55+ Membership Program

Group of seniors in a group huddle

We've got friendly surroundings and activities for all adults age 55+. We promote involvement, commitment, goodwill and participation among groups and individuals within the membership community. The Town Park Recreation Centre is now home to our 55+ membership.

Icon of a membership card with a checkmark55+ Membership gives you all these perks:

  • Access to the facility: such as the lounge and computer lab. 
  • Programs and staying social: Attend programs, clinics, demonstrations and workshops. Plus social and special events too!
  • Exclusive discounts: off lunches and other special events.

Membership fees: Residents fee: $25.00, Non-Residents fee: $31.25

Explore the Membership FAQs below for answers to commonly asked questions.

Membership FAQs

Benefits of becoming a member

Your 55+ membership card entitles you to:
  • Attend programs, clinics, demonstrations and workshops 
  • Attend special events – parties, dances, guest speakers, movies
  • Grab a coffee and make use of the facility such as the lounge and computer lab with free wi-fi
  • Borrow a book or a puzzle! Our Lending Library is stocked regularly by our helpful volunteers and members. 
  • Keep updated with the latest information on items such as local initiatives, health care, hospital direction, community support, social services
  • Meet lots of new friends and people in your community
  • Stay connected with our newsletter subscription
  • Discover a new hobby/skill/talent
  • Become involved in meaningful volunteer work
Nominal fees are applied to the Seniors Centre’s activities for participation. 

Who qualifies for a membership

  • Members shall be persons who are 55 years of age or older.
  • Residents of Port Hope over 90 years of age get a complimentary membership. 

Why do I need a membership?

Membership fees help offset some of the costs of running the centres such as heat, hydro, snow removal, repairs, equipment, program supplies and general maintenance of the centres. In the interest of fairness, everyone who participates in programs or events must have a valid membership - this way everyone contributes.
And as an added perk you get free coffee and tea with your membership!

How do I get a membership

Ready to register? Memberships can be renewed in person at the Town Park Recreation Centre or over the phone at 905-885-7908. In some instances, nominal fees are applied to the Seniors Centre’s activities for participation. Your membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

icon of a calendar55+ Programming Calendar

See below for a list of programs and workshops available to 55+ members. Check back regularly as we continue to add new offerings.

Check out our recreation schedules calendar for these listings and more activities! 

Programs

Card Programs

Below is a list of all card programs that are currently available to 55+ members.

Duplicate Bridge

Enjoy a moderately relaxed game of Duplicate Bridge! This group is best suited for players with intermediate skills and a solid understanding of the game. Bring your partner and come for fun, friendly and challenging play and great company. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.


Bid Euchre

Enjoy an afternoon of cards and camaraderie with Bid Euchre, a fun twist on traditional Euchre where players bid on the number of tricks they think they can take. It’s easy to learn and offers just the right mix of strategy and luck. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.


Carefree Duplicate Bridge

A casual duplicate bridge experience for players with intermediate skill level looking for an opportunity to play in a relaxed and casual setting. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.


Learn and Coach Duplicate Bridge

A program designed to coach and support those who wish to upgrade or develop their existing bridge playing skills.  Basic conventions and best practices are introduced and supported by coaches and experienced players. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.


Social Bridge

Join us for a relaxed game of Social Bridge, perfect for those who enjoy cards in a friendly, casual setting. This version of Bridge focuses on fun and conversation rather than competition. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+. 


Texas Hold'em

Join us for an exciting game of Texas Hold’em, the most popular variation of poker. Players are dealt two cards and use five shared community cards to make the best hand possible. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+. 


Canasta

Join us for a friendly game of Canasta, a classic card game played in pairs where the goal is to form melds of seven cards of the same rank. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.


Euchre

Join us for a classic game of Euchre, a fast-paced trick-taking card game played in teams of two. The goal is to win tricks using a trump suit, making it both strategic and social. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.

Cribbage

Join us for a classic game of Cribbage, a fun and fast-paced card game where players score points by creating combinations of cards and moving pegs on a board. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.

Tai Chi

This gentle practice focuses on slow, flowing movements and deep breathing to improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Drop-ins from current 55+ members can be accepted all year for Continuing Level and Intermediate Level classes.


Continuing Level

Build on your Tai Chi practice with this continuing-level class designed for those who have learned the basics and want to deepen their skills. Enjoy flowing movements that enhance balance, flexibility, and mindfulness while exploring more advanced sequences at a comfortable pace. Drop-ins are welcome, and all members with intermediate level Tai Chi experience are invited to join this energizing and relaxing session.


