Lorash new director of Basin Rec District

 The Basin Rec District’s new director, Jill Lorash, hit the ground running when she took over on July 6, according to rec board president Chuck Hopkin.

Lorash has already secured new sponsors, added memberships, talked to people about adding events, worked with Security State Bank on a LIE school supply drive and did a fantastic job working with Nikki Hopkin at the pool, said Hopkin, adding that the pool did better this summer than it has in years.

The board was so impressed with Lorash that on August 5 they made the position full time. 

Lorash said she wants to have regular activities for every age.  “Weekly classes for little people. Weekly classes for older people.” Those classes may include yoga, tai chi, taekwondo and intramural sports. She is starting a Mommy and Me music moment class in September. Lorash is also bringing back youth soccer in September.  This weekend is a used sports gear swap shop. 

The established schedule of pickleball, women’s, men’s and co-ed basketball continues.  Those dates/times may be found on the calendar on basincomplex.com 

 Lorash added, “I also want there to be events.” 

The Big Horn County GOP recently held its candidate forum in the gym.  She is planning a quilter’s retreat in January. The annual trunk or treat is on the books along with a possible Sip and Shop in the fall. 

Big Horn County School District No. 4 started its four-day school week this week. Lorash said she has been talking to the director of the school’s 21CCLC Before and After School Programs. The plan is for the program to do their Friday activities at the rec district. 

Lorash has applied for two grants. The first, from Burlington Northern, is to convert one of the smaller rooms into a soft playroom for little people, a place where kids can go to play while their parents are playing sports or working out. She also hopes to convert one of the back rooms into an adult workout facility with ellipticals and treadmills.  She has had adults say they want to work out but have kids. The playroom is an option for kids to do on top of shooting hoops, volleyball, etc. 

The other grant is from Outdoor Rec and Health Grant Program for a fishing program in the spring. 

MEMBERSHIPS/SPONSORSHIPS 

The full one-year membership of $300 includes access to the gym, the pool in the summer, adult workout room and no entrance fee to any of the events like the Sip and Shop. There is an application on the website, or one can be picked up at the Rec Office.

Lorash explained she has had wonderful sponsors this year. Like the sponsorships, the applications are on the web site or at the office. They range from $50 to $400. Sponsor’s names will be displayed on website, media post, banners, ad boards, at events or equipment, blocks and T-shirts when applicable. She continued that it is the sponsors that make the activities happen because the district typically charges $2 for activities. 

RENTALS

The gym is available for private rentals - either hourly during the week or full days on the weekends. Rentals for family reunions, parties, or even a bachelorette party to play volleyball like a recent inquiry. 

The district may be reached by calling 307-568-1448 or basinrecreation8@gmail.com