Polk City Parks & Recreation Summer 2024 Program Brochure

Registration Opens

Polk City Residents: March 4

Non-Residents: March 11

PARKS & RECREATION

Mission Statement

To provide high-quality facilities, parks, programs, and special events that meet the needs of the Polk City community.

Vision Statement

To be a leader in promoting community health and well-being through safe, diverse, and fun parks and recreation events and programs.

3 WAYS TO REGISTER

• Online at https://www.polkcityia.gov/ parks-and-recreation.

• In-person at City Hall, 112 Third St. Polk City, IA 50226.

• By calling City Hall at 515-984-6233

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

START SMART BASEBALL

This is an organized, introductory baseball program for the first-time player. Parents will interact and learn how to teach their child a variety of baseball skills including throwing, catching, batting, and base running. Each child will receive a glove, ball, koosh-balls, and a bat.

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 1

Ages: 3-5 yrs.

Days: Monday/Wednesday

Dates: May 6-22

Time: 5-5:30PM

Cost: $50

Location: Kiwanis Park

Min/Max: 8/12

TINY TENNIS

New for 2024! Tiny Tennis is a great way to get involved with your kids and help them develop new skills. Parents will partner with their child to learn the tennis basics in a fun environment. Tennis Pros from Ames Racquet and Fitness will lead you and your child through fun drills and games that focus on learning the fundamentals of tennis. Age appropriate equipment will be provided. *When registering, please note there are two sessions of this program.*

Registration Deadline: Tues., May 28

Ages: 3-5 yrs.

Days: Tuesday

Dates: June 4-25

Time: 5:30-6PM

Cost: $30

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 4/12

START SMART SOCCER

Registration Deadline: Tues., July 2

Ages: 3-5 yrs.

Days: Tuesday

Dates: July 9-30

Time: 5:30-6PM

Cost: $30

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 4/12

This is an organized, introductory soccer program for the first-time player. Parents will interact and learn how to teach their child a variety of soccer skills including dribbling, kicking, passing, and teamwork. Each child will receive shin guards, practice cones, and a soccer ball.

*When registering, please note there is an AM and PM session of this program.*

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 2

Ages: 3-5 yrs.

Days: Tuesday/Thursday

Dates: July 9-25

Time:

Cost:

Location:

Min/Max:

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 2

Ages: 3-5 yrs.

Days: Tuesday/Thursday

Dates: July 9-25

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

The days are getting longer and the temperatures are climbing! That means another Iowa summer has almost arrived and Polk City will be ripe with summer opportunities. Thursdays will be spent at the Farmers Market on the square while the line for The Creamery will be out the door! The Neal Smith Trail will be full of runners and cyclists while boaters and fishermen flock to Big Creek and Saylorville Lakes!

My hope is that this brochure becomes a regular part of your summer as well! From pre-school to senior, and everything in-between, new programs are everywhere for 2024! Partnerships with Bricks-4-Kidz, Challenge Island, and Ames Racquet & Fitness headline new and exciting opportunities for Polk City. Don’t worry though, your favorites like Start Smart Soccer, Art in the Park, All-Star Sports Camp, COED Sand Volleyball, and Movies in the Park haven’t gone anywhere!

Here’s to 2024! May it be your best summer yet!

Jason Thraen

Parks & Recreation Director

SUMMER FUN CAMP (7

YOUTH PROGRAMS

- 9 yrs.)

Join us for an action-packed week of summer fun! Participants will enjoy field trips with destinations including an aquatic center, indoor and outdoor activity centers, and much more! Participants will also have fun playing & learning games and activities in Polk City parks. Campers will be notified prior to the start of camp of Monday’s activity to prepare accordingly. Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff during camp.

*When registering, please note there are two sessions of this program.*

Registration Deadline: Mon., May 27

Ages: 7-9 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: June 3-7

Time: 12:30-4:30PM

Cost: $120

Location: Miller Park

SUMMER FUN CAMP (10 - 12 yrs.)