Intermediate Level

Take your Tai Chi practice to the next stage with this intermediate-level class. Designed for those who are comfortable with the basics, this session introduces more complex sequences and deeper focus on balance, coordination, and mindful movement. It’s a great way to continue building strength and flexibility while enjoying a calm, supportive environment. Drop-ins are welcome, and all members with basic Tai Chi experience are invited to join.


Beginner Level

Discover the basics of Tai Chi in a calm and welcoming environment. Perfect for those new to Tai Chi, the session introduces simple techniques that are easy to follow and beneficial for overall wellness. Registration is required. Please call or come in person to register.

  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
  • Registration is required. Please call or come in person to register.
Registration is full for the 2025/2026 season. Please check back in August for the Fall 2026 Registration.

Updated: Knitting Circle

This program is now offered on a bi-weekly rotation. Bring your knitting supplies and enjoy each other’s company while sharing your projects and patterns. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be a member of the 55+.

This program will run on a bi-weekly rotation starting November 11thLooking for new participants for this group! 

NEW!! Mahjongg

Join our new Mahjongg group and enjoy this classic tile-based game that combines strategy, skill, and memory. This program is best suited for players with some experience with the North American style of play and those who want to improve their skills and enjoy the challenges of Mahjongg in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Drop-ins are welcome. You’re welcome to come as a foursome or come on your own and play with others. Must be members of the 55+. 

If possible, please bring your game and 2025 card.  

Bingo Programs

Bingo

Join us for a lively game of Bingo, where fun and excitement meet friendly competition! The cost to play is $2.00 for 4 cards, $2.50 for 6 cards, $3.00 for 8 cards (maximum). Quarters are preferred. Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome! 


Dime Bingo

Dime bingo with decks of cards is a card game where a caller draws cards from their own full deck while players try to match and discard the same cards from their own 13 card hands. The cost to play is $2.00. Quarters are preferred.  Please bring $2.00 in dimes as well. Drop-ins are welcome. Must be members of the 55+.

Darts

Join us for a fun and social game of Darts! Test your aim and enjoy friendly competition in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just trying it for the first time, this activity is all about having a good time with great company Drop-ins are welcome. Must be members of the 55+. Bring your own darts. 

Ukulele

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument? Give ukulele a try! With our instructed program you will learn the basics of chords, fretting, strumming, and a wide repertoire of songs to play.

Good news! We have added a drop-in option for the Learn to Play Ukulele program. $5.00 per visit or there is still a prorated fee to register for the summer session.

Ukuleles are available to borrow and practice book provided by the Municipality. The instructor uses SongBook Chordpro as an online option to share and update music. Cost for the app is $24.99 and would require access to a tablet or smartphone - this element of the program is optional.

  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Winter 1 session: November 17, 2025 to February 8, 2026 (10 weeks).
  • Cost: $35.00

French Café

Join us for a relaxed and social gathering where members can practice speaking French over coffee or tea. This program is designed for those with a basic understanding of the French language and offers a welcoming space to listen, speak, and learn from each other. Whether you want to build confidence or simply enjoy casual conversation in French, everyone with some prior knowledge is welcome to drop in and participate.

Scrabble

Come enjoy a good game of scrabble and socializing with friends. Scrabble boards and dictionaries are provided but you are welcome to bring your own.  Drop-ins can be accepted. All members are welcome.

Nordic Pole Walking Course

Come join us for a total body workout while socializing! Nordic Pole Walking targets 90% of your body’s muscles, cardiovascular system, keeps your body in alignment, reduces impact and burns calories. You will be shown how to achieve this by a trained Nordic Pole walking instructor. If you have your own poles, please bring them to each walk. For participants who do not have their own equipment, a limited number of walking poles will be available for use and need to be returned to the instructor after each walk. All walks start at Town Hall. This program will be cancelled on days where there is inclement weather and runs until the beginning of November, weather permitting. 

  • Location: Town Hall
  • Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

This program is concluded for the season. Please check back for registration in the 2026 Spring Session. 

Minds in Motion

What is Minds in Motion? Minds in Motion® (MIM) is a community-based social program that incorporates physical exercise (1 hour) and mental stimulation (1 hour) for people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and their care partners.  Through the Minds in Motion® program, both the person living with dementia and their care partner can benefit from the following: increasing physical activity through gentle group exercise, establishing new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences and engaging in fun, social activities.

