Storytime at cabins on Thursday, Oct. 1

The Iowa City Public Library’s Thursday preschool storytime will be held at the historic log cabins at Upper City Park, 200 East Park Road, on Oct. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The program will include stories, pioneer crafts, and learning about Iowa City history. Bring a lunch with you to enjoy an outdoor picnic as part of this special event.

Both log cabins were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The City is currently raising funds to restore them. For more information, visit https://icgov.org/news/icpl-preschool-storytime-upper-city-park-log-cabins or call Joyce Carroll at 319-356-5100 to find out how to make a donation.

Get with the beat with the Yahoo Drummers

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6 and continuing the first Tuesday of every month through April 5, 2016, you can be a part of the exotic sound and rhythm of the Yahoo Drummers. Join in on a monthly Family Drumming session at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Gymnastics Room from 7 to 9 p.m., where you'll explore and learn to play percussion instruments from all over the world, creating a unique musical experience each and every time! No fee;  no registration required. For more info, call 319-356-5100.  

Swim lessons and pool updates

Swim lessons: Registration for the second session of our swim lessons begins Monday, Oct. 5. Lessons are scheduled from Oct. 26 through Dec. 7. No classes will be held Nov. 23-29. More info is available in the Activity Guide at www.icgov.org/pr or by calling the Information Desk at 319-321-1958.

Pool closure: Mercer Pool will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 24 for a City High swim meet.

Party time?

If your child has a birthday party coming up and you need someplace bigger than your living room to hold it, let us help! Mercer / Scanlon and the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center can help organize a special birthday party celebration for your child and his or her friends -- all kinds of fun for the kids, and less work for you!

At Mercer / Scanlon, we offer Tot Play Parties (ages 1-6); Sports Parties (ages 6-12); and Roller Skating Parties (ages 8-14). Parties offered at Robert A. Lee include Arts and Crafts (ages 3-14); Tumbling (ages 2-6); and Swimming (ages 6 and up).

Party fees range from $80 to $120, depending on the event. Reservations are now being taken for parties in January through May 2016. Find out more in our Activity Guide at www.icgov.org/pr or call 319-356-5109 for more info or to book an event.

Get your skate on at Friday Night Skate!

Friday Night Skate gets underway at Grant Wood Elementary School Gym at 1930 Lakeside Drive on Oct. 16. There's no fee to skate, and skates will be provided. Participants must have an Iowa City Recreation Division facility pass, and children must be accompanied by adults. Friday Night Skate nights will be held Oct. 16, 23, and 30; Nov. 6, 13, and 20; and Dec. 4, 11, and 18. For more info, call the Recreation Information Desk at 319-356-5100.

Register now for Babysitting Training

What are you planning to do during Winter Break? How about taking a two-day Red Cross-certified Babysitter's Training course and learning how to build a babysitting business? The class is designed for students aged 11-15 to prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to responsibly give care for children and infants. It's scheduled Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 21 and 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info is available in the Activity Guide at www.icgov.org/pr.

Dog Paddle closes summer pool season

City Park Pool is now closed for the season, but a few swimming enthusiasts got in one last dip before it was drained for the year. The Friends of the Animal Center Foundation (FACF) hosted the 13th Annual Dog Paddle last month -- and there were some happy faces and wagging tails to show appreciation.

WEBSITE:

https://icgov.org/pr

INFORMATION:

319-356-5100

FACILITIES:

Robert A. Lee. 220 S. Gilbert

Mercer Pool / Scanlon Gym, 2701 Bradford Drive

ACTIVITY GUIDES:

Electronic version available   at www.icgov.org/pr. Printed copies available at either Recreation Center, City Hall, or Iowa City Public Library.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES:

Electronically via ActiveNet at www.icgov.org/pr; in person at either Recreation Center; or by phone at 319-356-5100.

Spooktacular fun!

