The Recreation Center has become a part of so many lives in our community. These are some of their Success Stories:

Back to Activity:


Slater was in a bad accident that nearly cost him his life. He spent about 6 months recovering. Just when he was starting to get back to having fun again, he was stuck while playing football before school and broke his collarbone, which meant another 6 months of recovery. One year of not being active left Slater with some extra weight, which he was not used to. Once he was finally healing up, he was determined to get rid of the extra pounds and change some bad eating habits. He started going to Rio Vista with his mom and with his determination, he conquered yet another challenge and lost 25 pounds. He and his mom are so thankful for Rio Vista. Slater has met a lot of friends and even improved his basketball skills at Rio Vista!

Inspirational Results:

Nathan, is a 17 year old high school senior.  He has Asperger’s Syndrome, which falls on the autistic spectrum. It is a high functioning form of autism. Recently, Nathan accomplished something that is very noteworthy. Rio Vista played a part in this accomplishment. In February of 2007, Nathan was told by his doctor that he needed to lose weight to be healthy. He weighed 273. It was quite a lot of weight for a boy his age and height. Nathan had also been enduring much teasing by classmates. He decided to do something about his weight. He joined Weight Watchers and the weekly weigh-in sessions highly motivated him. It got to be a challenge for him to see how much weight he could lose in a week. He changed his diet and began making healthier choices. His Asperger’s also helped him along in that he is very rigid and is a rule follower, as are many who have this disorder. These traits helped him to stay on track and not cheat. The weight started coming off slowly and Nathan’s self-esteem started to improve. In the summer of 2008, Nathan decided to take an online PE class through the high school. One of the requirements was that he put in 60 hours of exercise. Up until that point, Nathan’s only physical activity was walking to and from school and swimming. He joined Rio Vista with his family and it changed their life! Nathan goes to Rio Vista at least 4 to 5 days per week. He has a routine he follows which includes cardio machines, weights and shooting basketballs. He has even made the bowling team at school and feels confident enough to take Recreational sports and weight training as course electives.  He now weighs 200 pounds and is still working on losing more. Nathan now has aspirations to work at Rio Vista. He loves this place and it has become his second home. Nathan truly is an inspiration!

Young and Active:

 When 10 year old Zolee started to coming to Rio Vista, she really wasn't doing much activity. Now she is having the best time ever! She has been rock climbing, playing the wii, talking to new people and getting on the computers. She thinks it is much better than staying at home and sitting around. She is in better shape with all the new activity and has even lost 10 pounds. She loves Rio Vista!

90 & Inspiring People to be Healthy:

Louise was crowned the "Queen of the Fitness Center" when she turned 90 years old and spent her birthday exercising at Rio Vista. Last year, Louise suffered a stroke and began physical therapy. Confined to a wheelchair, Louise was not happy with her results. A family friend had heard about Rio Vista's fitness facility and suggested Louise become a member. Louise now works out twice a week, uses the machines (with 8 pound weights) and walks the track using a walker. She loves the family friendly atmosphere and the excellent customer service staff provides. After working out Louise enjoys socializing with the "younger generations" by watching the rock climbers and toddlers in the Center. She encourages all ages to exercise so they, too, can spend their 90th birthday at Rio Vista!

Do you have a Success Story to share? We'd love to hear from you. E-mail JeNina Alvarez at jenina.alvarez@peoriaaz.gov or fill out a "Share Your Story" card at the Center. The cards can be found at the front desk or  near the walking track.