HomeMy WebLinkAbout7A - Recreational Activities
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
MAY 19,2008
7A
ANGELA BARSTAD, RECREATION COORDINATOR
DEBBIE CARLBERG, SENIOR PROGRAMMER FOR CLUB PRIOR
AGENDA ITEM:
UPDATE ON SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS AND CLUB PRIOR
PRESENTATION: SUMMER YOUTH & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
The weather hasn't been cooperating, but we think summer is on its way. In the City's Recreation
Dept. it means ramping up for our busiest season.
1. Summer Playground I Tot Lot Program. Registration for summer programs began April 16th. In
the first week, there were over 500 online registrations for over 27 different summer programs. Some
of the more popular programs offered this year are Wilderness Day Camp, Water Skiing, Fire Safety
Camp and, of course our Tot Lot/Playground and Summer Supremos. The first Summer Supremo is
at Lakefront Park; where 75 kids and leaders will gather for arts/crafts/games/swimming, etc. Due to
the popularity of this program, the City will offer 3 Supremos (versus 1 or 2) this summer so more
children in the community can participate.
2. Beaches. The summer season kicks off with beaches at Lakefront Park and Sand Point Beach
opening Saturday, June 7th. This summer is bringing a few changes. The beaches will have new
hours. By opening noon - 7pm, Monday through Friday and the regular hours of 11 am - 7pm on Sat-
urday and Sunday. The hours were changed in order to better manage staff and run the beaches
more efficiently. Historically there are very few, if any, beach goers before noon during the week.
3. Skate Park. The skate park hours have been adjusted slightly as well. The skate park will be open
noon - 8pm, 7 days a week versus opening earlier on MondaylWednesday/Friday. We found that we
have not had much attendance before noon.
4. Concerts in the Park. Don't forget about our Concerts in the Park. Every Thursday Prior Lakers
can enjoy free concerts at Lakefront Park beginning at 7pm. The first concert starts June 5th and run
through August 28th. Check out the City website for a complete list of the performers. Good for all
ages. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic dinner, and come out and enjoy these performances!
5. New Programs This Year. There are several new additions this year, including Wake Boarding
lessons, more monthly tot classes at City hall, and a couple Teen Nights at Club Prior. We are also
offering a variety of trips this summer for ages 3 and up and for families. A new trip this summer will
be a canoe excursion down the Mississippi River with Wilderness Inquiry. The trip includes paddling
down the Mississippi while learning about historical spots along the way, and stopping for a picnic
lunch on the shore.
CLUB PRIOR UPDATE. We now have four months under our belt at Club Prior and are off to a good
start! Besides having a fantastic turnout for our ribbon cutting in January, and for the Grand Opening
held just last week, we now have 385 households on our mailing list. Our popularity continues to
grow. On average over the past month, we have had 25 people per day attend Club Prior.
R:ICouncil\2008 Agenda Reportsl05 19 08\Presentation - Summer Programs and Club Prior Update. DOC
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
Following is an example of the variety of programs offered in our first four months:
· Yoga
· Country Line Dancing
· Tai Chi
· Walking Club (Tues. 10am)
· Monthly speakers
· Monthly book club
· Monthly birthday party
· Free blood pressure checks (beginning in June)
· Bingo (twice a month)
· Partnering with AARP volunteers we were able to offer free tax preparation
to over 75 households. This was a wonderful, helpful service to both sen-
iors and income qualifying residents. People served were so grateful for
the assistance. It was especially meaningful for those on a fixed income.
· Various card clubs.
· 45 people enjoyed a recent day trip to Turtle Lake Casino.
A Resource Center. Club Prior also serves as a resource center for people looking for a support
group, or information on transportation and aging. Many residents are seeking information on health
issues, some for themselves and others who are trying to navigate through a parent's issues. We are
able to provide numerous agency contacts for residents. In addition, through a partnership with
McKenna Crossing and Keystone Communities, an Alzheimer's Association support group just
started and will meet monthly at Club Prior.
A Fellowship Center. Friendships have formed and blossomed at Club Prior. Many of the partici-
pants are new to the city and others are finding themselves living alone for the first time in many
years. It has been wonderful to watch these citizens turn into "regulars" at Club Prior, enjoying con-
versation, activities and classes. The coffee is always on, and many people just enjoy coming in for
coffee and conversation, or to take in a game of pool, or work on an ongoing jigsaw puzzle.
Reviewed By
Regular programs, events and resources are being added all the time. We get a lot of input from the
community on the programs and resources they are interested in. Outdoor yard games and a summer
picnic are on our summer schedule. For fall we are hoping to offer billiard lessons and begin a
league. Several attendees re also expressed an interest in learning how to play bridge.
n
.J '--
Frank Boyles, cr M ag
RICouncil\2008 Agenda Reportsl05 19 08\Presentation - Summer Programs and Club Prior UpdateDOC