EFFINGHAM – The Richard E. Workman Sports & Wellness Complex will no longer accept the Silver Sneakers program in 2025.
Over 500 Silver Sneakers members utilized the program for those 65 years or older, which allowed access to the Complex for free through certain insurance providers. However, after nine years, both the Effingham Park District and the new management of the complex, Trophy Fitness, made the difficult decision to end the program.
“It’s a great program for members,” said Effingham Park District director and secretary Jeff Althoff. “But it’s not a good program for us at the complex because we really don’t get any money for it, or we get very little.”
Althoff said it wasn’t an easy decision. In late summer 2024, the Park Board discussed continuing the program with Trophy Fitness, who started managing the facility in September. Both researched what would happen if they were to cancel it, including checking with similar facilities, like YMCA. YMCA doesn’t accept the program for the same reason: They can’t afford it.
“We understand this is not what the Silver Sneakers members want to hear, but unfortunately, we’ve got to try to make ends meet, and if we want to keep offering the programs that we offer in there and keep updating the equipment and everything, then this is just a step we have to do,” said Althoff.
If a Silver Sneakers member signed up for a membership before the new year, individuals were able to get a discounted membership for $30 per month, instead of the regular $44 or $55 – depending on if they are in or out of the district. The discount will hold until they terminate their membership.
According to Althoff, the complex averaged about $3 per member per month. He’s had members reach out to him to voice their concerns about the program being canceled.
Beverly and Bill Golladay, both 84, were Silver Sneakers members who chose to sign-up for the $30 a month individual memberships. The Effingham citizens have been going to the complex since it opened and go every day to use the weights, bikes, rowing machines and walk three to five miles on the track.
“We don’t like that the Silver Sneakers was taken away,” said Bill Golladay. “I think there’s 500 or so people that were Silver Sneakers here, and it encouraged older people to get out and exercise … I don’t like it, but it is what it is.”
“We think it’s wrong,” said Beverly Golladay.
Gary Stepp, 72, and PK Stepp, 67, are also two Silver Sneakers members who live in Effingham. They were both disappointed to learn Silver Sneakers is ending because they visit the complex a few times each month to use the weight machines, walk the track and play pickleball. They also chose to sign-up for individual memberships.
“It’s just hard when you’re on a fixed income,” said Garry Stepp.
Steve Pickett, 78, and Marlene Pickett, 77, are also two Silver Sneakers members who were disappointed to learn the complex was ending the program because they’ve been utilizing the program since the complex opened. According to Steve, Marlene goes two or three times each week to utilize the walking track, machines and classes. The Picketts also chose to renew their memberships.
However, The Zone co-owner Rob Brown says they accept the Silver Sneakers program. There’s a one-time $15 activation fee, and Silver Sneakers members have access to the same amenities and equipment as other members.
For those interested, visit thezoneeffingham.com or call 217-347-7400.
Effingham’s Planet Fitness also accepts the Silver Sneakers program, which includes everything their classic membership does, according to Planet Fitness employee Riley Crain. They also receive a discount if they choose to sign-up for a Black Card.
For more information, visit the Planet Fitness website or call 217-690-4196.