Judging by the busy playground, most of you Daybreak residents with kids have already visited the recently opened park by Oquirrh Lake. As my school-age boys would say, isn’t it awesome?! The largest and, by far, the best playground in Daybreak, the new west end of Rowdy Park offers a whole lot of fun for kids of all ages.

     First of all, there’s the playground. Unlike many other parks in Daybreak, at the west end of Rowdy Park you’ll find entertainment for both very young children and older kids, too. To start, there are swings—not only regular swings, but also the first baby swings in Daybreak! There’s a tube slide set right on the side of a hill (make sure your kids wear durable pants because they’ll probably end up sliding right down the hill, too). And there’s this merry-go-round contraption that you can hang from and go around and around. But the best part, according to my kids, is the incredible climbing structures made of sturdy ropes webbed around metal frames. Like ships or towers or giant three-dimensional spider webs, the structures encourage imaginative play and some great games of tag.

     And then, of course, there’s the lake with its jogging trails and deep blue beauty that we’ve all enjoyed for awhile now. Just beyond the playground down at the water’s edge, there’s a sandy beach complete with sand-castle perfect wet sand. But even though the spot seems perfect for cooling off on a warm spring day, don’t even try to get in the water. Kennecott’s infamous no swimming rule is still very much in effect and the lake security guards will descend on you promptly if you so much as touch the water with your feet—I understand “stay out of the lake” signs will be posted soon. Maybe when South Jordan City takes over the lake someday, they’ll allow swimming—or at least wading—and we’ll be able to enjoy the beach as it was meant to be enjoyed.

     In addition to the exceptional playground and lake, there are some other great features at the new park. Two adjustable basketball hoops with separate half courts invite pick-up games and shooting practice. Plenty of park benches, picnic tables, and well-placed rocks provide rest for supervising parents and worn-out grandparents. Tons of extra sand around the playground gives kids with wise parents who steer clear of water a place to dig, too. And the landscaping—like always at Daybreak parks (yes, even Founder’s Village parks have better landscaping than what you find at a typical neighborhood park)—adds beauty, character, and atmosphere to the area. There are even lots of shade trees.

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The child care at the community center is excellent—who better to leave your precious children with than neighbors and friends?—but pricey. At $2.50 an hour per child (ages 18 months to 8 years) or $3.50 an hour for an infant (older than 6 months) the rates are pretty comparable to typical daycare but extremely expensive for gym child care. And you have to pre-pay in 10-hour increments. They increased the fees last year in order to make the child care more self-reliant, so residents who aren’t using the child care don’t have to pay for it, but if you’re bringing even a couple kids to the gym regularly, you’ll honestly probably save money working out somewhere else. Also, the child care fills up quickly, especially for infants—I would’ve been sent home this morning without my workout if someone else hadn’t canceled at the last minute—so don’t be like me and make sure to call ahead for a reservation.

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Personally, I get bored stiff on a treadmill. I’m walking, I’m walking…I’m running, I’m running…and I’m still staring at the same four walls…yawn. I like the variety, external motivation, and camaraderie provided by a good fitness class. And let me tell you, the classes at the Daybreak Community Center supply a hefty dose of all three.

From heart-pumping indoor cycling to muscle-building Body Pump (a Les Milles barbells and step class) to inner-peace-finding yoga, there’s lots of fun ways to become a healthier you. For a full schedule of available classes, stop by the community center or check the calendar at www.daybreakliving.net. If you’re not thrilled with the range of classes currently offered, they’ll be sampling new classes soon so make sure you get involved to lend your two cents.

The instructors at the community center are excellent. If you can’t afford a personal trainer (they have those, too), the next best thing is an instructor who tells you when—and how—to warm up, work hard, work harder and cool down, too. And they’re friendly, kind people who’ll take time to make sure your step is properly aligned and give advice for comforting sore calves or easing injured muscles.

Speaking of friendly, that’s one of the best assets of the Daybreak Community Center. As opposed to some other local gyms, the atmosphere is relaxed, casual and low-key. Everyone’s there to get a good workout, not care whether your sports bra matches your running shorts. And since you often run into friends and neighbors, or maybe drag them in with you, there’s a lot of moral support and general encouragement which really help keep you going in your fitness goals.

But there is a drawback to all these great benefits: you have to pay for them. Your HOA fee, which covers your membership to the community center, does not include the classes so that those who don’t take them don’t have to pay for them. But at $30/month (or $5/lesson), the rate is pretty comparable to other gyms in the area and your $30 gets you into any class offered throughout the month (except yoga, which is privately run—you have to pay the instructor separately).

And I have some good news if you’re thinking about taking the DCC classes: you can try them out for free! The much heralded re-launch classes (new music and new moves) on Saturday, January 31—Body Step at 7:30 a.m. and Body Pump at 8:30 a.m.—will be free to all Daybreak residents, no class pass required. If you plan to go, make sure you call ahead to sign up starting Thursday, January 29. Come down and get your feet moving, your heart pumping, and your fit on!

Coming up: basketball, volleyball...sitting in the corridor?