Anniversary Celebration

The Dennis Center will be celebrating its third anniversary on January 27, and we are excited to open our doors to the entire community. Come and enjoy our pool, walking track, fitness floor, and classes which will be available to everyone. We are still planning this event. Be on the lookout for an invitation in January with more information. 

Bring a Friend Free Week and Community Days

From January 21st to January 27th, members are allowed to bring one friend daily for free to the Dennis Center. The guests will have access to the fitness floor, the pool, the walking track and can attend classes if there is space available. However, the Clubhouse is not included in this event. All guests must sign a waiver, and if anyone is below 14 years old, they must have a parent or guardian present at all times.

In 2024, we will continue to have Community Days on the first Saturday of the month from noon to 5 p.m.

AmeriCorps Members 

On December 14, our AmeriCorps members visited the West Lafayette Fire Station 1. During their visit, they were given a tour of the historic firehouse, learned about the duties and responsibilities of working in the fire department, and were informed about the job opportunities available in the field. Additionally, they were trained on how to use a fire extinguisher through a simulator.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Alexis, Clara, Colin, and Larry for their tremendous efforts in 2023. Their dedication in keeping our parks clean, assisting with the Park Satisfaction survey, and going above and beyond their call of duty has been an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly grateful to have had such an exceptional team of AmeriCorps members in their inaugural year!

If you would like to learn more about future events hosted by our AmeriCorps members, sign up here: https://forms.gle/gztCrvR6nYukGkwH8

To learn more about our AmeriCorps program and how to join the cause, click here: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/americorps

Contact Rachel Bingaman, Grant Administrator, with any questions. 

De-escalation Training

Several staff members from around the city attended a de-escalation workshop on December 20th at the Dennis Center. Devon Moore, the Social Service and Crisis Response Specialist for the West Lafayette Police Department, led the workshop. The attendees learned what de-escalation means and the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the West Lafayette Police Department for offering such an invaluable workshop. It has equipped us with the knowledge and tools to serve our community more effectively. We're excited to put this training into practice and continue to make a positive impact in our community.

Meet Kyle, Our New Parks Naturalist

Meet Kyle Gebhart, our new Parks Naturalist! Hailing from Ohio, he has dedicated his life to working in various park settings across the country. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries from Tennessee Tech University, Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. He joined us in late October to manage the Lilly Nature Center and create programs that inspire people to connect with nature and get outside. Kyle's passion for Dutch oven cooking and his enthusiasm for outdoor activities, such as fishing and birdwatching, make him the perfect person to lead us in exploring new nature-based programs in 2024.

Welcome to the team, Kyle!

School-Age Gym and Swim

Are you ready for some splashing fun in the pool or recreational games in our gym? Our School-Aged Gym and Swim program has got you covered! We offer swimming lessons for kids of all levels, including first-timers to seasoned swimmers. Our program not only focuses on building and improving swimming skills but also includes exciting pool games that will help your child gain confidence and strength in the water. For the gym portion of the program, children will be grouped by age and skill level for age-appropriate gym games and physical fitness skills.

Registration opens January 2nd in your CivicRec account. Contact us at wellness@westlafayette.in.gov with any questions. 

Shelter Reservations for 2024

If you want to reserve a shelter at Happy Hollow Park or Cumberland Park, the reservation process for the new year starts on Tuesday, January 2. You can either do this online through your CivicRec account or in person at City Hall.

Please note that shelters must be reserved in 5-hour increments and there are no discounts for shorter reservation times. All shelters in our parks are first come, first served, when not reserved. 

Riverside Skating Center 

100 Tapawingo Drive North, West Lafayette 47906

The Riverside Skating Center has officially opened its doors for the 2023/2024 season! We are excited to offer a variety of activities this year, including group and private skate lessons, adult pick-up hockey, and youth hockey clinics. 

New this year, we have email alerts for rink closings. Click here to sign up for this new gov.Delivery service. (It's the same delivery service as our monthly newsletters.)

Contact Amanda Jeffries, Recreational Coordinator, with any questions. 

Click here to register today under the YELLOW tab. 

