The Ruth Clarke Centre for Seniors was constructed in 1979. Annual memberships are available for adults age 55 and older. The annual membership allows for participation in the Centre’s programs as well as additional discounts for fitness classes. Meeting spaces are also available for rentals.
Ontario is currently in Step 3 of the Reopening Roadmap, with COVID-19 public health measures in effect for all Ontarians. Visit the COVID-19 page for details.
New Seniors Centre
On March 18, 2021, our Federal and Provincial governments announced that the Municipality of Port Hope was successful in their application for funding for the expansion of the Town Park Recreation Centre.
The project involves the expansion and rehabilitation of the existing Town Park Recreation Centre, with the addition of three multi-purpose rooms, a large gathering area, storage space, as well as rehabilitating the existing kitchen, increasing room sizes, and creating a new parking lot.
The addition at the Town Park Recreation Centre will be the new home to our 55+ membership and will provide improved access to the community and recreation activities.
Office hours of operation
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hours may vary dependent on programs.
Membership
Memberships can be renewed in person at the Town Park Recreation Centre or over the phone.
The annual membership fee for the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre is $20.00 per person per year. Nominal fees are applied to the Seniors Centre’s activities for participation.
Your membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
There are three types of memberships:
- Members shall be persons who are 55 years of age or older.
- Associate Members shall be partners or spouses of current club members, and are not yet 55 years of age. The only exception to this rule will be determined by the Board. Associate members shall have full privileges of membership except for the right to run for the Seniors Club Advisory Board.
- Life Members shall be persons who are members in good standing and have reached the age of 90 years. They shall be honoured at the annual general meeting and shall negate future membership fees.
Senior programs are offered year-round through the Ruth Clarke Centre. Various community groups and organizations use the facilities for their meetings and events.
Ruth Clarke Advisory Board |
| The purpose of the Advisory Board is to advise the Municipality of Port Hope, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, on matters pertaining to programs, activities and services to members of the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre Seniors and to fully represent the members of the Ruth Clarke Centre. The Advisory Board is comprised of elected members voted on by the membership. Those running or election are nominated by the membership to run for a position on the Board. The Board consists of no more then 9 members serving a 3 year term. Introducing your current Ruth Clarke Advisory Board:
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Virtual class requirements
For virtual classes you will be required to have a laptop, tablet or device with a camera and microphone to participate in these classes. You will receive an email 1 to 2 days before the start of your class with the Zoom link to join the class virtually. Please ensure your email is correct when you register for the program. If you have issues accessing the link for the class please call 905-885-7908.
For a list of available programs, dates and times, please visit our fitness page.
Over 80's discount |
| Older adults aged 80 and over can enroll for free in any of the dryland fitness programs offered by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture. Regular registration timelines apply and participants must meet age requirements at the time of enrollment. |
Minds in Motion |
| Minds in Motion is a 2-hour program that combines 1 hour of physical activity with 1 hour of mental and social stimulation. It is designed for individuals with any form of memory loss and their care partners to attend together. This program runs once a week for 8 weeks and offers the opportunity to establish new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences. This program is offered in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society at the Municipality of Port Hope. Due to the current pandemic Minds in Motion has shifted to make sure we can continue to offer our services and supports to all who wish to take part. Minds in Motion is currently being offered twice a week virtually over the Zoom platform. We have altered the program to run 30 Minutes physical exercise followed by 30 minutes of social/rec. Every Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. this is a perfect opportunity to try the program. There is no diagnosis needed for this program. There is no better time then now to try it out. We welcome all to join in our fun. For more information you can contact: Jennifer Stubbert Minds in Motion Coordinator 705-748-5131 ext 225 or 1-800-561-2588 or jennifer@alzheimerjourney.ca |
RCAC Programs: September 20-October 24, 2021
See below a list of the Phase 1 programs available to RCAC members. Phase 2 of programming will begin on October 25, 2021, and more programs will be added to the schedule including card programs.
Tai Chi |
| Beginning on September 21, 2021, the Tai Chi program will be returning and will take place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Current members of RCAC are welcome to participate in the program and three class levels will be available every Tuesday. Masks must be worn at all times. Participants are required to reserve their space in the program each week as space is limited. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908. Tuesdays, the three class levels include: Continuing 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Intermediate 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Beginners 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
Knitting Circle |
| Beginning on September 21, 2021 Knitting Circle will be returning and will take place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Bring your knitting supplies and enjoy each other’s company while sharing your projects and patterns. Participants are required to reserve their space in the program each week as space is limited. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Bingo |
| Beginning on September 21, 2021, Bingo will be returning and will take place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. The cost to play is $2.50. Participants are required to reserve their space in the program each week as space is limited. Reservations will open on the Thursday for the following week. To reserve your space, call 905-885-7908. All RCAC members are welcome! Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Darts |
| Beginning on September 9, 2021, current RCAC members are welcome to join our darts program at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Bring your own darts. Masks must be worn at all times. Participants are required to reserve their space in the program each week as space is limited. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
Nordic Pole Walking |
| Current RCAC members are welcome to join our Nordic Pole Walking program. Bring your poles and meet us at Riverside Park for a stretch and warm up. From there, we will venture off on the trails for a 3-5km walk through Port Hope. Masks must be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Participants are required to reserve their space in the program each week as space is limited. Reservations open every Thursday for the following weeks programs. To reserve, call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908. Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. |
RCAC workshops and events
A variety of free workshops and events are offered to RCAC members in partnership with local organizations. See a list below including dates, times, descriptions and how you can join.
How well do you know dementia? |
| September is World Alzheimer's Month. To bring awareness to this occasion the Alzheimer's Society is offering this free virtual workshop to members of RCAC. "How well do you know dementia?" is the topic of the workshop. Join us as we learn something new and bring awareness to this disease. Please email rclarkecentre@porthope.ca to receive the Zoom link. Friday September 24, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
Facility Amenities
- Community Hall with kitchen
- Lounge
- Small fitness room
- Computer lab
COVID-19 - Important Notice:
Precautions are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Service information on some pages may not be accurate during this time. Please refer to our COVID-19 Updates page for service changes.
