What's Happening In Our Parks 2023

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR PARKS

GUIDE 2023

ISSUE 1

A NOTE FROM REC

Being outdoors makes us feel good and, as we have learned in these past few years, it benefits both our mental and physical health. That’s why we are bringing you classes and events in our parks - including two newly created outdoor spaces for classes at our Community Center Patio and our Outdoor Classroom at Skypark.

This next year will be a reimagining of the Recreation Division and we look forward to the journey. In order to be sustainable (and not find rec going away again) we have a new plan laid out for us. It will not be rebuilding back to previous years with a large staff and scope but planning quality programs within a smaller, energetic team and focusing on renting our facilities for others to fill the space with their visions of classes and events. The possibilities of what could come our way in the parks with this new model is invigorating.

In this guide, you’ll find Recreation hosted workshops - we have a diverse lineup at the new Performing Arts & Cultural Center and a few thoughtfully curated workshops answering what the community has been asking for through our surveys. You’ll see our event listing has all the park happenings planned by dedicated community groups and non-profits - there are so many opportunities to get connect this summer. And, what we are most excited about, is the debut of a full listing of Recreation contracted classes and camps from talented instructors. There are five summer camps for youth - from prehistoric week to basketball drills week. Chances for adults to get active with yoga at the Community Center, teen writing in our outdoor classroom and twelve new art classes.

As a team of two (with our final piece coming this summer- new Admin, Brian!), we are dedicated to working hard to connect you to enriching programming and fun, educational things to do. With all our hard work, we will also be balancing to make time with our families so the three of us can get outside, engage and recharge. Thank you for your support as we reimagine and please say hello when you see us on the trails!

In

health, Ali and Allison

WHAT’S INSIDE

CAMPS – summer day camps & sports camps

REC HOSTED CLASSES – cooking, biking and disc golf

TENNIS – adult & youth tennis at Skypark

DOGS – dog training

YOGA – four classes at the Community Center

BIKES & MORE – bike maintenance & tots music

WRITING & ART – teen authors, kids & adult art

REC WORKSHOPS AT THE THEATER – Makers demo day, parenting workshops, music and hops

COMMUNITY EVENTS – events hosted by local community groups

PARK NEWS – some upcoming projects and tidbits

COMMISSIONS – update on the three advisory boards

JANUARY PREVIEW – our Get Active issue

COVER PHOTO: BENJI FARQUHAR

CAMPS

We hear so often from parents some of children’s fondest memories are a summer spent at camp meeting new friends and spending time with best friends outside of school. After all, where can you learn new things like whisteling, how to twirl a batton with pizzaz, and the secret colors of the full rainbow? This year, we are so excited for Summer Camp at Siltanen park happening all day, all summer long. The team at FourPointsYouthCamp have designed each themed week with something for everyone... Our favorite? It’s a toss-up between Safari week and Space week! We’re

excited to host their program at the park and agree entirely with their camp philosophy: Adventure, Education, Friendship, and SelfEsteem are, without any doubt, the four pillars of a fulfilling camp experience.

Elevation Sportz is packing the summer at Skypark with sports! As a team dedicated to empowering and elevating youth through sports, they’re bringing their expertise to Scotts Valley with week-long camps at SkyPark. Their approach is all about small groups, inclusivity, and the fundamentals of the sports — you don’t have to be on a team to

ALL DAY SUMMER CAMP

Fourpoints Youth Camps

Ages 5-11

Siltanen Park

join in on the fun! Led by Coach Robert and his team of passionate coaches, kids of all levels can enjoy basketball and flag football camps. With their years of experience creating safe and inclusive environments for self-expression, Elevation Sportz is the perfect place to learn new skills, make friends, and have a blast this summer. And for soccer fans, we’ve got one-week soccer camps led by Coach Natalie from SVSLV Soccer Club

Working out of the Skypark office, we see you out at the Skypark skatepark everyday grinding it out. We’re stoked to have Skateworks bring Skateboarding Camp to Skypark and it’s open to all levels — from beginners to intermediate-advanced skaters. Campers will learn a wide range of skills, from the basics of balancing and riding to advanced tricks that will level up their game. The summer’s extra special because they have legendary Santa Cruz pro Emanuel “ Eman ” Guzman (look him up, he’s a legend) as lead instructor sharing his passion with Scotts Valley campers!

