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.
2015 Shelter Reservations begin January 5
Monday, January 5 will be the first day patrons are able to reserve picnic shelters and other facilities for 2015 events. Shelters and facilities are rented on a first come, first served basis. Full payment is due at the time of reservation. The reservation fees are nonrefundable. Reservations may be made in person at the Parks office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or by phone at 219-462-5144.
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.
Broadway in Chicago Day Trip
A great holiday gift, January 3 is the next day trip through Valpo Parks Adult Enrichment programming for a matinee performance of Disney’s “Newsies.” It received 2012 Tony Awards for best choreography and best score. The day package includes a matinee ticket, motor coach transportation to and from Chicago’s Oriental Theater, and exclusive Suite Service prior to show and at intermission. Suite Service includes light snacks, private bar, desserts, private restroom, private coat check and first class attentive service. Register early; reservations sell quickly. Price is $149 per person; must be 21 years of age or older.
Special Pricing for ValPLAYso Faceplates
Special holiday pricing is available on Face Plates through Jan. 20. Individuals, families, companies, and groups can share their smile in a forever display at ValPLAYso in the Face Place. Each faceplate 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. An FAQ section is available to offer details.
Butterfly Garden Class
Class offers successful tips on starting and maintaining a butterfly sanctuary at home. Start a butterfly garden in the winter months and watch the transformation of the crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies. Class is three Tuesdays January 13, February 17, May 19 from 6::00 - 7:30 p.m. at Banta, 601 Beech St. Included with class are take-home instructions, milkweed seedlings, and eggs or caterpillars as the summer unfolds. Register by January 5. Price is $25.
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.
Winter Clinics for Sports Skills
Sports skills clinics in baseball, softball, t-ball and soccer will take place through Valpo Parks in January, February and March. The Valparaiso University Men’s Soccer, Girl’s Softball, and PNC Baseball teams will teach the clinics at the VHS Field House. Each clinic will focus on individual and team development. Participants will go through skill stations designed to help push them to improve as an individual and team player. Details, dates and pricing for each sport can be found at valpoparks.org.