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🗣 Locals to Know: Meet Jan Receski, golfer, kayaker, mom and founder of OnParNow

Locals to Know: Jan Receski

Today’s Locals to Know feature is sponsored by OnParNow.

Tell us about your work—your job and/or any volunteer work.

I created, own and operate OnPar Now, an indoor golf education and practice space in the Terminal Building in the Strip District that is focused on breaking down the barriers often encountered in the sport. I’m passionate about the importance of golf to one’s career, relationships, and overall health, and I want to inspire people to be their best selves. Golf can be a platform for all those things.

Giving back to my community is a priority. I volunteer for the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League, and as a member of the Executive Women’s Council I support the United Way with their endeavors. Additionally, I have supported numerous fundraising organizations over the past year with gift certificates to OnPar Now.

What’s your favorite Pittsburgh memory? 

It is awe inspiring coming through the Fort Pitt tunnels at night—our beautiful city appears; our three rivers merge. From the lit fountain at the Point to the sports arenas and the twinkling lights from our beautiful cityscape, the view is breathtaking, and you know you are home.

Pick a favorite local outdoor experience. What is it? What’re we doing? Who’s coming with ya?

My son Charlie and I grab our paddles and vests and walk down to Lock Wall One Marina where our kayaks are stowed. We carry them to the ramp at the water’s edge and head onto the Allegheny. After a few strokes, I lay the paddle across my lap, lay my head back and feel the sun on my face. It’s so great being out on the water and being one with nature. As we head toward RedFin Blues, we see turtles, ducks and geese—then, we tie off on the dock and head up to have dinner and a cocktail. It’s the perfect day ending with wonderful camaraderie among the patrons and staff; it feels like a favorite vacation spot, but is only a mile from home.

What’s your favorite local Instagram or TikTok account and why? 

@meraki_studio412. The posts are so inspiring, empowering, healthy and positive! I always love going into Laura’s studio; it, in fact, served as inspiration for my welcoming space. We have a mezzanine at OnPar Now (and like Laura’s space, it is infused with natural light) that is used for private events, business meetings, or to warm up with our fitness equipment before a lesson.

If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Grilled, blackened salmon salad with lemon-ginger dressing from Luke Wholey’s Alaskan Grille in the Strip! Pair it with their skinny margarita and I’d be set for life 😊

Three women hold a large pair of scissors beneath a balloon arch.
OnPar Now just celebrated their first anniversary last month!

What’s a project you’re working on (big or small) and how can our readers help you with it? 

I am dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of golf — especially for females and their careers. Business is about relationships, which are absolutely created and/or strengthened out on the golf course. Many women have no idea what opportunities they are missing because they are often outside the circle of golf outings for business development.

I’ve created a warm, welcoming space where anyone, regardless of their skill level or gender, can come to learn to play or advance their golf skills.

Please help me by facilitating entry into the sport! Support participation in a Beginners Clinic for your employees; gather your friends/co-workers and come to build your confidence so everyone can participate in the corporate scramble; educate college students that golf is a critical tool in their toolbelt!

What are you looking forward to this year? 

Getting back to a more robust lifestyle where COVID is not top of mind and playing in the Woodlands Golf Classic in June.

Interested in being featured and want to share your own cool project in the ‘Burgh? Send an email to hello@theincline.com with the subject line “TI Locals to Know 2022” and you just might  see yourself in a future newsletter.