FOURPOINTSYOUTHCAMP.COM

SKATEBOARD CAMP

Skateworks

Ages 6-15

Skypark Skatepark

SKATEWORKS.COM/CAMPS

CAMPS

Ready to join in on the summer fun? Take advantage of the incredible camps and activities offered by our talented and dedicated providers curated especially for the Scotts Valley community. You can sign up directly with them — they’ll be happy to guide you through the enrollment process.

At Siltanen Park

FourPoints All Day Camp Theme Weeks

June 5-9 Prehistoric Week

June 12-16 Truly You

June 19-23 Cultivate Kindness: Go Green

June 26-30 Safari Week

July 10-14 Four Points in Space

July 17-21 Fairytale Week

July 24-28 Ocean Adventure

July 31-8/4 Rainbow Week

August 7-11 Last Blast

SOCCER CAMP

SVSLV Soccer Club

Skypark

BASKETBALL & FLAG

FOOTBALL CAMP

Elevation Sportz

Ages 7-13

Skypark

SVSLVSOCCERCLUB.ORG

ELEVATIONSPORTZ.ORG

REC HOSTED CLASSES

Here at Recreation, we love eating nutritious food, connecting with new friends and then getting out on the trail for biking or a round of disc. After completing our classes survey of the community, turns out you like those things too! That’s why we’ve curated three exciting opportunities specifically for our community. Indulge in a delicious meal with like-minded foodies, sharpen your disc golf skills while meeting fellow discers, and explore the scenic trails at Glenwood. Our activities offer the perfect combination of fitness, entertainment, and socialization that will leave you feeling energized and fulfilled.

One of the best things about Scotts Valley is a good outdoor patio party with your close friends and neighbors. That’s why we’ve turned to Chef Bridget Anderson of the Free Spirit Kitchen to teach us how to cook an amazing meal for an outdoor gathering with

Patio Party Cooking . We’ll learn how to cook an amazing meal for your next outdoor gathering. Chef Bridget is a rising star in the culinary world, having wowed audiences on the Food Network with her delicious and healthy creations. Now, she’ll share her expertise with us at the Community Center, where we’ll watch a demo of a multi-course meal, then head out to the patio to sample some bites together. It’s a fun and interactive experience that’s perfect for foodies and anyone who loves a good party. Plus, you’ll walk away with the recipes and some insider tips to impress your guests.

Mountain biking is another enjoyable way to get outside in our area and it seems like everyone is out on the trails. But how do you start? It can feel intimidating to pick up such a thrilling sport and sometimes we just need a few pointers and a friendly instructor to get us going. We know sometimes it takes some inspiration to get the bike out of the garage and out onto the trail. Well, Allison’s got you covered with a Beginning Mountain

Biking Clinic for those who want to develop the important foundational needs to ride with confidence. This workshop is open to all who identify as women or non binary 16 years and up. Heading out on the Glenwood West Preserve will ensure a fun and encouraging environment to go over braking, body positions on the bike, tight turns/switchbacks, cornering and more.

Not only do we have legendary mountain biking in our area but we’re home to some of the world class disc golf courses. We’re bringing in a pro to help us on our approach. We’re going to turn sky Park field into a mini course and have some guided lessons on Disc Golf Approach . We’ve got some clever obstacles lined up and it’s going to be a good time!

Sign up for these rec hosted classes through our Active site.

GROUP HIKING

CLASSES IN OUR PARKS

TENNIS

The best kind of teachers are ones that make it fun and Ignite Tennis Academy’s Isaiah will get you learning the fundamentals in no time. Teaching youth classes throughout the week, Skypark court number one is the perfect learning ground for kids wanting to learn tennis. They also offer one on one coaching for those looking to take their game to the next level.

Plus, with a low-key environment and a new divider net recently installed by Rec between Court One and Two to make sure those

stray balls don’t go flying too far, you’ll have everything you need to focus on your game and improve your skills.

Register with Isaiah - he has multiple sessions with a variety of dates for youth and adults.

IGNITE TENNIS ACADEMY Isaiah Pekary Skypark Courts

DOGS!

