Polk City Parks & Recreation WINTER/SPRING 2024
Registration Opens Polk City Residents: 11/20/2023 Non-Residents: 11/27/2023
Polk City Parks & Recreation P.O. Box 426, 112 Third St. Polk City, IA 50226 515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
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
PARKS & RECREATION Mission Statement
YOUTH PROGRAMS
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.
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In-person at City Hall, 112 Third St. Polk City, IA 50226.
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By calling City Hall at 515-984-6233
Dinky Dunkers DRIBBLE, PASS, SCORE! Dinky Dunkers is an introductory basketball program for children in kindergarten. Participants will learn the fundamentals and basic rules of the game. Each 45 minute practice will be split into skills/drills and organized scrimmages. Separate leagues will be offered for males and females. Practice times will vary by week. Volunteer coaches are needed! Registration Deadline: Friday, January 5 Ages: Kindergarten Days: Saturdays Dates: January 27-March 2 Time: 8AM-1PM Cost: $30 Location: Big Creek Elementary Gym
Youth Basketball League NEW FOR 2024! This league is designed to teach basketball fundamentals, promote sportsmanship and teamwork, and introduce competition for athletes in 1st and 2nd grade. Each 60 minute practice will be split into skills/drills and organized scrimmages. Separate leagues will be offered for males and females. Practice times will vary by week. Volunteer coaches are needed! Registration Deadline: Friday, January 5 Ages: 1st and 2nd Grade Days: Saturdays Dates: January 27-March 2 Time: 8AM-1PM Cost: $35 Location: Big Creek Elementary Gym
515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
YOUTH PROGRAMS Dodgeball Keep your kids active after school by joining Dodgeball Derivatives! We’ll explore several different ways to play the game of Dodgeball like Artillery, Shipwreck, Minefield, and Last One Standing! These are great games using our specially designed foam dodgeballs. Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 8 Ages: 7-10 yrs. Days: Thursdays Dates: February 15-29 Time: 4:30-5:30PM Cost: $20 Location: Lakeside Fellowship Gym Min/Max: 12/24
Polk City Friends of the Parks is a newly formed non-profit whose 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.
Babysitting Basics Become a better babysitter with Iowa State University Extension! Participants will learn about the responsibilities of a babysitter, what employers expect, and how to care for infants and toddlers. Youth learn about age appropriate toys and activities, safety, and basic first aid. All participants receive a book filled with information about childcare as well as a certificate of completion at the end of the course. *NO SCHOOL DAY FOR NORTH POLK CSD.* Registration Deadline: Friday, February 16 Ages: 10-18 yrs. Days: Friday Dates: February 23 Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM Cost: $45 Location: Miller Park Min/Max: 10/16
Spring Break Trips: Great Escape Stuck at home for spring break?! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Great Escape in Pleasant Hill! We’ll bowl, play laser tag, and check out Great Escape’s giant arcade! Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff. Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 5 Ages: 7-9 yrs. Days: Tuesday Dates: March 12 Time: 12:00-4:30PM Cost: $36 Location: Miller Park Min/Max: 10/13 Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 7 Ages: 10-12 yrs. Days: Thursday Dates: March 14 Time: 12:00-4:30PM Cost: $36 Location: Miller Park Min/Max: 10/13
515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
ADULT PROGRAMS Rest & Restore Yoga Start your week with a yoga session that relaxes your mind and soothes frayed nerves. Sometimes called Yin Yoga, this style embraces the practice of slowing down, opening up, and allowing calm and creation to play. Poses are still and held with ease. As the mind, body and soul connects, you will leave feeling ready for a gentle night’s sleep yet refreshed for the week ahead! Blocks, bolsters, and a small blanket or towel recommended. Perfect for all levels! Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 18 Ages: 18 years and older Days: Tuesday Dates: January 23-February 27 Time: 7-8PM Cost: $90 Location: Miller Park Shelter Min/Max: 6/12
Share your talents and skills with your community! Polk City Parks & Rec is always looking to offer new and different programs. Please contact Jason @ 515-3298036 or jthraen@polkcityia.gov if interested.