Summer Camp 2024

There are some exciting changes for the 2024 camp season that we wanted to share with you. Based on the feedback we received from our survey last March, we learned that you don't like waiting in lines for camp registration! To address this issue, we are moving the registration process online. Moreover, we're pushing back the registration date to later February or early March, so you can sign up for camp from the comfort of your own home.

We are thrilled to announce that Kyle Gephart will be running the Lilly Nature Camp, and Ashley Conner will be running the Dennis Center camp this season. Additionally, hiring for camp counselors will be happening soon, so stay tuned for more details on our social media pages and in our February newsletter.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at wellness@westlafayette.in.gov. We're always here to help!

Adult Volleyball

Location: Dennis Center

Joining our adult co-ed volleyball league can be a great way to challenge yourself both physically and mentally. Volleyball is a fast-paced sport that requires quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. Playing in a league can help you improve your cardiovascular health, endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. Plus, team sports can be a fantastic opportunity to enhance your social skills, communication, and relationships with other team members. It can also provide a sense of belonging!

Registration for our league has been extended until January 5, and games are scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 11.

Registration is open in your CivicRec account. Contact Rachel MacDougall, Sports and Wellness Coordinator, with any questions. 

Art Workshops with Jeannette

Location: City Hall

Try something new and take a class with Miss Jeannette! She offers classes for artists of all ages and skill levels. Art has been known to have positive effects on both the body and mind. Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or crafting, can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, which in turn can lead to improved mental health. Additionally, creating art can also help to increase cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.

Registration is open now for all the winter classes. Contact Brandy Payne, Building Administrator, with any questions. 

Click here to register today under the YELLOW tab. 

Brick Builders

Location: City Hall

If you're looking for a fun and engaging way for your kids to spend their Saturday mornings this winter, we highly recommend our Brick Builder classes at City Hall! Our classes are specifically designed to challenge young participants with STEM building activites that combine engineering and creativity. By participating in these classes, your kids will have a unique learning experience that's both fun and educational. Not only will they have the opportunity to make new friends, but they'll also gain valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

January 20: Monster Mix-Up
February 17: Crash Landing
March 16: Boat Races

Contact Amanda Jeffries, Recreational Coordinator, with any questions. 

Click here to register today under the YELLOW tab. 

Coffee Talk

Location: Dennis Center

Join us for our monthly series of Coffee Talks at the Dennis Center. These events are open to everyone, regardless of membership status and are free to attend. Although most sessions are focused on active older adults in our community, people of any age are welcome and encouraged to attend and learn.

Here's the schedule for the upcoming talks:

• January 17: Healthy Habits 
• February 14: Get Moving
• March 20: Let's Talk Nutrition 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at wellness@westlafayette.in.gov.

Dare to Bare

Location: Riverside Skating Center

Dare to Bare will take place on Friday, February 2 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Participants must wear swim attire for admission. The event is open to the general public at 8:30 p.m. Pizza and hot chocolate will be served.

Contact Amanda Jeffries, Recreational Coordinator, with any questions. 

Click here to register today under the YELLOW tab. 

Shotokan Karate

Location: Margerum City Hall 

Have you been considering taking up a new physical activity? If so, karate with Marcus may be the perfect choice for you. It offers a great workout and helps you improve your physical fitness, but it can also boost your confidence, sharpen your focus, and help you develop self-discipline. Additionally, karate can be a highly effective way to learn self-defense techniques, which can provide you with peace of mind and a greater sense of security.

Contact Brandy Payne, Building Administrator, with any questions. 

Click here to register today under the YELLOW tab. 

Music Lessons

Location: City Hall 

This winter, private music lessons for acoustic, bass, and lead guitar, ukulele, and songwriting are being offered to individuals of all ages. The esteemed instructor, Douglas Gery, specializes in providing guidance and instruction to musicians of all abilities, whether you're a beginner or an advanced musician. You can take part in private or group music lessons in a safe and supportive environment to enhance your skills and explore your passion for music. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to develop your musical talent! Sign up today as space is limited.

Contact Brandy Payne, Building Administrator, with any questions. 

Click here to register today under the YELLOW tab. 