What we love about dog training with George Menna is that he trains all levels. He approaches each session with the same calm assertive teaching style, no matter the dog or situation. George Menna Dog Training believes that the handlers have just as much to learn as the dogs. If your current goal is building a stronger bond with your furry friend, we have brought George Menna Dog Training to help you achieve it! With his calm and assertive teaching style, George is a dog trainer who can work with any dog at any level. He approaches each session focusing on the dogs and their handlers, and he believes that we all have something to learn. His classes are designed to help handlers manage their dog’s excitement and maintain a calm

environment. George teaches out of Skypark three times a week.

So whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, sign up now, and let’s get started on a journey to a stronger, happier bond with your pup!

All levels welcome. Contact George for sign up info: george.menna@gmail.com.

DOG TRAINING

George Menna Skypark

YOGA

The Community Center is going to be a welcoming place for yogis of all levels. We’ve got four different classes lined up for the community to sign up for offered by two expert instructors.

Saray Fitzhenry leads Yoga Foundations focusing on proper alignment and breathing and Yoga for Teens helping teens improve coping with stress, anxiety by supporting the mind-body connection.

Jennifer Ansgarius brings us Modified Yoga for Injuries - gentle yoga geared towards injuries or those with limited movement. Jennifer will help us learn how to find peace, grace, and acceptance in our body, mind, and spirit. Jennifer also has a mini retreat Self Massage & Yoga Workshop - a gentle Yoga class to help you to unwind the week away and teach you self massage techniques for face, neck, shoulder, and hips.

We can’t wait to see the Community Center filled up with yoga mats and shanti.

YOGA FOUNDATIONS

Saray Fitzhenry

All levels welcome

Community Center

Saturdays 8am

YOGA FOR TEENS

Saray Fitzhenry

Ages 13-19

Community Center

Saturdays 9:15am

SELF MASSAGE & YOGA WORKSHOP

Jennifer Ansgarius Community Center

June 23 & July 28

MODIFIED YOGA FOR INJURIES

Jennifer Ansgarius Community Center

Tues/Thurs 7pm in June

BIKES & MORE

Get ready to get those hands a little dirty! This is a hands-on workshop so bring your bike and the kind of chain lube you use. You will have the opportunity to clean and wash your bike. Tips on how to clean your bike if you live in an apartment or lack access to a hose. A clean and lubed chain makes for a happy bike and better shifting.

What about basic flat tire repairs? Is getting that back wheel off your bike a little

overwhelming? You will have the opportunity to learn how to remove your rear wheel and what to do if you have a flat and how to put it all back together again! This is a fun workshop designed to help you learn and practice some skills and build your confidence in caring for your bike. Tools and other necessities will be provided, PLUS free samples!

MORE

Outside our window at Skypark, we are treated to the sounds of children singing and giggling as they learn to express through music when the caring teachers of Music Toghether are teaching. This class is one of the few in town offering music learning at a young age.

With their essential Music Together class, children can attend from birth through age five - and through all nine song collections. This class follows the recommendations of child development researchers, grouping children of a variety of ages in one class. This approach fosters natural, family-style learning where younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones; older children learn by leading younger ones; and adults are happy because the children in the family can go to class together. Sign up with the friendly staff at MusicalMethey are a joy to talk to!

MUSICAL ME

MUSIC TOGETHER OUTDOORS!

BIKE MAINTENANCE

Linda Williams

Community Center Patio

July 17th

Ages 0-5 years

Skypark

Mondays July-August

MacDorsa

Fall MUSICALME.COM

WRITING & ART

Something just clicks when you combine a writing session with the outdoors. There’s a sense of freedom of expression and inspiration with the fresh air around you and a writing pad (or digital pad, we love saving paper, too!) in your hand. In our new outdoor classroom at Skypark, local YA fantasy adventure author of Born at Dawn Christina leads the Teen Authors Workshop on Friday nights. We think this outdoor workshop setting will help teens tap into their creativity and master storytelling in a supportive environment.

TEEN AUTHOR WORKSHOP

Christina Davis

Ages 13-19

Skypark Outdoor Classroom

Fridays in July

Our community has told us they wanted art classes so we’ve lined up 12 of them by talented abstract artist Judy Patterson ! Art for kids classes we’re excited about includes What’s in the Puddle , Who’s Got the Blues , and It’s Not all Black and White - paint pour acrylic fluid art. Adult Art offerings include Create the Clouds and Magical Metallics .

