Activities Keep Age 50-Plus Adults Energized at Barrington’s Peck Center

Winter can feel like a perfect storm of isolation. But places like the Peck Center for Adult Enrichment are working hard to change that. With a packed calendar of programs for adults 50 and older, the Center welcomes not only Barrington residents, but also members from surrounding communities. “It all happens here,” says Jean Bellm, director of the Town of Barrington’s Senior Services and Parks and Recreation departments.

Tucked into the lower level of the Barrington Public Library, the Peck Center serves as a lively hub for learning, movement, social connection, and community collaboration. It’s home to both the town’s Senior Services and Recreation departments, which partner closely to offer shared programs and initiatives – a true one-stop center for growth and enrichment.

The center’s mission is simple but powerful: to create a welcoming place where people can stay active, stay connected, and feel supported. “Our programming includes a wide range of offerings such as fitness classes, art classes, support groups, bus trips, blood pressure screenings, monthly birthday celebrations, and special programs focused on supporting healthy, active aging,” says Lisa Portier, project manager at Barrington Recreation. “There’s something going on here all day long, which is wonderful.”

During the day, the center becomes a safe and energizing space for seniors to gather, chat, laugh, and move. Fitness options like cardio and yoga are offered at all ability levels, with an emphasis on keeping bodies strong and minds engaged. For those craving creativity, the Peck Center also hosts hands-on workshops, including floral arranging and watercolor painting, often taught by skilled volunteers who are professionals in their fields. Most evenings are filled with cooking classes, dance lessons, sports leagues, educational workshops, and additional fitness programs. The Center encourages local professionals and community members to share their expertise. Those interested in teaching, volunteering, or sponsoring a program are invited to get involved.

The impact is real – and sometimes deeply emotional. “One senior shared that we saved her life because she was lonely,” says Bellm. “We constantly hear they consider us family, and this is where they want to be, which is rewarding.” Beyond social and recreational programming, the Peck Center provides access to essential resources. A daily lunch sponsored by the East Bay Community Action Program is available to anyone in need, and it’s open to nonmembers as well. Transportation is also offered for those who can’t drive, helping remove one of the biggest barriers many seniors face. Weekly trips to the local supermarket, along with bus outings to plays and special events, help participants remain independent and access opportunities they might not otherwise have.

“The whole space is constantly filled with different networks and community happenings,” says Portier. “The open-mindedness of our leadership allows us to be creative and work hard to develop new programs.” That same energy extends well beyond the Peck Center’s walls. The Recreation department also hosts many of Barrington’s beloved annual events, including the arts festival, tree lighting, and pumpkin harvest party. Year-round, the department manages summer camps, oversees Barrington Beach, coordinates athletic field reservations, and runs a summer concert series. Learn more at Barrington.RI.gov.