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 10

Ages: 7-9 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: June 17-21

Time: 12:30-4:30PM

Cost: $120

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 20/26

Join us for an action-packed week of summer fun! Participants will enjoy field trips with destinations including an aquatic center, indoor and outdoor activity centers, and much more! Participants will also have fun playing & learning games and activities in Polk City parks. Campers will be notified prior to the start of camp of Monday’s activity to prepare accordingly. Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff during camp.

*When registering, please note there are two sessions of this program.*

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 3

Ages: 10-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: June 10-14

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 17

Ages: 10-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: June 24-28

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Share your talents and skills with your community! Polk City Parks & Recreation is always looking to offer new and different programs. Please contact Jason @ 515-984-6233 or jthraen@polkcityia.gov.

SLIMETOPIA® CAMP

It’s the squishy, squashy camp that started it all! You and a STEAM Team of friends will learn the science of slime and design your own Slime Factory. You'll open your own Slimetopia Theme Park and fill it with different slimey lands like Under the Sea Slime Land, Mine Slime Land, and Once Upon a Slime Land. From butter to bubble; from crunchy to glossy; from fluffy to floamy; to every slime in between, we’ve got you covered (in slime)! Don’t miss out on this Challenge Island bestseller! *Please note different sessions when registering.*

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 3

Ages: 6-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: June 10-14

Time: 9AM-12PM

Cost: $175

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 12/24

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 17

Ages: 6-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: June 24-28

Time: 9AM-12PM

Cost: $175

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 12/24

ART IN THE PARK

Calling all artists! Join us as we create a variety of masterpieces throughout the week! Artists will also work together on a group project to be displayed in a city building. Things will get messy throughout the week, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing!

*Please note different age groups when registering.*

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 8

Ages: 5-7 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: July 15-19

Time: 1-4PM

Cost: $75

Location:

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 22

Ages: 8-11 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: July 29-August 2

Time: 1-4PM

Cost: $75

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Polk City Parks & Recreation is excited to partner with Challenge Island to provide STEAM camps this summer!

When School is Out, STEAM is in with the World's #1 STEAM Program!

Award-winning camps inspired by everything kids love most. Challenge Island provides an opportunity for all kids to reach their learning potential in a team-based, collaborative, and creative environment.

Participants will practice the engineering process, improve 21st century skills, and leave each session feeling proud and accomplished.

PETS PALOOZA CAMP

Wag on over to the most PAWSOME camp in town! You and your STEAM Team will engineer a world created just for pets: From Pets Palooza Hotel Day to Having a Ball Day to Give a Dog a Bone Day to Salty Sea Dog Day to a very special Rescue Pets Day. You’ll even get to adopt adorable pretend pets of your own and create habitats to match their needs and personalities! This STEAM-tastic camp gets two paws up and is a must for every pet-loving kid!

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 1

Ages: 6-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: July 8-12

Time: 9AM-12PM

Cost: $175

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 12/24

ARCADE MANIA CAMP

This Kids-Choice Challenge Island adventure puts a 100% SCREEN-FREE STEAM twist on popular video games: from Super STEAMio, Island Blox, Mine Island, and Fort Island to retro-inspired games like Space Aliens and Pinball Machines! You and your STEAM Team will swap game consoles for creativity and joysticks for ingenuity and imagination as you take on Islands of low-tech STEAM challenges created with game-loving kids in mind!

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 15

Ages: 6-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: July 22-26

Time: 9AM-12PM

Cost: $175

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 12/24

YOUTH PROGRAMS

YOUTH TENNIS

This introductory program is designed for those wanting to learn the sport and improve their skills! Instructors from Ames Racquet & Fitness will emphasize specific skills and games for each age level following the USTA Quick Start format. Equipment will be available for those not having their own. *Please note different age groups and sessions when registering.*

Polk City Parks & Recreation is thrilled to partner with Ames Racquet & Fitness to offer youth and adult tennis opportunities throughout the summer!