Want to take a class along with your kid or grandkid? We’ve got Adult and Kid Art classes where you can create hands-on art

together. With Judy’s expert guidance and the freedom to explore your own creativity, she’ll help us discover that no two paintings are ever alike. When the paint hits the canvas, you never know what you’re going to get!

12 DIFFERENT CLASSES OFFERED

Judy Patterson

Kids & Adult Classes Community Center

WORKSHOPS AT THE THEATER

The new Performing Arts Theater space has a special feel about it. From the moment you walk in, you feel a creative woosh come over you and a welcoming sense of community. At Recreation, we’re proud to offer year-long programming in this brand-new space, hosting a variety of unique workshops that are designed to inspire, educate, and connect.

Our Songwriting Circle is a day of group writing led by local songwriter Alexandra the Author. These songwriting circles are

popular in music cities and we’re bringing it to Scotts Valley. It’s a chance for everyone to come together and see what you can create as a team. All levels of singers, songwriters common musicians welcome...let’s create something new.

We’ve got a parenting workshop for the Dads! Our workshop Dadding Value is for dad’s of tots, teens, newborns - all are

THE THEATER

HOSTED BY REC

DAD’S PARENTING WORKSHOP

Being a dad is super cool...and super challenging. Join SV Recreation for a casual, pressure-free class for local dads led by a local dad.

- SEPTEMBER

welcome. Come on out to the theater and join Coach Chris in parenting insights and take home some new tools. This is a super casual environment and will be a good time, we might even bust out the cornhole.

We’ve got so much going on at the theater so check out our lineup and sign up through Eventbrite - Recreation is excited to bring programming to the theater!

MUSIC VIDEO CREATOR DAY

We’re doing a content creator day at the theater! Sign up as an artist to be on stage filmed or to learn how to film videos from behind the camera.

-

SEPTEMBER

HOPS APPRECIATION BREWER’S WORKSHOP

Three weeks of weekly lectures and tasting on three types of Hops. Famous brewmasters will be at our theater spelling out what makes the hops you like stand out from the others you also like.

- OCTOBER 12 • OCTOBER 19 •

NOVEMBER 2

MAKERS DEMO DAY

This is a Makers dream - come to the theater and watch demos on stage work their magic. Textiles, fabrics, and a printmaker - we’ll have some pros show you how they do it and some tips and tricks to take home.

-

NOVEMBER 5

SONGWRITING CIRCLE

A master class led by professional songwriter Alexandra the Author - this workshop will be a collaborative effort to build a song together. Work on song structure, creative flow in groups and let the music vibes lead the way.

- JUNE

Events in our Parks

Join local community groups for entertainment and events to get us outside and connected. Skyparks sunny setting is ready to host the Art, Wine and Beer Festival and the Music in the Park series. If you are a foodie, then Food Trucks A Go-Go has you covered. Enjoy all the specialties that the participating food trucks have to offer — with a cause! With the drink sale profits going to the designated non-profit of the week, Taco Tuesday and Food Truck Fridays are neighborhood staple.

Scotts Valley’s Skypark will be the ASFP’s National Suicide Prevention Walk this fall. Additionally, this year’s Hop ‘n Barley Festival is raising funds for the Homeless Garden Project.

We’ve got plenty of good reasons for you to visit the parks — Come out and say hello!

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Foodtrucksagogo.com

Skypark

- JUNE 23, JUL28, AUGUST 25,

SEPTEMBER 29 & OCTOBER 27

TACO TUESDAY

Foodtrucksagogo.com

Skypark

- JUNE 13, JULY 11, AUGUST 8 & SEPTEMBER 12

4TH OF JULY PARADE

City of Scotts Valley Scotts Valley Drive

-

JULY 4TH

ART, WINE & BEER FESTIVAL

Scotts Valley Chamber

svartfestival.com

- AUGUST 19TH & 20TH

SKATEXP CONTEST

SkateXP.org

Skypark Skatepark

- SEPT 9TH

HOPS ‘N BARLEY

A fundraiser for the Homeless Garden Project Skypark hopnbarley.org

-

JULY 15TH

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Kiwanis Scotts Valley

Skypark

- AUG 27 & SEPT 24TH

SUICIDE PREVENTION WALK

afsp.org

Skypark

- SEPT 30TH

PARK NEWS

There’s something special about our parks. Most of us visit a Scotts Valley Park at least once a week, and many have it as part of their daily ritual. It’s a place where we can clear our head, move our body, say hello to our neighbors and walk with little ones…and four-legged ones. The biggest news for the parks in Scotts Valley is that we are in the middle of a yearlong Parks Master Plan process. Think of it as stepping back, taking a good look at what we have, and then making a plan for what we want to see it become over the next 10 years.