‘Tis the Season to be Freezin’ Bags Tournament Need an excuse to brave the cold and get out of the house this winter, then join us for this WARM and DRY indoor bags tournament! This double elimination tournament will consist of a single game to 21 (or more). Due to space, boards will be set up at 24’. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one member per team needs to register. Prizes will be awarded. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 24 Ages: 18 years and older Days: Friday Dates: January 26 Time: 6-10PM Cost: $20 Location: American Legion Post 232 Min/Max: 8/16 TEAMS
Spring Bags League Join us for 8 weeks of bags fun! 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
515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
SENIOR PROGRAMS
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) 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-1PM Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Lunch at Sugar Shack Diner and Outlet Shopping Go back in time as we visit the Sugar Shack Diner in Altoona! Enjoy classic diner grub paired with a delicious milkshake. After lunch, we’ll swing by the Outlets of Des Moines to get a head start on our holiday shopping! (Or get something for yourself, we won’t judge.) Registration includes transportation. Please bring money for your lunch. Registration Deadline: Friday, December 1 Ages: 55 years and older Days: Friday Dates: December 8 Time: 10:30AM-2:30PM Cost: $8 Location: Depart from Miller Park Min/Max: 8/13
Explore Pella Join us as we explore “A Touch of Holland” right here in central Iowa! We’ll enjoy all downtown Pella has to offer. Points of interest will include Central Park, Brinkhoff Park, the Klokkenspel, Jaarsma Bakery, and over 300,000 beautiful tulips! Registration includes transportation. Please bring money for lunch. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 17 Ages: 55 years and older Days: Wednesday Dates: April 24 Time: 9AM-3PM Cost: $8 Location: Depart from Miller Park Min/Max: 8/13
515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
SPECIAL EVENTS Letters to Santa Let Santa know that you’ve been a good little boy or girl this year! Santa’s mailbox will be at City Hall December 1st-15th. Bring in your letter or picture for Santa, drop it in his mailbox, and we will get them sent to the North Pole! Make sure to include your name and address so Santa can write back! Dates: December 1-15 Location: City Hall
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 @ 515-329-8036 or jthraen@polkcityia.gov.
Light Up Polk City Join Go Polk City and the Parks & Rec department as we celebrate the holiday season! Watch as Santa uses his “holiday magic” to illuminate our town square! Enjoy holiday activities and music, seasonal eats and drinks, horse-drawn “sleigh” rides, and actual reindeer! You’ll also have the chance to talk with Santa and let him know if you’ve been good this year. Other special winter guests will be in attendance as well. Happy Holidays! Days: Friday Dates: December 1 Time: 6-8PM Location: Town Square
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Polk City has several organizations offering youth sports programs throughout the year. For more information, click on the organization’s logo! Polk City Little League
North Polk United Soccer Club
North Polk School District
515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
Polk City Friends of the Parks
FACILITY FACILITY RENTALS RENTALS Need a larger space to host an event or celebration? Polk City Parks & Recreation has you covered! Host your next family reunion at our Community Center. Miller Park Shelter House is Need a larger space to host an event or celebration? Polk City Parks & Recreation has you perfect for graduation parties and baby showers! You can even rent an open air shelter to covered! Miller Park Shelter House is perfect for graduation parties and baby showers! You guarantee availability! More info can be found at https://www.polkcityia.gov/parks-andcan even rent an open air shelter to guarantee availability! More info can be found at https:// recreation/shelter-facility-rentals. Rental fees can be found below. www.polkcityia.gov/parks-and-recreation/shelter-facility-rentals. Rental fees can be found below.
Miller Park Shelter House 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 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. Kiwanis Park Shelter
PUBLIC PUBLIC FISHING 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 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. Marina Cove Park Pond
Twelve Oaks Park Pond
515-984-6233 / www.polkcityia.gov
Thanks to all those volunteers, sponsors, businesses, and local organizations who have helped improve Polk City parks in 2023! (Pictured: Kiwanis Club of Polk City, Polk City Little League, North Polk United, Polk City Arbor League, Earl May of Grimes, Polk City Friends of the Parks, and Luana Savings Bank)
Photo Release 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.