Programs for Ages 50+
Designed to keep adults age 50+ and all adults with a disability actively engaged in the community, these programs serve those seeking opportunity to become involved and stay connected.
Bloomington offers a unique opportunity for those who are 50+ participants and want to be involved and leaders in the planning, developing and implementing of activities and programs.
For registration information and assistance, contact Creekside Community Center at:
952-563-4944 | MN Relay 711 | creekside@bloomingtonmn.gov
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Colored Pencil Art Class
Learn the basics of colored pencil art. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided.
Class consists of 1.5 hours of instruction followed by one hour of open studio time.
Schedule and Details
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
6-week session, April 17 - May 22, 2024
$36/resident, $44/nonresident
Register online at blm.mn/webtrac
Creative Crafts
Finish incomplete projects or challenge your inner artist and create something beautiful with donated supplies we have on hand.
Schedule
Monday: 1 - 3 p.m.
Leatherworking
Check out leatherworking and learn to make crafts and works of art out of leather. Tools, leather, and dyes available to use.
Schedule
Monday and Wednesday: 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Needleworkers
Socialize while creating blankets, scarves and other clothing items. Each year, local charities and schools receive an average 4,000 items are donated from this group.
Schedule
Thursday: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
North Star Scrollers
All ability levels are welcomed to learn everything about scroll sawing. $20 annual dues.
Schedule
First Saturday of the Month: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (September - May)
Quilting
Share your talents with this group. Crafts and quilts are made using donated materials. Many of the items are donated to various charities.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rock Shop (Lapidary)
Cut and polish rocks and gemstones into decorative pieces. Training and supplies are provided. There is a $5 fee per visit.
Schedule
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 – 3 p.m.
Thursday: 12 – 3 p.m.
Woodshop
This fully equipped wood shop is available to those looking to design and work on various projects. There is a $1 fee per visit. Participants must pass a proficiency test and wear an ID badge.
Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bridge
Mondays, 12 – 3:15 p.m.
Participants must bring a partner
$1 to play.
Card Lessons
Learn cribbage, euchre, hearts, and pinochle
Tuesdays, 12:30-3:00 pm
Club 500
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. $1 to play.
Cribbage
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 p.m. and Thursdays, 12:45 – 3:15 p.m. $1 to play.
Euchre
Wednesdays, 9 – 11:30 a.m. $1 to play.
Hand and Foot Canasta
Mondays, 12:15 – 3:30 p.m.
$1 to play.
Hearts
Fridays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$2 to play.
Pinochle
Single deck.
Mondays, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
$1 to play.
AARP Smart Driver Program
Refresh your skills and perhaps qualify for lower insurance rates. This course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your
loved ones safe on the road.
Class Options
- Initial 8-hour class
- 2nd Tuesday every month
- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Refresher class
- 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month
- 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Registration required. Fees apply.
- Participants must be 50 or older.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $5 service fee is due at the time of registration, payable to City of Bloomington.
- Instructor fee is due at the time of class, payable to AARP. Exact change or check for $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Bring AARP card.
- For more information and registration, call 952-563-4944 (MN Relay 711), or email creekside@bloomingtonmn.gov.
- If you cannot attend a Tuesday Creekside class, contact the AARP state office at 952-858-9040 for information on classes at other locations.
Download, print and share the AARP Smart Driver Program flyer.
Book Club
Join us to discuss current and classic novels.
Call Creekside for book titles.
Meets 4th Wednesday at 12:30pm (3rd Wednesday in December).
Dakim BrainFitness System
This touch screen computer program gives you a fully personalized workout to maintain brain fitness and slow the effects of cognitive decline. Stop by Creekside for a quick demonstration, complete an application and begin your personal brain fitness program today.
Library
The Creekside Library has an extensive collection of books and puzzles available for anyone to borrow.
Open Computer Lab
Tutors are on hand to help with PC technology questions Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bring your own laptop, tablet or cell phone.
Senior Discussion Group
Enjoy conversation with other older adults on a range of topics such as adjusting to retirement, staying healthy, and current news. This group offers the opportunity to meet new people and share your interests. Senior Discussion Group leader will offer conversation topics weekly, but participants are also encouraged to bring your own topics for discussion.
Subjects may include:
- Health
- Safety
- Scams
- Current Events
- News articles
- Retirement
- Activities
Group meets Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Download, print and share the Senior Discussion Group flyer.
Writers Club
Writers of all skill levels welcome. Bring out the best writer in you in whichever genre you prefer. Meets 1 - 3 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month, January – October and the third Thursday of the month, November and December.
Yoga
Gentle Mat Yoga
Learn a gentle form of yoga with modified movements and proper breathing techniques. Offered on Tuesdays in 6-week sessions except as noted. See fees below.
Sessions
- February 27 - April 2, 2024
- Session 1: 9 - 10 a.m.
- Session 2: 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
- April 16 - May 21, 2024
- Session 1: 9 - 10 a.m.
- Session 2: 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Chair Yoga
A modified form of yoga, using exercise principles of traditional yoga to increase participant's health and fitness by replacing a floor mat with a chair. Offered on Fridays in 6-week sessions except as noted. See fees below.
Sessions
- March 1 - April 5
- Session 1: 9 - 10 a.m.
- Session 2: 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
- April 19 - May 24, 2024
- Session 1: 9 - 10 a.m.
- Session 2: 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Yoga Fees
- 6-week Session: $42 for Bloomington residents, $54 for nonresidents
- 5-week Session: $35 for Bloomington residents, $45 for nonresidents
- Drop-in: $11 for Bloomington residents, $13 for nonresidents. (available when space allows)
- Cancellation policy applies.
