3. Recreational Programs

3. RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

Numerous recreation programs and activities are offered through the Dearborn Heights Parks and Recreation Department. An understanding of these activities and events currently offered by the City will help in identifying unmet programming needs. The program year is divided into two sessions: Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. Within these sessions the programs are further broken down into Special Events, Youth, Sports, Leisure, Library, Bowling and Senior Programs. The Parks and Recreation Department produces a brochure that outlines the available activities through the Department.

Special Events The Parks and Recreation Department sponsors special events throughout the year that often relate to a season or holiday. The following is a list of some events planned through the year: Adult-Youth Golf Outing City-Wide Garage Sale Daddy-Daughter Date Night Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Ball Concerts in the Park Mother-Child Date Night Mother-Son Sweetheart Ball Spirit Festival Tree Lighting Ceremony Volunteer Luncheon Harvest and Craft Sale The Great Marshmellow Drop Fire & Ice Festival

Youth Programs Each season, the Parks and Recreation Department designs special activities for the Youth Program. Youth programs are designed for children ranging from preschool age through teenagers. A wide variety of activities are offered to interest this diverse age group, such as: Day Camps Cheer America Gymnastics Kids Klub Spring and Summer Day Camps Ski and Snowboard Club Summer Recreation Programs

Sports Programs The Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with several local groups such as the D7 Dad’s Club, offer sports classes and league play throughout the year. The following is a summarized list of the types of programs offered: Baseball Leagues Basketball Camps Clinics & Leagues Floor Hockey Leagues Golf Leagues & Tournaments Boating Safety Classes Junior Flag Football Junior Tackle Football Junior Cheerleading Karate Lessons Soccer Club & Leagues Softball Leagues & Tournaments Start Smart Basketball Program Swim Club Tennis Lessons

Leisure Programs These programs are designed to provide continuing education, teach new skills and are just for fun. The following is a summarized list of leisure programs offered in the City: Duplicate Bridge Indoor Walking Program Intergenerational Trips Middle School Dance Night Quilting Classes Tree Lighting Ceremony Upholstery Classes Women’s Self Defense Yoga Classes Zumba Exercise/Dance

Library Programs The Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr. Libraries serve Dearborn Heights residents. Both libraries offer a variety of programs and classes for all ages including: Adult Book Discussion Group Computer Classes Creative Writing Group Friends of the Library Ghost Hunters Program Knitting & Crocheting Group Story times for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Early Elementary Age Children Writers Connection

Senior Programs The Parks Recreation Department provides continual programs specifically designed to serve the senior citizens of Dearborn Heights. Dearborn Heights Senior Citizens are served by two senior centers, Berwyn Center in the north and Eton Center in the south. Typical activities and services offered to those 55 and over include: Blood Pressure Monitoring Card Room Ceramics Craft Clubs Food Commodities Health Services Holiday Parties Homebound Meals Oil Painting Quilting Pool Rooms Recreational Programs Referral Services R.S.V.P. Program Senior Citizens Clubs Tax Assistance Trips Upholstery Woodcarving