Studio b 

Location: City Hall 

We are delighted to share that our collaboration with Studio b will continue in 2024. They will offer a variety of dance and fitness classes to engage individuals of various ages and capabilities:

January 30 to March 5  and April 2 to May 7

Tuesdays 

3:15 - 3:45 p.m. - Tiny Tutu Princess (ages 2.5-3) 30 min class

5:15 - 5:55 p.m. - Tutu Princess (ages 4-6) 40 min class

6:00 -6:40 p.m. - Kiddie Jazz (ages 4-6) 40 min class

6:50 - 7:35 p.m. - Ballet I (ages 7+) 45 min class

Thursdays

6:30 - 7:10 p.m.- Hip Hop Kids (ages 5-7) 40 min class

7:15 - 8:00 p.m. - Hip Hop I (ages 7+) 45 min class

 All class registration will be handled by Studio b going forward. Visit them online at studioblafayette.com for all the details and to register. 

Contact Brandy Payne, Building Administrator, with any questions.

Pete's Pals

Location: Dennis Center

We are excited for the return of Pete's Pals program this winter. This program is specifically designed to support individuals with disabilities in developing their aquatic and motor skills in a safe and enjoyable setting. By participating in the program, individuals can become more proficient movers and enhance their physical activity and life skills.

Contact Amanda Jeffries, Recreation Coordinator, with any questions or for more information about scholarships. 

Click here to register today!

Postpartum Strength & Mobility

Location: Dennis Center

Experience a 6-week workshop led by the skilled and Certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Coach, Lauren Mullikin. This program has been designed to help you enhance your balance, develop strength, and move your body more efficiently.

You must be a Dennis Center member to attend. Registration is open in your CivicRec account. Contact Rachel MacDougall, Sports and Wellness Coordinator, with any questions. 

Communication Updates

Where did 2023 go? This is a question that many of us ask as one year ends and another begins.

In the last few years, there has been a lot of criticism about setting goals for the new year because most resolutions tend to fail. While that may be true, setting goals has many benefits! I found this Forbes article particularly helpful as someone who sets goals regularly! It's a few years old, but the point still stands. It's always a good thing to desire positive change, regardless of whether you succeed or not! If you have a few minutes, check it out and start planning those 2024 resolutions today! 

We have some important changes coming up in 2024 for our department. As Dennis Center memberships have grown to nearly 8,000, we are adjusting our staff. My job title will change to Marketing and Communications Director, allowing me to focus on improving our website, creating subsites, and updating all the signage in our parks. I will also have more time to work on projects that I'm passionate about, such as making more videos and creating social media campaigns. I will miss working with my memberships dearly, but I can't wait to have more time with my cameras to capture all the things happening in West Lafayette! I will move locations and work from City Hall in January 2024. 

Mary Czaja-Casillas has been promoted to Membership and Events Coordinator, and Brian Mazzara will join our team in January as a Membership Specialist to help Mary and Jared with the growing membership demands. Carl Fritton was promoted to Shift Leader to manage the Hub desk on nights and weekends. Brandy Payne will continue to organize classes for City Hall and will now also be responsible for processing claims. Ken Vanderhoff, who has been promoted to foreman, will assist John Muller, Parks Maintenance Director, supervise field projects.
Please congratulate Ken, Mary, Brandy, and Carl on their well-deserved promotions!

In 2024, our newsletters will continue to be published monthly on the last Sunday of each month, regardless of holidays. I want to remind you that your contributions are greatly appreciated and valued. I can't always attend every event, so it always makes my day when I receive photos and stories from people in our community!  As always, please share them to parksmedia@westlafayette.in.gov.

Finally, I wanted to give you all an update - I've changed my last name from Heather Wiltse to Heathe Witt. As many of you already know, I got married in May and was using Wiltse-Witt for a while. But now that it's the new year, I'm going by my married name! So if you see anything from Heather Witt, that's still me on the other end of the email!

Happy New Year from the Parks and Recreation Department! Wishing you love, joy, and happiness in 2024.

Sincerely, 

Heather Witt

Marketing and Communications Director

WL Parks and Recreation