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.
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.
Create Your Own Cards
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 January 26. Price is $20 per person.
Fitness Challenge for 18 and older
During this nine week challenge to get fit, the focus is on tackling big goals and losing weight in a group setting. Participants may sign up for the individual or team challenge, or both. There will be organized workouts twice a week at 4 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays February 3 – April 2, with weekly weigh-ins. Students receive instruction on continuing fitness routines outside of class, as well as a season pass to Rogers-Lakewood Park ($35 value). Set a goal to get fit and you’re already a winner. The “official” winner will be determined by several factors such as weight loss, fat percentage, BMI, etc. Registration ends January 30 and price is $95 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.
Holland, MI Day Trip
Beauty, fun and culture wrapped into one exciting day in Holland, MI. Located along the coast of Lake Michigan, Holland has a rich history and heritage to share with its visitors. The trip includes a walk through Windmill Island, lunch at Haworth Center in Hope College, shopping on one’s own in Downtown Holland, a wine-tasting reception, and motor coach transportation to and from Holland, MI. The motor coach leaves at 8:00 am and returns at 6:30 pm. Reserve early for the Friday, May 8 excursion. Price is $89.00 per person.