By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
While not the thousands of people it would normal host during Spring Break, the Salvation Army Kroc Center will be offering limited activities for the annual vacation time for families.
With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing many families from traveling during Spring Break, Kroc Center officials decided to step in and offer opportunities for families to get out of the house and have fun safely.
“Spring Break is normally our busiest week of the year, but last year we were closed entirely as COVID was just starting to spread,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior Kroc officer. “This year, we really want to give families a chance to take part in their favorite Kroc Center activities, while making sure safety is still the top priority.”
Each day, April 5–9, Kroc Center recreation areas will be available for exclusive private experiences between 12:30 and 2:30pm, when the rest of the building is closed to members for cleaning. Families are encouraged to gather with friends and relatives they feel comfortable creating a “pod” with to take advantage of the group activities.
The available activities include:
- The Aquatics Center, including giant waterslide, lazy river, and more, with lifeguard supervision.
- $350 for up to 35 total guests
- The Gymnasium (two courts available), including several options for sports equipment, plus an attendant.
- $125 for up to 15 total guests
- The Worship and Performing Arts Center, including bounce houses and other games, plus an attendant.
- $100 for up to 15 total guests
All guests will be expected to follow health and safety guidelines put in place by the State of Michigan’s epidemic orders while at the Kroc Center. This includes temperature checks and health screenings upon entry, along with requirements on face coverings during all activities (except swimming).
“While we would love to be able to offer the full Spring Break experience, it’s not possible with the capacity limitations we still have from the state,” Brutto said. “We felt this would be the next best way to give families opportunities to enjoy the Kroc in a way that helps them feel safe and comfortable.”
Anyone interested in reserving one of the available recreation times should visit GrKrocCenter.org/springbreak.