Peshtigo’s Plan to Offer Cardio Drumming Wins AARP Grant

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A proposal submitted by the City of Peshtigo Park and Recreation Department to purchase equipment to offer a workout called “Cardio Drumming for Exercise” has been selected to receive a AARP Wisconsin “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant.

AARP Wisconsin is awarding one $1,000 grant each month throughout 2022 to projects across the state that are designed to improve communities and make them better places for everyone to live, work and play as they age. These grants are short-term, low-cost solutions that could have remarkable impacts on the shaping of neighborhoods and cities.

The judges immediately connected with the simplicity of Peshtigo Park and Recreation’s Cardio Drumming for Exercise application. Simple materials, exercise balls, drumsticks and laundry baskets bring exercise and social connection anywhere in the community.

Cardio Drumming for Exercise provides a fun and healthy form of cardio workout. The exercise can be performed while standing or sitting, enabling participants of all ages to engage in a fun workout. Each drumming class will be designed to a specific age group using music, rhythm techniques and various levels of drumming.

The great thing about this project is that it’s not only unique, but flexible and fun. Classes can be geared towards 5-year-olds all the way to 95-year-olds. It can be held indoors or outdoors, on the beach or in the park, to any genre of music. A 70-year-old grandparent can do this exercise next to their grandchild if they choose.

The $1,000 from the grant will enable the department to purchase all the necessary equipment for the exercise program, which will be used several times a week year-round. Peshtigo plans to begin offering the classes this June.

AARP Wisconsin’s launched its “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant program in 2020 and is now in its third year of helping proposed projects move forward in rural and urban parts of the state. The grant program is open to some nonprofits and government entities. For more information on the program, visit www.aarp.org/WIsdbi