Visit 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.
Olympic Softball Clinic
Softball players age 8 and older can learn from Olympians. Women’s Fast-pitch Softball Team Olympians Michelle Venturella & Leslie Malerich will teach a skills clinic on January 11, 2015 at the Valparaiso High School Field House from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Players will be grouped by ages and high school players will be grouped in accordance with IHSAA rules. Coaches are also welcome. The clinic will focus on hitting, catching, and pitching. Registration for the clinic ends January 8, 2015. Price is $60 per player or coach. All Valpo Parks players/coaches receive $5 off.
Softball Skills Clinics
The VU Softball Team will run skills clinics for youth on Sundays, January 11, 18, 25. Youth age 5 to 12 years old (As of December 31, 2014) will participate in sessions focusing on individual and team development. Participants will go through skill stations designed to help push them to improve as an individual and team player. Registration is due by January 9 and all sessions are 5:00 – 6:15p.m. at the VHS Field House. Price to attend all three clinic dates is $25 for residents and $37 for non-residents. If youth is signed up for 2015 Valpo Parks Softball, clinic price is only $5.
Baseball Skills Clinics
PNC Baseball players will lead clinics on baseball skills for youth age 7 to 12 (as of May1, 2015) on Sundays, January 11, 18, 25. These three sessions will emphasize individual and team development, using skill stations designed to help push them to improve as an individual and team player. Registration is due by January 9 and all sessions are 3:30 – 4:45p.m. at the VHS Field House. Price to attend all three clinic dates is $25 for residents and $37 for non-residents. If youth is signed up for 2015 Valpo Parks Baseball, clinic price is only $5.
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.
Free T’ai Chi Demo
Free demonstrations will be offered on January 24 to highlight this adult enrichment class, which is a system of calisthenics, consisting of sequences of very slow controlled movements. It is easy to learn and safe. Studies have shown it relieves pain and improves quality of life. The free demo is at the Banta Center located at 601 Beech Street on January 24 from 10:30-11:30 am. T’ai Chi classes begin January 28 and registration is available through the Valpo Parks office or website.
T’ai Chi Classes
The first sessions of T’ai Chi for Health, for Arthritis and Advanced classes begin in late January through mid-March, meeting on Mondays or Wednesdays for one hour. Time and day varies depending on the class. Classes are held at the Banta Center. The T’ai Chi sessions are designed for individuals age 18 and up. Price is $80 per person.
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. Price is $75/87 per couple or $40/52 per individual.
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.