We Give Back

We are big on education

Students, teachers, and paraprofessionals from SEK Interlocal 637 use the center for physical activity twice a week at no charge. The Interlocal serves thirteen school districts and provides services to students with exceptionalities: autism, behavioral disorders, speech & auditory services, etc.
The Red Iron serves as a work training station for the Interlocal so that students can learn practical life skills that will translate into employment and a sustainable home life.
We host events to spark creativity and hands-on-learning such as Lego Challenge Days, Lego Robotics Class, and Mixed Media Art Camp.

Fourth grade classes take a yearly field trip to the Red Iron, one stop on their journey to see what all Columbus has to offer.
We partner with Pittsburg State University to provide internship opportunities for students in the Health, Human Performance and Recreation department.
High school and college students are encouraged to teach sport skill lessons and classes and are allowed to manage these micro-businesses on their own, with guidance if requested.

We offer free memberships to several community groups: City of Columbus employees including city staff, and police & fire departments, including volunteers

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department officers and all employees receive free memberships.
We hold fund-raising tournaments to support local emergency departments

Seniors matter

We offer programs for senior citizens that pay for their membership and/or classes geared toward seniors, through their insurance company, Medicare, or the BC/BS Pathways grant.

Classes offered include: Seated Cardio-Fit, BoomMove, Classic Strength & Stability
We hear daily stories of improved health, but it’s also very apparent that the benefits received from socialization at the center are just as important
We are coordinating with CHC-SEK to set up a bus route that will give rides between the Red Iron and the various senior living facilities in Columbus.
Partnered with seven community organizations including the county health department and the local hospital to sponsor a Senior Wellness Fair.
Offered services such as Covid tests, Covid and flu vaccinations, balance and fall risk assessments, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, info on diabetes prevention, heart-healthy programs and long-term care options
Dozens of seniors walk and play pickleball daily.

We offer First Aid/CPR classes to the community at our cost (cost of training manuals and certificates)
Women's unarmed self-defense courses offered at nominal fees.

Partnered with 15 community organizations to sponsor a Back-to-School Family Resource Fair.

Offered (all at no cost): haircuts for youth & children, backpacks and school supplies, school spirit t-shirts, vision exams, school immunizations, Covid and flu shots, bike helmets and smoke detectors, car seat safety checks, info on Headstart, Parents as Teachers, etc.
400 people came through the fair; $6000 in resources handed out.

We offer free use of the facility to USD493 with the high school basketball teams using the facility to allow both boys and girls teams to practice after school instead of one at night. The baseball, softball, track, and cross-country teams practice inside the center during inclement weather, the volleyball team utilizes the Red Iron for early morning sessions, and the soccer team even practiced at the center during the extreme heat of the summer of 2023.
Fourth grade classes take a yearly field trip to the Red Iron during their exploration of what Columbus has to offer.
We host the annual Columbus High School After-Prom Party at no charge, allowing approximately 120 students three hours of fun and socialization in a safe and substance-free environment
We partner with the Columbus Rec Commission to host free events for children and youth to encourage physical activity; examples: 10,000 Shot Club, Youth 3v3: Sunday afternoons, and youth sport leagues.
Kids In the Gym days are held when school is not in session due to teacher in-service, to give students a physical outlet with friends.