Alliance Recreation Center
About Alliance Recreation Center
At Alliance Recreation Center, a gym visit can sit right next to afterschool care, ChildWatch, or a summer camp day for K-5th graders. That kind of everyday usefulness matters for local families, especially when the programs are priced to stay accessible and scholarships help more people take part. It’s also a place built for the whole person. The mission is about healthy minds, bodies, and spirit, and the programs here reflect that in a very practical way, from fitness classes to child care to classes and leagues for youth and adults.
What stands out here is how many needs it meets without losing its local feel. Alliance Recreation Center pairs a fitness center with 24-hour access for eligible members, ChildWatch, ARC AfterSchool, Full Day Summer Camp, and scholarships, all in service of people across faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Programs and leagues
Quality, affordable programs for youth and adults.
Fitness classes
Group exercise classes for members and guests.
24-hour access weight room and gymnasium
24-hour access to the weight room and gymnasium for eligible members.
ARC AfterSchool
Afterschool programming for K-5th graders in partnership with Alliance Public Schools.
Full Day Summer Camp
Full-day summer camp for K-5th graders with field trips, activities, swimming, snacks, parks, and gardening.
ChildWatch
Drop-in child care while caregivers use the facility.
Weightlifting
A 60-minute weightlifting class.
Bike spin
A 45-minute bike spin class.
CrossFit
A 60-minute CrossFit class.
Zumba Dance
A 60-minute Zumba Dance class.
Pilates
A Pilates class led by Meredith Erickson.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To help local citizens put Christian principles into practice through affordable health and fitness programs that build healthy minds, bodies, and spirit, using professional staff and volunteers.
Who they serve
Local families, youth, adults, and children in Alliance, with programs open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels.
Their impact
- 78 households supported with scholarships
- 68% increase in scholarships awarded in 2025
- $41,168 in scholarships awarded
- 162 individuals received scholarships
- 71,000 facility visits
- 2,127 ChildWatch play dates
How your donation helps
- Quality equipment for programs
- Operational projects such as 24-hour accessibility
- Financial aid for families or children in need
- Support for programs and memberships
Our story
In the early 1980s, a group of community members, including Duane Worley, Dick Lloyd, Geoff Hopkins, Jim Cadwallader, Bob Knight, Roger Schneekloth, Chris and Suzie Wilkinson, and John McGhehey, came together to look at community needs, find a location, research facilities, and raise funds for a recreation center. The organization formed in 1985, received its charter from Y of the USA in the late 1980s, and later hired Dan Akeley as its first executive director as it grew into the ARC.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Alliance Recreation Center’s services.
Families can enroll in ARC AfterSchool on the APS schedule, and people seeking financial assistance for membership can fill out the financial assistance form, bring it in, or email it to info@alliancereccenter.com.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Putting the Unity in Community
There's something for every member of your family
We'll hang with the kids while you get your sweat on!
The ARC has always been a staple in this community.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Alliance Recreation Center has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer board of directors
- Program managers
- Maintenance crew
- Help with various projects
- Volunteer application
Recognition & press
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What ages can use ChildWatch?
ChildWatch serves children from 6 weeks old through age 9.
What does ARC AfterSchool run on?
ARC AfterSchool follows the APS schedule and runs from dismissal until 6:00 pm on school days.
What do memberships include?
Memberships include fitness classes and 24-hour access for ages 19 and older. Members ages 16 and older get extended access, and Family Plus memberships include drop-in ChildWatch.
How can families ask about financial assistance?
Families can fill out the financial assistance form, bring it in, or email it to info@alliancereccenter.com.
What activities are included in Full Day Summer Camp?
The camp includes swimming, snacks, parks, gardening, field trips, and other activities for K-5th graders.
Similar nonprofits
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