October 2016 Park Bench newsletter

Park Bench

Iowa City Parks & Recreation newsletter   :   October 2016

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Strider Bike Race
New to Iowa City Parks and Recreation this fall, the youth strider bike program culminated in a fun-tastic bike race on Sunday, Oct. 9.

New Upcoming Classes & Programs

Walk the Creek

Explore the creeks in our own backyard. Participants will look for stones, fossils and fish while learning how to keep the creek clean. Come prepared to get wet!

Willow Creek
Saturday, Oct. 29
2-4 p.m.

No fee to participate.
Please pre-register.

Roller skating is back!

Roller skate

The Iowa City Recreation division offers open roller skating at Grant Wood Elementary gym on Fridays and the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center on Saturdays.

There is no fee for this activity but participants are required to have an Iowa City Recreation facility pass. Passes may be acquired at the event. Replacement passes cost $2.

All youth under 12 years of age must have a participating adult age 18+ present.

Grand Wood Elementary
Fridays
6-8 p.m.

Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Saturdays*
6-8 p.m.

* No skating Oct. 15, 29 or November 26.

Cancellations posted on icgov.org/pr. Click "event cancellations."

 

Reminder: Farmers Market ends Oct. 29

The Chauncey Swan Farmers Market, 405 E. Washington Street, runs Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to noon.

The farmers market runs through the end of October.


 

Save the Date: Halloween Parade and Carnival

Jack-o-lantern

The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department has loads of spooktacular fun planned this Halloween season! 

70th Annual Halloween Parade and Carnival: Friday, Oct. 21, 2016

On Friday, Oct. 21, tricksters of all ages are invited to meet at 6 p.m. at the Weatherdance Fountain on the Ped Mall in Downtown Iowa City, dressed in their Halloween attire. The annual parade to the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St., will begin at 6:15 p.m. Once the revelers arrive at the Recreation Center, even more spooky fun gets underway with the Halloween Carnival, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the Haunted STEAM Tunnel and a glow-stick dance party, as well as carnival-style games, crafts, prizes, tricks and treats, special visitors, and loads of other Halloween fun.

All ages and abilities are welcome. No pre-registration or fee is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult for both of these events. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled, but the carnival will still be held.  

Tot Monster Mash: Friday, Oct. 28, 2016

This annual Halloween adventure, designed for kids ages 4-6, accompanied by a parent or guardian, is Friday, Oct. 28, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dress up in Halloween costumes and join Parks and Recreation staff at Mercer / Scanlon, 2701 Bradford Drive, for inflatables, games, stories, crafts, and more! No pre-registration or fee is required to participate.

Iowa City’s official Trick or Treat Night will be Monday, Oct. 31, from dusk to 8 p.m.    

Volunteer basketball coaches needed

Iowa City Recreation Basketball

The Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department is seeking individuals who are enthusiastic, nurturing, and positive to volunteer to coach our fall 3-on-3 basketball program for youth 1st-6th grade.

The benefits of volunteering are numerous, including helping kids have a positive experience playing sports, encouraging lifelong health and wellness, and giving back to your community.

Volunteer requirements:

  • Volunteer commitment of 5 weeks
  • Lead a team of 6 players through one 40-minute and one 25-minute game. Practices and games will be held weeknights.
  • Pass a background check
  • Must have transportation to and from practice/game locations
  • Demonstrate and instill good sportsmanship

The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department will provide resources to help run practices, including lesson plans, simple drills and breakdown of fundamentals. Training will also be provided upon request.

For more info or to volunteer, contact:

Matt Eidahl
matt-eidahl@iowa-city.org
(319) 887-6081

Cardigan Park Master Plan update

Cardigan Park

The Confluence design team has prepared, reviewed, and designed a schematic master plan for Cardigan Park. This Plan responds to the comments received during and after the ‘Walk the Park’ workshop, the program elements requested by the City, and their professional interpretation of the space.

As shown below, the Plan includes: a shelter with drinking fountain, playground and swings, bicycle parking, a park sign, seating areas, an open lawn, garden spaces, fire area with a community gathering space, and a walking path loop. This design incorporates spaces for passive and active recreation, as well as spaces for gathering and contemplation. Improvements have also been made to the existing neighborhood trail system, providing better circulation and connectivity for users.

As of this point, there are no funds allocated to this project beyond the creation of the master plan. The project will be submitted as part of the FY18 Capital Improvement Plan. The City Council prioritizes funding for capital projects.

 

Save the Date: Holiday Market

Iowa City Farmers Market logo

The annual Iowa City Holiday Market gives patrons an opportunity to buy homegrown, homemade, and handcrafted holiday gifts and foods.

Holiday Markets will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert Street.

Vendors will be located in the gym on the first floor and the Social Hall on the second floor. For more information, contact Administrative Secretary Tammy Neumann with the Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210.