Valpo Park Briefs, January 13, 2015

valpo-parksVisit the Valpo Parks website for information on all programs at www.ValpoParks.org. Registration is available online for most programs, in person at the Parks Office at 3210 N. Campbell St., or by phone at 219.462.5144.

Special for ValPLAYso Faceplates till Jan 20
Favorite photos of kids, families, company staff, and other groups is the perfect photo to use for a Face Plate. Face Plates will be on permanent display at ValPLAYso, the city’s community-built playground in a special plaza called the Face Place, which will be constructed in Spring 2015. Special pricing is available on Face Plates through Jan. 20. Each Face Plate purchase helps fund the Face Place which will be built between the hand tile walls and the new playground. With four sizes from which to choose, prices range from only $80 to $500. Pictures can be uploaded for faceplate purchase at valplayso.com. A video demonstrates how to use the photo upload process and an FAQ section is available to offer details.

Ice Fishing Derby at Lakewood
Friends of Fishing and Valpo Parks host will host an Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, January 24, 6:00 AM to Noon at Rogers-Lakewood Park. Fishing enthusiasts of all ages can compete to catch the longest fish through the ice on the Rogers-Lakewood waters. Categories in youth and adult divisions include Bass, Crappie, Panfish and Walleye. The price per entry is $10.00 for pre-registered adults and $5.00 for pre-registered youth under age 17. Derby day registration is $15.00 per adult and $7 per youth under age 17. Proceeds raised from the derby will benefit the fund for a new boat ramp at Loomis Lake. Derby will take place dependent on ice conditions.

Latin Dance Class
Learn the steps of the hottest Latin dances in a 6 week session. This class will keep you moving and shaking, giving dancers a workout that is more fun than a run on the treadmill. Instruction includes Cha-Cha, Merengue, and Rumba. Classes are Monday nights February 2 – March 9 from 6:15-7:30 at the Banta Center, taught by Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Registration required by January 30. Price is $75/87 per couple or $40/52 per individual.

New Stamping Class
Student will create 3 cards from the Stampin' Up product line with guidance from a Stampin' Up instructor. Materials include embossing folders, dyes, new stamp sets, inks, papers, and more. All supplies will be provided. Refreshments provided. The Thursday, January 29 class makes a Valentine's Day Card, a Birthday Card, and an All Occasion Card. Class is in the Welter Room at Forest Park Golf Course from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Registration ends on Monday, January 26. Price is $20 per person.

Youth Softball Registration
Girsl fast-pitch softball for 6U-16U (age as of December 31, 2014) competes against teams from Boone Grove, Kouts, LaWanna, Morgan, Washington and South Central. The season has both week day and Saturday games from April 27 through the end of June. Player evaluations take place in mid March. Pricing for resident/non-resident is as follows: 6U $52/$64; 8U $62/74; 10U/12U $72/$84; 16U $82/$94. Registration is available until February 6.

Youth Soccer Skills Clinics
Kids age 3 to 12 years old can attend Sunday soccer skills clinics with the VU Men’s Soccer Organization in February. There will be two age groupings: 3 to 6 year olds attend 3:30 to 4:30 PM and 7 to 12 year olds from 4:30 to 5:30 PM at the VHS field house on Sundays February 1, 8, 15, 22. Price is $25 for residents and $37 for non-residents. If youth is registered in Valpo Parks soccer programming, cost is only $5. Registration ends January 23.

Youth Coed Spring Soccer
Registration deadline is March 6 for the popular soccer league for kids age 3 to 14 years (age as of April 30, 2015). All games are played on Saturdays during the April 11 through May 16 season. Practices vary at coaches’ discretion. Players receive team shirt and socks. Price is $47 for residents, $59 non-residents. Registration ends March 6.

Open House to Discover Discovery Cottage
On Thursday, February 5, Discovery Cottage will host an open house to introduce parents and kids to the youth enrichment class location. Discovery Cottage is home to dozens of classes for ages 3 years up to 12 years old, covering subjects from cooking to nature, math to music, theater to drawing. Parents and children will have the opportunity to see the facility and talk to the teachers about programs, classes and procedures. The 2015 Discovery Cottage class guide will also be available to take home. The open house takes place from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at Discovery Cottage at 1155 W. Harrison Blvd.