In the event of inclement weather, the first instance will be made up the Friday of your session. Additional instances will be rescheduled as needed.

8 YEARS

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 3

Ages: 6-8 yrs.

Days: Monday-Thursday

Dates: June 10-13

Time: 9-10AM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 5/16

9-12 YEARS

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 3

Ages: 9-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Thursday

Dates: June 10-13

Time: 10-11AM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 5/12

13-16 YEARS

Registration Deadline: Mon., June 3

Ages: 13-16 yrs.

Days: Monday-Thursday

Dates: June 10-13

Time: 11AM-12PM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 5/12

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 1

Ages: 6-8 yrs.

Days: Monday-Thursday

Dates: July 8-11

Time: 9-10AM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 5/16

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 1

Ages: 9-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Thursday

Dates: July 8-11

Time: 10-11AM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 5/12

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 1

Ages: 13-16 yrs.

Days: Monday-Thursday

Dates: July 8-11

Time: 11AM-12PM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 5/12

Polk City Parks & Recreation

is excited to partner with Bricks 4 Kidz® in 2024!

Bricks 4 Kidz® offers project-based programs designed to teach early principles and methods of engineering and architecture using LEGO® bricks. These summer camps are a great mix of technic model building, creative basic brick building and other engaging challenges and projects. Some camps have a pop culture theme while others highlight a specific end project but all camps are intended to trigger your young builder’s lively imagination, encourage problem solving and enable children to learn through play.

All Campers will take home a B4K t-shirt and a LEGO® mini-fig at the end of each camp week.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

WORLD OF IMAGINATION LEGO® CAMP

Hooray! We are bringing back this updated version of our popular Amusement Park Camp! This all time favorite, is sure to please our Disney, Universal, and Adventureland fans, alike! Campers will design and build their own theme park, complete with concession stands, a park entrance and LEGO® technic rides for our minifigures that shake, rattle, and roll! Classic Disney characters will be featured in 3D builds and mosaics. Even Harry Potter will make an appearance as we book our ticket to ride on this epic LEGO® adventure!

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 29

Ages: 5-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: August 5-9

Time: 9AM-12PM

Cost: $175

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 12/16

GAME ON! MARIO & FRIENDS EDITION LEGO® CAMP

Our latest version of a summer favorite takes us into the world of video games without ever turning on a screen. In this interactive camp we will use basic and technic bricks to create 3D models, mosaics and simple machines that represent iconic video game characters, and symbols of the virtual worlds they inhabit. Classic arcade is KING with Pac Man and full day of Super Mario Bros. We will have a day devoted to the fabulous world of Minecraft and a nod to other modern favorites including Fortnite, Roblox, Pokemon, and Beyblade! GAME ON!

Registration Deadline: Mon., August 5

Ages: 5-12 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: August 12-16

Time: 9AM-12PM

Cost: $175

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 12/16

Polk

YOUTH PROGRAMS

ALL-STAR SPORTS CAMP

Explore a plethora of different sports with our All-Star Sports Camp! Each day we’ll learn and play a variety of different sports and activities such as: soccer, dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, capture the flag, football, gaga-ball, and many more!

*Please note different age groups when registering.*

Registration Deadline: Mon., July 29

Ages: 5-7 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: August 5-9

Time: 8:30-11:30AM

Cost: $60

Location: Sports Complex

Min/Max: 16/24

Registration Deadline: Mon., August 5

Ages: 8-11 yrs.

