The Shaw JCC members of all ages are discovering new interests, making new friends and pushing themselves to new limits
By Mary Malik
Community, wellness, family. The Shaw JCC of Akron has stood for these three principles since its inception more than 90 years ago.
“The goal has always been to be much more than a fitness center,” says marketing director Shannon Piggott. “Today, we continue to demonstrate those principles in everything we do, from the Early Childhood Education Center (ECE) to more than 65 fitness and mind/body classes each week. This is a community where everyone feels comfortable and safe.”
And speaking of safety, Shannon stresses how important it is to JCC staff that members feel at ease no matter what activities or programs they’re taking part in.
“We are committed to the sanitation and overall cleanliness of our facility,” says Shannon. “It is top priority for us as our members return to their normal routines, get out of their homes and come together as a community. Our ‘My J’ app allows members to schedule classes, check out class sizes and reserve swim lanes so they can participate comfortably.”
The JCC has a long history of providing a community that aims to inspire its members to live a healthier life by becoming more active and pursuing different interests in a vibrant and welcoming environment.
“Some of the challenges of the pandemic and isolation are serious physical and mental health issues,” says Shannon. “The JCC is a place to bring the whole family and connect with the community again in a safe, positive and healthy way.”
From infants to seniors, the JCC offers programs and activities that accommodate all members who want to relax, play, sweat and learn. There are massage and sauna rooms, a steam room, indoor and outdoor pools, basketball and tennis courts, fitness classes, personal training, yoga, strength and conditioning, on-site Early Childhood Education and so much more.
“Members of the JCC enjoy lots of perks that include discounted fees on many programs, including Camp JCC,” says Shannon. “Camp JCC is a summer day camp for kids K-8, which includes many weeklong specialty sports camps along with STEM camps, arts camps, and new impactful programming for young teens. It’s nice for kids to get a taste of different activities to see what piques their interest without making a big commitment.”
The staff thinks of the JCC as a place of discovery. Members of all ages are discovering new interests, new friends and finding out what they’re really capable of by pushing themselves to new limits.
“There are so many options for members to pursue whatever they’re interested in,” says Shannon. “Whether it’s mind/body classes like yoga and Pilates, a cardio-based workout like spinning and Zumba or a personal trainer to push you even further.”
Shannon says the instructors and staff are the heart and soul of the Shaw JCC—and the reason members call this place home.
“It’s a different feel here than at your local gym,” says Shannon. “The front desk staff greets you by name and is ready to help with whatever you might need. The kids go one way, while you to a workout class, or maybe a massage. Whatever your needs might be, the Shaw JCC accommodates the whole family.”
The Shaw JCC is located at 750 White Pond Dr., in Akron. For membership information and a complete list of programs and activities, check the website ShawJCC.org, or call 330-867-7850.