As the renovation of the Weber Leisure Center was being discussed a few years back, facility manager Emily Guynn knew that structural change was not the only transformation needed. General early childhood and youth programming was also lacking at the facility.

“Adults with small children and grade school age kids were spending time in the building, but many of our families were telling us that they needed to be better engaged,” said Guynn. “It was clear that Weber needed to offer a wider range of programs that targeted children and families.”

Before the district even broke ground on the renovation, Guynn hired a youth recreation specialist in 2016, to review Weber‘s programming needs. 

Breanne Schnoor, the new recreation services supervisor at the leisure center, hit the ground running, evaluating current offerings and developing programs for tots to teens. These programs are being rolled out this fall (see pages 34–41 in the Fall 2017 Program Guide), many of them utilizing new programming spaces.

“We have created a Monday through Friday schedule that we hope will better suit parents who want to work out, while their children play and learn,” said Schnoor. “We also offer drop-off opportunities for parents who need affordable childcare and programming options.”

Weber also now offers more programs targeted at elementary school age kids, with a variety of programs beyond Weber’s traditional sports specialty classes.

Schnoor says that the new classes will offer flexibility for many families looking to register for either a multi-week session, one-time workshop, or special event, making for a more well-rounded Weber Center. 

Programming now includes:

• Early childhood classes with the ever-popular Hot Shots Sports offerings, in addition to new drop-in gym times, preschool science, and an art-sports hybrid class entitled “Smocks & Jocks.”
• New youth programs include one-day safety, circus and “Glitzy Girls” workshops, as well as chess, art, science, tech and engineering programs.
• “T.G.I. Fridays at Weber,” with pizza parties, open gym, middle school meet-ups, and family time gym.
• “Weber Center School’s Out Club,” featuring special theme days and activities.

And finally, the center now offers a spectacular roster of new kids’ birthday parties. (See page 45 of the guide.) ►

For more information or to provide feedback regarding your family’s new Weber Leisure Center programming experience, please call Breanne Schnoor at (847) 929-8505.

Breanne Schnoor, CPRP, Weber Recreation Services Supervisor

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in recreation and park administration at Illinois State University in 2008, Breanne spent a year-and-a-half as an intern and part-time assistant athletic supervisor at the Skokie Park District. She then went on to full-time jobs as the arts and youth program manager at the Glencoe Park District and the leisure services supervisor at the Northbrook Park District.

The Skokie Park District eagerly brought her back to the Weber Center in 2016, to put her experience to use developing new programs. Breanne is a nationally certified parks and recreation professional. 

When she is not running Weber programs, Breanne enjoys playing volleyball, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.