Fishers Freebirds

New 50-and-Better Club Enjoys Community Activities

Photography Provided

Fishers is considered to be one of the best communities in Indiana. It borders Indianapolis but retains a small-town feel. With a low crime rate, award-winning public-school system and multiple public parks, it attracts families who want a great place to raise children. But the city of Fishers isn’t just comprised of young adults and youngsters — it has a growing population of mature individuals, too. Fishers Parks and Recreation has responded to this group by creating Fishers Freebirds, a new program which provides diverse and varied activities for what it calls fifty and better citizens.

“We launched Fishers Freebirds in September 2018,” says Sarah Sandquist, Fishers Parks and Recreation Director. “The idea came from a trend that we started hearing from residents at our events and senior programs. We found that many of these community members had moved to Fishers to be closer to their grandchildren and families and wanted a resource to meet friends. We also noticed that many older adults don’t want to be called seniors, hence the name of our new initiative. Freebirds describe older adults who may be empty nesters or who have more free time because they are retired and want to connect with other like-minded people in the community.

“We also launched this new program to coincide with the city’s American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Age-Friendly Community Designation. The designation emphasizes the city’s commitment to continued age-friendly efforts.”

Besides offering activities that are constantly changing, the group has a set meeting on the first Wednesday of each month. These get-togethers usually feature a speaker or an activity and take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ambassador House, 10598 Eller Road.

The Freebirds are hosting some unique events in March. Some activities are free and others require a reservation and fee. A Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon will be held on Friday, March 15th at Saxony Hall, 13362 Pennington Road from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at $10 a person. Participants will enjoy a traditional Irish meal, live music and bingo with prizes. On Tuesday, March 19th, a gel paint printing class will be held at the Ambassador House from 10 a.m. to noon.  Each attendee will have the opportunity to create a piece of art using the technique taught for a charge of $20.

“We are launching a new Cards and Conversation and Game Night for Freebirds. Each will be offered twice a month,” adds Susan Davis, Event Coordinator. “We are also excited to continue our partnership with Hamilton Trace, A Cardon Family First Senior Living Community, who is the Fishers Freebirds sponsor.”

Individuals can see a list of upcoming Freebirds activities in the Fishers Parks and Recreation catalog, Play Fishers. The publication can also be viewed online along with signup instructions or registration can be done in person at the Fishers Parks and Recreation office, 11565 Brooks School Road, as well as by mail.

“The group is still growing, and there has been a lot of interest in these activities so far,” Davis says. “We plan on building on these Freebirds events and activities throughout the rest of 2019.”

Visit PlayFishers.com/Freebirds for more information on Fishers Freebirds.