stretching exercises to improve overall wellness.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10:00 – 10:45 AM
July 15 through August 26 (no class August 7)
Cost: $12 for the entire session (financial assistance available)
Tuesdays & Fridays
5:30 – 6:15 PM
July 8 – August 29
Free Trial Classes: July 8, 11, 15 & 18
Cost: $12 for the entire session after the trial period (financial assistance available)
Whether you prefer to get moving in the morning or wind down in the evening, we have a class that’s right for you. Come join us and make movement a part of your routine this summer at Willard!
Willard Community Center is excited to invite you to the Schroder Park Wellness Campuses Annual Party in the Park on Saturday, July 26, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM!
This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy summer fun, connect with neighbors, and learn more about local community resources.
Guests of all ages can look forward to a variety of activities, including:
⚽ Soccer Darts
💦 Dunk Tank
🎁 Prizes
🏡 Community Resource Booths
🤝 Opportunities to meet neighbors and local organizations
Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, this event is a great way to build connections and celebrate all that our community has to offer. Bring the whole family and enjoy a few hours of laughter, games, and meaningful conversations.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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We were thrilled to welcome Officer Stegman from the Lincoln Police Department to our school-age summer program for a special morning of learning and connection.
Officer Stegman spoke with the children about a variety of important topics, including summer safety, personal safety, and the everyday responsibilities of a police officer. The visit was interactive and engaging; students had the opportunity to ask questions, share stories, and gain a deeper understanding of how law enforcement supports our community.
Beyond just safety tips, the visit helped build trust and positive relationships between our youth and local law enforcement. Experiences like this are an important part of our program’s mission to provide not only academic and recreational enrichment but also meaningful community engagement.
We extend a heartfelt thank-you to Officer Stegman and the Lincoln Police Department for taking the time to connect with our kids and contribute to a safe, informed, and supported summer!
Get ready for another unforgettable evening of music, community, and summer fun! The next installment of the Schroder Park Summer Concert Series is set for Wednesday, June 25, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, featuring Tonal Anomaly.
Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and the whole family for a relaxing evening filled with live music and great company. Whether you're dancing to the beat, enjoying a picnic in the park, or catching up with neighbors, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
These concerts are more than just music; they’re about celebrating community, connecting with others, and making the most of the summer season right here at the Schroder Park Wellness Campus.
We’re keeping the momentum going with week 2 of the Summer Reading Program in partnership with the Lincoln City Libraries, and what a week it was! Each session continues to foster a love for reading while giving our school-agers a chance to explore new books, engage in themed activities, and connect with peers.
This week’s selections sparked laughter, conversation, and curiosity. Whether reading aloud as a group or diving into a book on their own, the kids showed real excitement about their reading goals. Library staff led thoughtful discussions and interactive reading activities, keeping everyone engaged and having fun.
Programs like this help strengthen literacy skills during the summer months while nurturing lifelong readers. A big thank you to Lincoln City Libraries for their continued support and creative programming. We’re excited to keep reading all summer long!
This week, our school-age program took a step back in time with an exciting field trip to Morrill Hall, home of the University of Nebraska State Museum. Known for its impressive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences, the museum offered our kids a unique look into the natural history of Nebraska and beyond.
From towering mammoth skeletons to ancient sea creatures and prehistoric camels that once roamed our region, the children were captivated by the fascinating exhibits. They especially loved the interactive displays, where they could dig for fossils and learn how scientists uncover the past.
This trip wasn’t just educational; it sparked curiosity, imagination, and lots of great questions. It was a great reminder of how learning can be an adventure, especially when it's rooted in discovery and fun.
Willard Community Center is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln to support the continued growth of our adult programming. This generous funding marks an exciting step forward as we work to provide more opportunities for wellness, connection, and community engagement among adults and aging neighbors.
Willard’s adult programming is designed to foster social connection, promote lifelong learning, and support overall well-being. With the support of CHE, we’ll be able to expand current offerings and introduce new opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of our adult community members, from health and wellness activities to enrichment classes and intergenerational events.
“This funding allows us to be more intentional in serving a population that has long supported Willard through the years,” said Sarah Reinke, Executive Director of Willard Community Center. “We’re excited to grow our outreach and make our programs even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.”
We’re deeply grateful to the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln for its commitment to building a healthier, more connected Lincoln. Their investment helps ensure that individuals of all ages have access to resources that enhance quality of life and promote community well-being.
Stay tuned as we roll out expanded adult programming in the coming months, and thank you for being part of the Willard family!
At Willard Community Center, we’re always reaching for the stars, literally! Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Don Hain from the Prairie Astronomy Club, who shared his incredible knowledge of the solar system with our school-age students.
Don’s passion for space was contagious as he guided the children through a cosmic journey exploring the stars, the sun, and our vast galaxy. With engaging visuals and interactive discussion, he brought the universe to life. The kids were starstruck with curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and excitedly soaking up new facts about the wonders above us.
Programs like this spark a love of science and discovery, and we’re so thankful for community partners like Mr. Hain and the Prairie Astronomy Club who make learning fun, accessible, and inspiring. His visit was truly out of this world!
Thank you again to Don and the Prairie Astronomy Club for helping our young learners shoot for the stars.
The Willard Community Center’s summer program had an electrifying experience thanks to a special visit from Lincoln Electric System (LES). LES staff brought a dynamic and engaging presentation to teach students about electricity, voltage, and the importance of electrical safety.
Using real-world demonstrations, including the ever-popular pickle and hot dog on the power lines, LES captured the kids' attention and curiosity. These memorable visuals helped students understand how electricity flows and why safety is so important when it comes to power lines.
The interactive session not only sparked excitement but also gave students a unique opportunity to explore STEM topics in a fun, hands-on way.
We are incredibly grateful to LES for taking the time to share their expertise and for being a strong community partner. Experiences like this leave a lasting impact and help inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters, Willard Community Center raised $9,275 during Give to Lincoln Day!
Every donation, whether from right here in Lincoln or from friends and supporters beyond, plays a vital role in helping us continue our mission. Your support allows us to offer meaningful programs for children, families, and older adults, creating a space where the community grows, connections are made, and lives are positively impacted every day.
These funds will directly support the heart of our work: providing safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect, and thrive. From early childhood education to after-school care to senior outreach programs, your generosity makes it all possible.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave. Thank you for being part of the Willard community and for believing in the power of local support to create lasting change.