The person living with dementia benefits from:

  1. Improved balance, mobility, flexibility, and alertness.
  2. Increased confidence, and comfort with their own circumstance.
  3. Mutual support from others facing similar experiences.

The care partner benefits from:

  1. An opportunity to focus on their own health and have fun with their partner.
  2. Seeing the person, they are caring for enjoying themselves.
  3. Mutual support and learning from other care partners.

All participants benefit from:

  1. Sharpened mental functioning, sometimes lasting two to three days afterwards.
  2. An increased sense of social participation.

How often does the program run, and for how long? Sessions run for two hours, once per week, for eight weeks in a community-based location

Is there a cost to the program?  Yes, there is a cost.  It’s $40 per couple for the 8 weeks.  

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

Fitness Programming -seniors get a 35% discount of classes

Find the right class for you. We offer many classes to fit your needs and abilities. 

See our current fitness classes

Even more things to do

Discover additional exciting activities unrelated to this membership. If you are are searching for a specific class or sports drop-in, see our programming that is offered to all seniors in our community. 

See our age-friendly programming

Workshops and Events

Below is a list of the workshops that are currently available to members. Registration is required and is available online. You can also contact the Town Park Recreation Centre.

 Lunch Bunch

Enjoy a hearty warm lunch and share time with friends.
Menu: Chicken or beef pot pies, green salad, butter tarts, and coffee or tea.
*Vegetarian option – Stuffed peppers (also gluten free)

Mammals - All Creatures Great and Small! Workshop

Let’s explore Ontario diverse group of mammals from land, sea and air! From our tiniest creature to the big guys both gentle and ferocious and even a few stinky ones! How are each important to our environment, what unique traits they each have and what signs to look for in the winter months. The workshop is led by Brian Joyce, a Naturalist/Ornithologist who has worked with many organizations as an Outdoor Educator. He shares his experiences of the natural world in an educating and humorous way that engages and educates the public on the importance of protecting our natural environment.

Volunteering at 55+ events

We're actively seeking volunteers for a variety of roles at our 55+ events. All volunteers will need to complete a Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector. Training will be provided prior to your volunteer start date. To express your interest, please call Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908, or email us.

Lunch Bunch Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to call Dime Bingo. Dime Bingo is a unique and fun game running on Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are looking for interested volunteers to take on or share the duty of calling the cards in this program - similar to regular bingo. No prior knowledge is necessary, we will gladly teach you all you need to know. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in this capacity or any other please reach out to Alicia Tkaczuk via email

We're growing together wordmarkCelebrating the past and looking ahead

We've got a rich past that has paved the way for our future. Learn more about the history of the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre and where we are going from here. We're growing together.

Celebrating Ruth Clarke 

Ruth Clarke HeadshotBorn in Port Hope in 1897, Ruth started as a teacher and quickly realized the need for advocacy and leadership within the education system. Her dedication and active involvement in the Ontario Teachers Federation, led to her being the only Port Hope teacher to be made a Fellow of both the Ontario Teachers Federation and the Canadian College of Teachers.

Ruth began her political leadership in 1958 as a Port Hope councillor but returned to her beloved teaching in 1962 until 1964 when she was elected Deputy-Reeve. She went on to serve the Port Hope community for 15 years in a variety of roles. She showed strong support for the growth and development of the community by advocating for the construction of a new fire hall, the James Reynolds Bridge and the extension of the town library.

Her dedication to Port Hope was officially recognized in 1985 with the naming of a new facility, The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors located at 81 Mill Street South. Growing need for programs, services and safe accessible space led to the expansion of the Town Park Recreation Centre and relocation of these services. Ruth’s legacy of support to her community is continuing to be recognized through custom art created by local artists celebrating her work that are located at the Town Park Recreation Centre.

The home of our 55+ Programming

On March 18, 2021, our Federal and Provincial governments announced that we were successful in our application for funding for the expansion of the Town Park Recreation Centre.

Senior Active Living Centre (SALC) programs promote wellness, social interaction, and education to help seniors stay active, independent, and engaged.

The Municipality of Port Hope receives annual funding from the Province of Ontario to help offset the costs of our 55+ programming. Additionally, we secure yearly funding for special projects. Each year, our 55+ committee proposes enhancements, which include new tables, chairs, accessible programming equipment, and more, ensuring our community benefits from improved and inclusive resources.

Logo for Province of Ontario