Join the Parks and Recreation Department for all kinds of spooktacular Halloween fun in October, including:

HALLOWEEN PARADE & CARNIVAL: Friday, Oct. 23

Put on your Halloween costumes and meet us at the Weatherdance Fountain on the Ped Mall in Downtown Iowa City on Friday, Oct. 23 for the annual Halloween Parade and Carnival.

The parade will kick off at 6:15 p.m. when costumed revelers head to the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center at 220 S. Gilbert Street for the Halloween Carnival. Join us from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for an ooky night in the Haunted Hallway, as well as carnival-style games, crafts, prizes, tricks, treats, a glow stick dance party, special visitors, and other Halloween fun.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled, but the carnival will still be held. There's no participation fee for either event!

MASQUERADE BALL: Saturday, Oct. 24

One of the most popular events of the year for our Special Populations Involvement (SPI) participants happens at Halloween. This year's Masquerade Ball is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Social Hall. SPI participants are encouraged to come dressed in their creepy or boo-ti-ful costumes for an enchanged evening of music, dancing, and games. Please note: Information in the Activity Guide is incorrect. The date of this event is Oct. 24.

TOT MONSTER MASH: Friday, Oct. 30

This annual Halloween adventure is scheduled for kids aged 6 and under on Friday, Oct. 30 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join Parks & Recreation staff at Mercer / Scanlon, 2701 Bradford Drive in Iowa City, for inflatables, games, stories, crafts, and more fun! Be sure to wear your Halloween costume! No fee.

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT: Saturday, Oct. 31

Iowa City’s official Trick or Treat Night will be Saturday, Oct. 31 from dusk to 8 p.m. Have fun out there, but stay safe! Make sure your costume allows you to see and walk safely. Trick or treat in a group, and stay in well-lighted areas that you're familiar with.

Cyclocross in City Park

Cyclocross came to Upper City Park in September, when the Iowa City Women's Cycling organization hosted the 6th annual Chamois Time Cyclocross Race. More than 100 racers came from the Iowa City metro area, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities to participate. The event is for all ages, designed specifically to introduce women, juniors (16 and under) and beginners to competitive cycling. Cyclocross has become the most popular competitive cycling event for competitors as well as spectators. Iowa City is also the host city of Jingle Cross, the annual three-day cyclocross race held each year at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.

Harvest Party scheduled

It's time to celebrate the season -- at a Harvest Party at the Mercer Park Farmers Market. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, head to the market at 1317 Dover Street between 3 and 6 p.m. for games, pumpkin decorating, a bouncy house, storytime by Antelope Lending Library, and live music by Dustin Busch and Guy Drollinger. We'll also be collecting donations of winter coats, gloves, hats, mittens, boots, and other outerwear at this event to distribute to those in need. For more info, call Cassidy Bell at 319-321-1958.

Park clean-up

Volunteerism is part of the educational experience these days, and the City of Iowa City is more than grateful for the additional help. Recently, pharmacy students from the University of Iowa held a Volunteer Day at Ryersons Woods, clearing woody brush and invasive species and removing trash. Environmental clean-ups on Ralston Creek, Willow Creek, and the Iowa River Trail are scheduled on three Sundays in October. For more information and to find out how you can join in, see https://icgov.org/news/volunteers-needed-creek-and-trail-clean-ups-october.

Taste of the season!

Taste of Market at the Iowa City Farmers Market last month proved to be every bit as yummy as we knew it would be. Vendors donated foods which were then prepared and served by staff from the University of Iowa Community Credit Union. What a great way to celebrate the flavor of the season -- with free samples of top quality produce and foods from the Farmers Market! October is the last month for weekly markets, so be sure to stop by often. For times and locations, visit www.icgov.org/farmersmarket.

And finally...

Best of luck to Mike Moran, who retired in September after 32 years with the Parks and Recreation Department, serving most recently as its Director. Here, he's pictured (foreground, far right) enjoying a farewell lunch with department staff. A public reception was held Sept. 25.