One of Conroe’s treasures is tucked away in Candy Cane Park.

 Formally named the C.K. Ray Recreation Center, locals simply call it The REC.   The REC’s busy activity schedule and low membership fees reflect its commitment to serve the citizens of Conroe. (The facility was remodeled in 2010 and was renamed after C. K.  Ray to honor his 30 years of service on the City of Conroe’s Parks and Recreation and Advisory Board.  Ray remembered when the only thing the park had was one rose bush, a flagpole, and a swing set.)  

The REC is open from 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Monday through Thursday. It closes at 8:00 PM on Friday.  Saturday’s schedule is 7:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The center is closed on Sunday.  Recreation and aquatic memberships are available for only $25 a month for Conroe residents; $32 a month for non-residents.  No contract is required.  Discounts are available for seniors, students, special needs, retired military, and government employees.  A household of four Conroe residents pays only $55 a month; non-residents pay $69.  There are approximately 3,000 paid members.

The full-fitness facility has something for everyone.  It offers two racquetball courts, a gymnasium, locker rooms, a cardio fitness room, a child care room, a weight room, and fitness classes for all levels.  The cardio fitness room is equipped with elliptical trainers, treadmills, and upright recumbent bikes.  The weight room has a variety of machines and free weights.    

Fitness classes suitable for adults, including seniors, begin at 8:00 AM and include Zumba, Pilates, and Yoga.  About 35 classes are included in the membership fee. All needed equipment is provided.  Instructors offer modifications to participants’ fitness levels.

The KidZone offers members valuable child care service for an additional fee.  An  experienced staff  of college students and retired educators provide child care for children ages 6  months to 8 years old for two hours a day while the adult participates in activities at the center. Sara Vanwassehnova has been working part time in the KidZone for nine years.  Noel Carmona, who also works there now, says “I’ve been coming to The REC with my brothers since I was 14.  I love this place.”

In addition to fitness classes, The REC also offers special interest classes such as  gymnastics, karate, and dance.  Those activities require extra fees.

Gymnastics will begin May 1 for ages 3-11 and will meet twice a week.  Karate classes meet on Tuesdays and include instruction for white belt, yellow to red belt, as well as classes for adults.

One of the most popular activities is Mary Martin’s  dance classes for children.  Approximately 100 students ages 18 months to 16 years old are enrolled.  Six-year-old Viviana Ocheh is wearing black ballet slippers and a black leotard.  She watches dancers in the class before hers go through their routines.  “This is my first time.   I want to be a good dancer.”  Lisa Otwell brings her daughter Ava Robinson each week.  She said, “The class is  a mix of ballet, tap, and jazz.  Miss Mary makes it fun for her.  It’s not all work; they get a few minutes to freestyle.” Another mother said, “My daughter has been in dance since she was 18 months old. We’ve tried other places, but we always come back here. My daughter really likes Miss  Mary.  She makes it fun for them.” Gabi Kingsley said, “Miss Mary is great.  She’s no nonsense, but they listen to her and follow directions.”  Her daughter Arden is in the six-year-olds class.

In addition to weekly classes, the dancers  perform at events like the Crawfish Festival and at two recitals a year. Their  Spring recital is scheduled for May 14.  The next recital will be in December.

“Pickle ball is one of the fastest growing sports,” according to Mike Cantu, who is the Recreation Center Supervisor.  “Pickle ball is similar to tennis, but it’s played with a plastic ball and paddles instead of racquets.  We have three courts, and thirty to forty people are here Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM waiting for courts.”

For water lovers, the Conroe Aquatic Center/Waterpark has two year-round pools that are heated and covered. The Competition pool is 25 yards long and is heated to 82 degrees.  The other pool is 25 meters long and is heated to 85 degrees.

The water park has zero depth entry and interactive play structures. There are five water slides and three pavilions that have chairs and tables around the pool.  It is in demand for rental for birthday parties and celebrations.  Facility membership is not required to purchase a Water Park Season Pass; however, active members get a super-discounted rate.

The REC also serves special  needs individuals.  Edie Lara expressed her appreciation for the Recreation Center this way, “I work with intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals, helping them get exercise and develop social skills.  I’m so glad the Center has reopened after Covid, because our clients really need it.  They use the exercise equipment, play basketball in the gym; sometimes they want to play racquetball.  The REC center is an important part of the community.”

            A small group of men who “do little exercising, but lots of socializing” sit at a table near the coffee pot.  Glenn Ehlers, a Vietnam veteran says, “The coffee’s free, and we can come here and forget our problems.  We learn something every day from one another. I’m a retired insurance agent.”  He nodded to the man across the table from him.  “That fellow’s a retired dentist.”      

            The Activity Center is a separate building.  It hosts Rock Steady boxing, one of the two fastest growing programs according to  Mike Cantu.  Rock Steady is a non-contact boxing program for adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. There are several classes each week for varying ability levels.  Dr. Carly Wilson, described by one participant as “an encouraging angel”  directs physical therapy activities for participants.  She and the other coaches provide activities that improve the cognitive and physical abilities of participants.  The classes also encourage social interaction with peers.

            The Activity Center comes alive on Friday nights for the senior dances. For only  $5 per person, about a hundred seniors ages 55 and older can spend an evening dancing and listening to music provided by a live band that changes every week.

The Senior Center at 1202 Candy Cane Lane is open Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM.  Seniors socialize by playing games, painting, crafts, bingo, and movie days. Coffee and light snacks are available. Lunch, provided by local restaurants, is served daily.  Special events such as Senior Day at the Fair and workshops are held throughout the year.

Amenities at The REC include ample parking (including bike parking), several designated handicapped spaces, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

            Need a venue for a family reunion or a party or wedding reception?  Both the Activity Center and the Waterpark are available for rental and are in demand for social events.

Phone 936-522-3900, email recreationcenter@cityofconfoe.org or check www.cityofconroe.org/departments/parks-recreation for more information, or visit the Recreation Center at 1203 Candy Cane Lane, Conroe, TX 77301.

Plans for 2022 include expansion of Conroe’s Parks and Recreation facilities. The City of Conroe has purchased the former YMCA near the South Loop and plans to open the location as the Westside Recreation Center. It will include a gymnasium, a pool, a fitness center, and new racquetball courts.

The park on Candy Cane Lane has come a long way from a rose bush, a flagpole, and a swing set.  C. K. Ray would be proud.