Lewisburg Recreation Center has a lot to offer
By: Patty Blackburn
The Lewisburg Recreation Center- City of Lewisburg Parks and Recreation, located at 1551 Mooresville Highway, plays an important role in this community.
Director Cary Whitesell and Asst. Directors CeeJa Pillow and Brent McMahon, try to help in any way that they can with individuals, organizations, etc., that have a need to use the facilities which covers 81 acres with a 70,000 sq. ft. building.
A wide variety of services are offered throughout the year such as dance classes, karate, yoga, fitness classes, and water aerobics.
In the Sports Complex, is a Spin class instructed by Pam Pierce and a racquetball court, where you can play racquetball or wallyball. The fitness center has multiple pieces of exercise equipment and is accompanied by locker rooms for those who need to go to work directly after exercising.
The natatorium is open daily and is often used for water aerobics and high school and Rec League swim meets. Annually, hundreds of people are present to watch swimmers compete. This past year, the county’s high school swim team had four team members who received scholarships. There is also a hot tub with powerful jets that will massage those aching muscles and relieve stress. The lap pool and therapy pool have both been updated with more efficient pool heaters. Currently, the air quality/dehumidification system is being upgraded in the pool area with grant money and other sacrifices within the department. The indoor pools are often the main event for children’s birthday parties or just to swim in during the cold winter days.
The outdoor pool was updated in 2015. A slide and fountains were added and children love these two new amenities. Outdoor pool parties are also a huge splash during the summer months. Poolside has been the location for the Miss Marshall County Pageant – a tradition for over a half a century. The Miss Lewisburg Pageant and the Miss Juneteenth Pageant have made their way around the blue waters as well. The Red Cross teaches swim lessons here also.
Marshall County High School basketball players sometimes use the basketball courts for practice and in the fall. From December to March, youth basketball games are held in the gym. In the summer, the courts are often used for youth basketball camps, summer camps, pickle ball lessons, and indoor soccer activities. In addition to basketball, the gymnasium is equipped with six indoor pickle ball courts, one indoor volleyball court and one indoor tennis court. An indoor walking track is above the gym area and is very convenient for runners or walkers who would rather stay inside.
There are two meeting rooms that are available to rent. These rooms are available for parties, bridal showers, baby showers, small group meetings, and even proms.
Brent McMahon, Assistant Director of Golf Course and Outside Maintenance, manages the Ewell Butler Golf Course. This nine-hole golf course is utilized daily with availability of carts. Golfers from all over Middle Tennessee frequent the course and some would put its greens up against some of the best in the state. Golf tournaments are often held on this course for fundraising and the course serves as the home course for the Cornersville High School Golf Team. You can purchase annual memberships for the course as well as rent storage space for your personal golf cart.
The outside tennis courts have been a part of the Recreation Center since its inception. They are open to the public at no charge. These courts are the home courts for the Lewisburg Middle School and Marshall County High School Tennis Teams.
Children enjoy the Exploration Station that is located in the middle of the half-mile paved walking track. The Exploration Station was first constructed in the early 2000’s. Several improvements have been made over the years. Talos Engineering LLC, pressure washed, re-painted, and replaced several pieces of playground equipment. D. R. Horton graciously donated the much needed mulch and picnic area within the play area. The Exploration Station is much cleaner and brighter and even safer now, after these corporate partners spent hours giving the playground a much needed facelift, which is greatly appreciated.
A new pavilion was built, thanks to Lewisburg Rotary Club which helped fund with the construction. Talos Engineering LLC completed the electrical work and Lewisburg Public Works assisted with the demolition of the old pavilion. Several picnic tables are under the pavilion for anyone to use. Both pavilions located on the property are first come first serve, however, for a small fee, you can reserve them.
While most of the general public think we only have the Rec Center to offer and maintain, most don’t realize that Lewisburg is ranked in the 90th percentile in parks and greenspace per capita across the nation. There are 11 other properties and amenities that are included in the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Department. These properties include ballfields, youth soccer and youth football fields, neighborhood parks such as Jones and the Kiddie Park (Harmon Park), Rock Creek Park and the greenway, and New Lake.
The Lewisburg Recreation Center offers many opportunities for employment. Lifeguards, desk workers, day camp aides, outdoor grounds maintenance are a few of the required jobs at the facility. These positions are great opportunities for high school students or anyone who enjoys working with the public. “We try to help in any way that we can with the community,” said Director Whitesell. “Without the staff that we currently have, the Lewisburg Recreation Center would not be able to function. They are truly dedicated employees. Every department within the city works closely together and we do what we can to keep this city functioning to the best of our ability. We all stand together and support each other daily.”
The Lewisburg Recreation Center is a major contributor to our economy. It is a source of jobs as well as promoting healthy fitness whether it be specialized training programs or just working out individually. Furthermore, it is a major service to our citizens. It provides opportunities for physical, mental, and spiritual health. If you have questions or want to know about programs, hours or fees, call 931-359-2482. cary.whiteselll@lewisburgtn.gov
2025 Group Exercise Classes
- Spin Class (Pam Pierce) Monday & Thursday 6-6:45 p.m., Tuesday 3:30-4:15 p.m., 1 Saturday per month to be announced; $10.00 each class bring your own mat, and be ready for a great workout. First come basis on the bikes.
- Zumba (Megan Brody) Wednesday 6 p.m., Saturday 12-1 p.m., Megan.brady1008@gmail.com or Zumba.com/p/dancewithmegan
- Good Time Line Dance Class $10 each (Patricia Mclean) Tuesday 6-7 p.m. Held in small meeting room.
- Defined Movement Dance Studio (Katelin McNutt) Monday 3:20-6:20 p.m., Tuesday 8:40-9:20 a.m., Thursday 3:30-6 p.m.; Ballet, Tap, Jazz; Ages 3 and up, Adult classes also added to schedule in sessions, Private lessons in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Ballroom.
- Karate (Michael Burgess) Monday 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 9-11 a.m. USEWF WADO style martial arts training from beginner(white belt) through highly advanced (black belt).
- Fusion Fitness (Danielle Wakham) Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30-9:30 a.m. This class will boost your mood and fitness level with low intensity, dances suitable for all fitness and dance levels. Dance to different genres of music, including; Latin, top 40, and the Oldies.
- Water Aerobics (Dee Schultz, and Blair Glenn) Monday- Friday 8:30-9:30 a.m., Monday- Friday 9:45-10:45 a.m. All classes include cardio and toning, all water Aerobic classes are low impact and joint friendly. Class content varies.
- Silver Sneakers Land (Dee Schultz) Monday, Wednesday 11-12 a.m. This class is designed for beginners and those in recovery, it works on toning, balance, cardio, and stretching.
- Ai Chi Land (Dee Schultz) Friday 11-11:45 a.m. This is a version of Tai Chi that is non-impact and will strengthen your balance.