Days: Monday-Friday

Dates: August 12-16

Time: 8:30-11:30AM

Cost: $60

Location: Sports Complex

Min/Max: 16/24

ADULT PROGRAMS

SPRING BAGS LEAGUE

Spring means warmer weather is coming and our spring bags league is back! We’ll follow a 7

week regular season with a double elimination tournament to crown our champions! Each week your team of two will play 3 games to 21. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one member per team needs to register.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 25

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Thursday

Dates: May 2-June 20

Time: 6-9PM

Cost: $35

Location: American Legion Post 232 Min/Max: 8/16 TEAMS

COED SAND VOLLEYBALL

BUMP, SET, and SPIKE your way into our 6 on 6 COED volleyball league! League will consist of regular season play followed by a single elimination tournament. This is a self officiated league. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one member per team needs to register. All players must sign team roster.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 28

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Tuesday

Dates: June 4-July 23

Time: 6-10PM

Cost: $100

Location: Kiwanis Park

Min/Max: 6/8 TEAMS

ADULT PROGRAMS

mission is to enhance , grow, and promote Polk City’s parks, trails, and greenspaces for the benefit of the entire community.

To learn more or get involved, scan the QR code below.

CARDIO TENNIS

Cardio Tennis is a high-energy fitness activity that combines the best features tennis with cardiovascular exercise, delivering the ultimate, full body, calorie burning aerobic workout to music. It is a very social and fun class for players of all ability levels led by a certified cardio tennis trainer. If you've never played tennis before, it’s a great way to be introduced to the sport and if you’re an experienced high-level tennis player, it’s a great way to train for tennis.

*When registering, please note there are two sessions of this program.*

Registration Deadline: Tues., May 28

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Tuesday

Dates: June 4-25

Time: 6-7PM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 4/12

Registration Deadline: Tues., July 2

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Tuesday

Dates: July 9-30

Time: 6-7PM

Cost: $60

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 4/12

INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL

Have you heard about Pickleball? It’s only the fastest growing sport in the United States! Join instructors Phil and Taylor for this introductory class covering the basics of the game, scoring, and the importance of staying out of the kitchen! Equipment will be provided.

*When registering, please note there are two sessions of this program.*

Registration Deadline: Thur., May 30

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Thursday

Dates: June 6-27

Time: 6-7PM

Cost: $40

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 4/12

Registration Deadline: Thur., July 4

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Thursday

Dates: July 11-August 1

Time: 6-7PM-4:30PM

Cost: $40

Location: Miller Park

Min/Max: 4/12

Are you or someone you know a group fitness instructor? If so, LET'S TALK! Polk City Parks & Rec is looking to offer more evening adult fitness classes, but first we need some rock star instructors! If interested, please contact Jason @ 515-984-6233 or jthraen@polkcityia.gov.

SUCCULENT WORKSHOP

ADULT PROGRAMS

"Do you have a "green thumb" or want to try to have one? If so, this succulent workshop is just for you! Each participant will have all materials provided, receive a ceramic container with 5 succulents, and will be taught how to properly plant + care for your succulents. Simply register with Polk City Parks & Rec to reserve your spot. Let's "grow" together!"

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 4

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Tuesday

Dates: June 11

Time: 6:30-8PM

Cost: $40

Location: Miller Park Shelter House

Min/Max: 4/16

SCENTS FOR EVERY MOOD: SELF-CARE

Join Meraki Mamas Boutik as we explore self-care through scent! Scent has long been associated with self-care. The use and application of aromas to enhance mood and improve health and well-being dates back to 3500 BC! Each participant will get to create their own unique scent combination. Scents will then be used to create a custom candle, room-spray, and lotion. *Please inform instructor of any allergies.*

Registration Deadline: Thursday, June 20

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Thursday

Dates: June 27

Time: 5:30-7:30PM

Cost: $35

Location: Meraki Mamas Boutik

Min/Max: 8/16

COED ADULT

SOFTBALL

BATTER UP! We’ll have a 7 week regular season followed by a double elimination tournament. Umpires will be provided for the end-of-season tournament. Regular season games will be umpired by league members. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one member per team needs to register. All players must sign team roster.

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 28

Ages: 18 years and older

Days: Sunday

Dates: July 7-August 25

Time: 2-6PM

Cost: $250

Location: Sports Complex

Min/Max: 6/8 TEAMS

Check out these senior programs offered at the Polk City Community Library!