We’re rounding out the community survey portion and heading into the bulk of the work identifying what projects are needed and in what order we should do them. Will post the progress on our website (scottsvalley.org/ parksmasterplan2023) throughout these months and hope to have the completed plan by February 2024.

Recreation is in the Public Works Department, and we’ve got five dedicated maintenance workers who handle streets, sewer and building maintenance. Park maintenance falls under their responsibility as well. During the big storm season this past winter, some park repairs had to take a back seat. We’re working diligently to get caught up.

Here are some noteworthy projects and tidbits about your parks.

Siltanen is getting a complete irrigation rebuild this summer and fall. This will include having to take each of the fields offline one at a time to repair the lines and then redo the grass. We’re working with the three youth groups to be the least impactful to their seasons. What this means is that Recreation softball will not be possible since we wanted to impact the other groups less than our own league.

The big Oak tree at MacDorsa Park fell during storm swell number five this winter. The stump is still there; we will get a professional arborist to grind and remove it. We plan to replant two new California Oaks in kind. Also, in tree news, we completed a survey inspection of all of the trees in our parks — you may notice little tags on each of the trunks with numbers. This allows us to keep track of the health of all of our Park trees. At SkyPark, a handful are no

longer thriving and will be removed. And, of course, they will be replaced. We are hoping for native, droughttolerant ones with lots of shade potential!

In the fall, the Skypark small playground will be replaced with new equipment purchased through a prop 68 Grant the City received. It will feature inclusive play equipment and new educational pieces for little ones.

PARK NEWS

We’ve got a hiking challenge for you! For the month of June, we are placing lock boxes out in our four hiking trail spots - Glewood East & West, Ladato and Skypark Linear Trail - inside you will find a stamp to fill up your Trail Passport.

Get all four and turn it in to the Skypark office to be entered into a prize drawing at the end of the month. Happy Trails!

PASSPORT HIKING CHALLENGE

Look for the Lock Box at each trail and enter code 9506.

You can cut out this passport, find one online at our website or stop by the Rec office for a printed copy.

Hike the Month of June

COMMISSIONS

ADVISORY BODIES

The Recreation Division has three advisory boards to the City Council. Each is a group of community members appointed to serve for their expertise in their field.

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

The Parks and Recreation Commission is made up of five members who oversee matters related to Parks and Open Spaces as well as Recreation programming. The Commission will be working on finding solutions to Skypark Courts usage issues, making recommendations on the 2023 Parks Master Plan, and supporting the Recreation Restoration Plan which outlines getting programming up and running sustainably.

SENIOR CENTER BOARD

The Senior Center Board is made up of five City Council member appointed positions and two members that are voted in by the board, recommended by their membership. Upcoming projects include a senior member survey, supporting the full activity calendar of classes, events and game activities, and growing the volunteer base to support the center activities. Each month they produce a senior newsletter for their members filled with information, class listings and ways to connect.

ARTS COMMISSION

The Arts Commission advises Council on matters concerning arts, including literature, music and other cultural activities or art related matters. Upcoming projects include a mural at Siltanen pool/ maintenance building and a Public Art Inventory which will allow us to showcase the art we have on a digital online map and make space for a new future installations.

Here’s a glipse of what they’re working on.

Get Active & Engage

Each summer, we’ll release the new ‘ What’s Happening in Our Parks ’ edition, packed with fun-filled events for you and your family to enjoy. And in January, after the holiday season, we’ll help you jumpstart your fitness journey with our ‘ Get Active ’ edition. Living in Scotts Valley, we’re lucky to have great weather year-round, and our Recreation team is committed to keeping the fun and fitness going, even in the winter months. So join us, and let’s stay active together!