Benefits extend into community

By Stephen Parker
The TC News reporter

The C.O. Pinkerton Health and Recreation Center at Texarkana College is the local hub for students and community members to meet their fitness goals in a variety of activities.

About 700 students and community members utilize the gym every week, according to Pinkerton Fitness Director Debby Steifer.

TC has a student-body population of 3,537 for the spring 2016 semester, says the enrollment center.

Community member Tom Murphy says he enjoys the Pinkerton Center.

“The pool, low cost, and senior discount” are a few reasons, Murphy says.

While community members must pay for memberships, TC students receive free membership but must present their student identification card.

What does the gym offer to students and the community?

An Olympic-sized indoor pool with showers, lockers, and saunas for both men and women. Built in 1971, the pool boasts 11 lanes, 2 diving boards, plenty of stands for swim meets.

If sport is more your style, the Pinkerton Center offers a basketball court with three-half court goals, four regulation racquetball courts, and eight tennis courts. Of course, all are free to use by students, provided they have the required equipment necessary to enjoy the sport responsibly.

The Pinkerton Center has a cardio floor and two weight rooms. Overlooking the basketball court are several treadmills and ellipticals, as well as core stability machines. Downstairs, beside the requite ball court is the 16 piece hydraulic weight room that is a favorite for seniors or anyone who does not want to be bothered with loading and unloading of heavy weights or the extraneous sounds produced by clanging. If banging and clanging is your thing, the free weight room should serve you well. Stocked with free-weights donated by Icon Fitness, every standard piece of exercise equipment is represented here.

Community member Brann Hickman says, “This is the best gym in town.”

Hickman adds that after the peak time, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., you pretty much have the place to yourself.

Students, as well as, the community can enroll and pay for non-credit courses at the T.C. Business Office. Enjoy these exciting non-credit courses: Beginning Tennis, Ultimate Kickboxing, Gymnastics Acro &Tiny Tumbler, Cheerleading, Bodysculpting, and Pickle Ball. Pickle Ball is a simplified serve and volley-style game, fun for all ages and skill levels.

The Aquatic Center hours are Monday-Friday 12-1:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Several noncredit courses take place at the pool: Ladies Aquatic Move & Groove, Water Workout, Age Group Swim, Baby Swim, Springboard Diving, and a new course called Texarkana College Swim School that will benefit children as young as four years old. Family Swim takes place Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sunday 1-3 p.m., and is a time set aside for participants with children under 16 to swim only. No additional charge is required for Family Swim.

Credit courses are available, including a morning and evening yoga class, and an online holistic medicine course. These classes fall under the STEM Division.

For community members interested in achieving flexibility and clarity, Yoga with Lynnel Westerman is available for a fee in both the morning and evening.

The Pinkerton Center’s hours during spring break, March 7-11, are as follows: the gym will be open from noon-9 p.m., and the pool, noon-1:30 p.m.; 5:30-9 p.m. Weekend hours are the same.

People who wish to become community members should contact the T.C. Business Office at (903) 823-3040 for memberships and payments.

Truly, the Pinkerton Center is a valuable resource with many fitness options available to any student or community member.

Directed by Debbie Steifer, the staff ensures that patrons will enjoy a friendly, clean environment that is safe and secure.

Steifer says that she likes to take care of the students, community members, and staff.

“I see them as a second family and would do whatever is necessary to help,” Steifer says.