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Fun Functional Fitness
Improve strength, balance, and flexibility in this 45-minute class. Light weights and bands will be provided for a total body workout. Class will be modified for all abilities.
- Thursdays, 12 - 12:45 p.m.
- 6-week session April 18 - May 23, 2024
- Fees: $42 - Bloomington resident / $54 - nonresident
- 6-week session April 18 - May 23, 2024
- Location: Room 110
- Registration: Required. Register online
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Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
**CLASS IS FULL**
The hour long classes include a warmup, low impact aerobics, balance exercises, strength training with weights, stretching exercises, and an educational component. SAIL can accommodate people with a mild level of mobility difficulty and those who are regularly active. The exercises focus on improving flexibility, bone and muscle strength, and overall fitness—important activities that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling.
- Tuesdays and Fridays
- 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
- All equipment provided.
- Registration required.
- Contact Creekside at 952-563-4944, MN Relay 711, or creekside@bloomingtonmn.gov
- Download, print and share the SAIL Flyer
Low Impact Exercise
Offering a light and moderate way to exercise, this class focuses on balance, low impact aerobics and strength training at not cost.
This is a video-guided class.
- Mondays, 9 - 10 a.m. and 10 - 11 a.m.
- Fridays, 9 - 10 a.m. and 10 - 11 a.m.
- No Friday 10 am class January 19, February 16, March 22, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 26, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, and December 13.
Walking Club
Join in the fun of the Creekside Walking Club!
2024 season begins May 7. Attend the first session and receive a free gift, while supplies last.
This free program meets Tuesday mornings at various Bloomington parks. A Parks and Recreation Department staff member will lead a 1–3 mile hike. Participants can go at their own pace and distance.
Walking Club focuses on socialization and enjoying the great outdoors. Often referred to as the best exercise, walking offers health benefits that include (but are not limited to):
- Strengthening the heart
- Lowering blood sugar
- Easing joint pain
- Boosting immune function
- Burning calories
- Improving mood
- Extending life expectancy
- Toning legs
- Enhancing creative thinking
Source: Healthline.com
Meeting locations and routes are sent via email to registered participants the previous Friday.
Download/print/share the 2024 season-opening Walking Club flyer.
Registration: Required online at blm.mn/webtrac.
Fee: Free
Location(s): Vary
Bloomington Public Health
Contact Ann at 612-704-3578.
Free Medicare Counseling Appointments
One-on-one appointments to help navigate the often complex process of enrolling in Medicare or supplemental health insurance policies. Provided by the Senior LinkAge Line.
- Schedule an in-person appointment at trellisconnects.org/get-help/medicare or 1-800-333-2433.
- Second and fourth Tuesdays, no fee.
Lunch and Live Better
Bring your lunch or snack and listen to the monthly topic on healthy aging. Presented by Bloomington Public Health. Different topic each month.
First Tuesday of the month, 11:15am-12:15pm
Call Ann Sattler for info at 612-704-3578.
50+ Leaders
Become involved in the planning, developing and implementing of activities and programs for the 50+ Program.
MUSIC
Music groups are available for performances in Bloomington and the greater metropolitan area. NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN!
The Bloomingtones
A mixed choral group who sing a wide variety of music from all eras for pleasure and entertainment. Rehearsals are Fridays, 9:30 a.m. Group meets September through May.
Classic Country Music Jam
Join, listen or dance as a group of musicians provide a FREE country concert Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Creekside Community Center.
Creekside Crickets
This band plays and sings oldies, country, polkas, waltzes, and show tunes at various venues in the area. Welcoming new members of all abilities that have an interest in music. Rehearsals are Thursdays, 10 - 11:30 a.m., September through May.
DANCE
Line Dancing Class
From beginners to experts, everyone is invited to participate in Creekside's line dancing class. The instructor will teach steps to the dances, and new dances will be taught at each class. Line Dancing is a fun way to move your body with benefits to coordination, heart and lung function, as well as stimulating the brain.
- 6-week session: Wednesdays, May 29 - July 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
- Fee: $30 for Bloomington residents, $32 for nonresidents.
- Registration: Contact Creekside at 952-563-4944 | MN Relay 711 | creekside@BloomingtonMN.gov
- Download, print and share: May-July 2024 Line Dancing Class flyer.
Born Again Jocks
Men’s sports leagues including bocce ball, bowling, tennis, golf, softball, table tennis and volleyball. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877. Fees may apply.
Bunco
Meets at 1 p.m. the second and third Wednesdays of the month, 1 p.m.
Garden Club
Create and design flower containers and gardens at Creekside. Donations of plants and gardening tools are accepted and can be picked up by volunteers. Monthly group meetings the fourth Wednesday of each month, March - October, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Holds an Annual Plant Exchange the first Saturday in June, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. every year.
Informal games and equipment
Puzzles, card and board games in the library. Bocce ball, shuffleboard, table tennis, and Nintendo Wii (bowling, tennis, and golf) equipment to check out and use at Creekside.
Movies
Enjoy watching a movie with others on Mondays at 11:30 a.m.
Call 952-563-4944 for movie titles and dates.
Nintendo Wii
Stay active and start a league today. Video bowling, tennis, golf, and more. Wii bowling Wednesday league, 12 p.m.
Pool (Billiards)
Calling all pool players! $10 annual membership fee. All skill levels welcome.
- Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Ladies Only: Thursdays, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation made due to lack of enrollment: 100% refund
- Prior to registration deadline: 100% refund, less $5 processing fee
- After registration deadline: NO refund
Watch these informative videos about ongoing and past events to learn more about the various ways you can stay active, engaged and connected at Creekside Community Center.
Get Fit at Creekside
Get Crafty at Creekside
