rom the director...

With fall approaching and the school year beginning, I want to take the time to reflect on something that means so much to us here at our department – the countless memories that are made within our park system and at our recreation programs and events. It is our absolute privilege and honor to host the opportunities for laughter, friendship, activity, nature, and incredible experiences that our community gets to share in these spaces.

Parks are where memories are made. The families that come together at Lake Sacajawea for a concert or a festival, the thrill of children learning baseball at the Sandlot League at Archie Anderson, and the cacophony of laughter emanating from kids at one of our many neighborhood playgrounds. These moments speak to the core of our community and the parks are where our community is built.

Parks and recreation programs are more than just activities and spaces to play, they are essential to our well-being as individuals and as a City. We are blessed to have a wide range of opportunities that allow us all to let go of stress, breathe deep, and just play.

When we speak of memories, we talk about conquering playgrounds, family picnics, soccer games, watching an outdoor movie on lush green grass, attending summer camps, and so much more. These experiences have shaped us, fueled our creativity, increased our activity levels, and made us resilient. Parks and Recreation programs are a gift the City gives to its citizens – they become a collection of memories and experiences that we get to enjoy and share for future generations.

Our amazing team of staff, instructors, and volunteers work tirelessly to make our parks and programs safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. We are dedicated to creating spaces that encourage exploration and connection. Opportunities for those within our community to strengthen the bond with their neighbors as well as their neighborhoods.

So as fall begins, the sun sets a little earlier and our lives get a little busier, we encourage you to continue joining us in creating unforgettable memories. Walk on one of our many trails, embrace a new adventure such as pickleball, or sit back, relax, and listen to the laughter of children. We could all use a little reminder that we all have an inner child inside of us, we just need to let them out to play!

Thank you for your support and your continued participation in our parks and programs. It is an honor to provide the places and spaces that we do, and we wish you countless more memories and opportunities for joy.

Babysitting

Gain skills and confidence to babysit for family and friends! This comprehensive babysitting class will cover first aid basics, healthy treats, ideas for games & art projects, safety concerns and even diaper duty

Ages8-14

Sat 09/23 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM $31

Sat 10/21 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM $31

Location:RecreationBuilding,2920DouglasStreet

Bowling

Bowling is a game you can enjoy for a lifetime! Additionally, this target sport is a fun recreational activity and teaches hand eye and coordination skills Perfect for all experience levels, rest assured that bumpers are available if needed

Instructor: Bob Nugent

Ages5-8

Tue 09/05 - 09/26 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $35

Ages9-13

Thu 09/07 - 09/28 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM $35

Location:TriangleBowlingAlley,700TriangleCenter

Disc Golf Clinic

Join us for an exciting and interactive 4-week youth disc golf program designed to introduce and develop the skills of young disc golf enthusiasts This course is structured to cover essential aspects of the game. Led by a dedicated enthusiast, this course offers a comprehensive learning experience to help participants become proficient disc golf players

Week 1: Mechanics * Week 2: Game Rules

Week 3: Practice with a Mentor * Week 4: Mock Tournament

By the end of this course, participants will have gained a strong foundation in the mechanics of disc golf, a thorough understanding of the rules and etiquette of the game, and practical experience through practice sessions and a mock tournament This course aims to foster a love for disc golf, develop essential skills, and create lasting memories in a supportive and engaging environment Join us on this exciting journey to become confident and skilled disc golfers!

Instructor: Jason Register

Ages8-12

Sat 09/09 - 09/30 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM $160*

Location:RoyMorsePark,353RegSmithDrive

Ballet

Learn the basic steps of ballet and improve gross motor skills through fun games, creative movement, and show off what you learned in a small performance on the last day of class

Instructor: Kristy Larson, Evergreen Dance Center

Ages6-8

Tue 09/05 - 09/26 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM $45

Tue 10/03 - 10/24 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM $45

Tue 11/07 - 11/28 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM $45

Location:McClellandCenter,951DelawareStreet

Please wear comfortable clothing.

Creative Dance

Lots of fun games, songs, and creative movement to help young dancers learn gross motor skills and the foundational movements of dance

Instructor: Kristy Larson, Evergreen Dance Center

Ages3-5

Tue 09/05 - 09/26 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM $45

Tue 10/03 - 10/24 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM $45

Tue 11/07 - 11/28 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM $45

Location:McClellandCenter,951DelawareStreet

Home Alone - How to Stay Safe

Be prepared for school breaks and days off by ensuring your kids have the skills and knowledge to stay safe at home without adult supervision, including basic first aid, personal safety, Internet safety, how to respond to strangers at the door or over the phone, and sibling care

Ages8-14

Sat 09/16 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM $31

Sat 11/04 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM $31

Location:ElksMemorialBuilding,2121KesslerBlvd

Horsemanship

Beginning

Enjoy games and exercise while learning English riding skills that build confidence. Expert instruction is provided in basic horsemanship including safety, rules, grooming, and tacking Instructor: Donna Longacre

Ages6-16

Tue 09/12 - 09/26 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM $75

Tue 10/10 - 10/24 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM $75

Tue 11/14 - 11/28 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM $75

W-F 12/27 - 12/29 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM $75

Intermediate

For those who have taken the beginning horsemanship class or had other instructions Must be able to ride independently Helmet and boots required Instructor: Donna Longacre

Ages6-16

W-F 12/27 - 12/29 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM $75

Location:LongacreStables,2290DikeRoad

Participant must wear riding shoes or shoes with heels Bring your own helmet or use one provided

Music & Movement - Parent & Tot

Explore the joy and diversity of music with your little one! Group music-making releases energy which can be channeled in creative, productive directions Children learn about themselves and others by playing and listening to music together Instructor: Molly Johnson

Ages0.5-3

Mon 09/11 - 10/02 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM $39

Mon 10/09 - 11/06 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM $39

Mon 11/13 - 12/04 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM $39

Location:McClellandCenter,951DelawareStreet

*No Class 10/30 fll challenge: masterpiece (AGES 9-16) Cost $40

FIRST® LEGO® League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.

Throughout their experience, FIRST core values are practiced: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork & Fun! The challenge theme is Masterpieceusing the arts to communicate. Comparable to youth sports with attendance and active participation being necessary and expected. Create and build robotic components that will perform specific tasks, and learn how to incorporate sensors.

Please join us for an organizational meeting

Tuesday, August 15th at 5:30pm at the Elks Building, 2121 Kessler Blvd.

A Special Thank You to our Sponsor

* Each team needs a volunteer parent to coach. No LEGO or programming experience necessary, just a willingness to learn & have fun! Call 360-442-5400 for additional information.