Mondays @ 9AM, Chair Yoga

Tuesdays @ 9AM, Geri-Fit

Wednesdays @ 10AM, Women’s Coffee

Thursdays @ 6PM, Sit ‘n Stitch

Fridays @ 10AM, Men’s Coffee

Senior Social Hour (or 2)

SENIOR PROGRAMS

Come join fellow Polk City seniors for a “social hour” of food and fun! Participants will decide what each week looks like. Cards and games, check! Donuts and coffee, you bet! Potluck style lunch, BON APPETIT! If you are interested, please email jthraen@polkcityia.gov or call Jason at 515-984-6233 for more information.

Ages: 55 years and older

Days: Tuesdays

Dates: Ongoing

Time: 11AM

Location:

LUNCH AT BEANS & BEIGNETS

Iowa is full of small town, hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving mouthwatering food. Join us for lunch as we travel to Beans & Beignets in Earlham. The mission of Beans & Beignets is simple, create joy and friendships over good food, coffee, and ice cream. Registration includes transportation. Please bring money for your lunch.

Registration Deadline: Friday, July 19

Ages: 55 years and older

Days: Friday

Dates: July 26

Time: 10AM-2PM

Cost: $8

Location: Depart from Miller Park

Min/Max: 8/13

OLDER

IOWANS DAY AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR

Has it been ages since you’ve seen the butter cow? When was the last time you enjoyed a corndog and a refreshing state fair lemonade? Then join us at the 2024 Iowa State Fair and catch “Fair Fever!” Don’t worry about fighting traffic, we’ll drop you off inside the gates! Fee includes admission and transportation.

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 7

Ages: 55 years and older

Days: Wednesday

Dates: August 14

Time: 8AM-3PM

Cost: $18

Location: Depart from Miller Park

Min/Max: 8/13

FACILITY RENTALS

Need a larger space to host an event or celebration? Polk City Parks & Recreation has you covered! Miller Park Shelter House is perfect for graduation parties and baby showers! You can even rent an open air shelter to guarantee availability! More info can be found at https://www.polkcityia.gov/parks-and-recreation/shelter-facility-rentals. Rental fees can be found below.

FIELD RENTALS

Fields at the Polk City Sports Complex are available to rent for your private practice, tournament, or event. Rental fees can be found below.

Field availability is determined once Polk City Parks & Recreation programming and Polk City non profit youth sports groups have been scheduled. For more information and current

Miller Park Shelter House

Kiwanis Park Shelter

Soccer Field West

Baseball/Softball Field 1

SPECIAL EVENTS

ANTS

June 12, 2024 @ 6:30PM Polk City Town Square

Polk City Parks & Recreation is excited to welcome ANTS to Polk City’s historic town square this summer! ANTS is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.

ANTS is designed for children ages 2-10 and their families.

Ants as big as humans work together intently with hundreds of giant bread crumbs, using sound and movement to communicate, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children's movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy!

(Photo Credit: William Hall)

(Photo Credit: William Hall)

(Photo Credit: Theresa Harrison)

Polyglot Theatre is working in partnership with Inlet Dance Theatre to deliver this season. Polyglot is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

PUBLIC FISHING

The City of Polk City works closely with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide accessible, quality fishing opportunities in the Polk City community. Two ponds in Polk City’s park system are stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Those ponds are located at Marina Cove Park (430 E. Southside Dr.) and Twelve Oaks Park (1349 Twelve Oaks Dr.). A valid fishing license is required.

Those wishing to buy a fishing license, explore maps, get Iowa fishing regulations, and learn more can visit www.iowadnr.gov/fishlocal.

Polk City Parks and Recreation may record or take photos of participants enrolled in activities, programs, and special events

These photos and/or recordings may be used for future Polk City Parks and Recreation promotional material.

Photo Release

Marina Cove Park Pond

Twelve Oaks Park Pond