Valpo Parks Briefs, December 15, 2014

valpo-parksVisit 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.

2015 Shelter Reservations begin January 5
Monday, January 5 will be the first day patrons are able to reserve picnic shelters and other facilities for 2015 events. Shelters and facilities are rented on a first come, first served basis. Full payment is due at the time of reservation. The reservation fees are nonrefundable. Reservations may be made in person at the Parks office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or by phone at 219-462-5144.

ValPLAYso Faceplates at Special Pricing
Special holiday pricing is available on Face Plates through Jan. 20. Individuals, families, companies, and groups can share their smile in a forever display at ValPLAYso in the Face Place. Each faceplate purchase helps fund the Face Place which will be built between the hand tile walls and the new playground. With four sizes from which to choose, prices range from $500 to only $80. Pictures can be uploaded for faceplate purchase at valplayso.com. An FAQ section is available to offer details.

Youth Volleyball League
Youth stay active through January and February with this coed volleyball program a league for 1st – 8th Grade is an 8-week coed league separated into 4 age appropriate divisions. Rules will be modified to help kids have a great time learning volleyball. Teams will practice once a week. All practices and games will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Valparaiso (354 Jefferson St.). Practices begin Jan 5. Games are on Saturdays from Jan 24 through Feb 28. Bonus with registration is an annual Boys & Girls Club membership. Register by December 12. Price is $65 Resident / $77 Non-Resident.

Broadway in Chicago Day Trip
A great holiday gift, January 3 is the next day trip through Valpo Parks Adult Enrichment programming for a matinee performance of Disney’s “Newsies.” It received 2012 Tony Awards for best choreography and best score. The day package includes a matinee ticket, motor coach transportation to and from Chicago’s Oriental Theater, and exclusive Suite Service prior to show and at intermission. Suite Service includes light snacks, private bar, desserts, private restroom, private coat check and first class attentive service. Register early; reservations sell quickly. Price is $149 per person; must be 21 years of age or older.

Olympic Softball Clinic
Softball players age 8 and older can learn from Olympians. Women’s Fast-pitch Softball Team Olympians Michelle Venturella & Leslie Malerich will teach a skills clinic on January 11, 2015 at the Valparaiso High School Field House from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Players will be grouped by ages and high school players will be grouped in accordance with IHSAA rules. Coaches are also welcome. The clinic will focus on hitting, catching, and pitching Registration for the clinic ends January 8, 2015. Price is $60 per player or coach. All Valpo Parks players/coaches receive $5 off.

Winter Clinics for Sports Skills
Sports skills clinics in baseball, softball, t-ball and soccer will take place through Valpo Parks in January, February and March. The Valparaiso University Men’s Soccer, Girl’s Softball, and PNC Baseball teams will teach the clinics at the VHS Field House. Each clinic will focus on individual and team development. Participants will go through skill stations designed to help push them to improve as an individual and team player. Details, dates and pricing for each sport can be found at valpoparks.org.

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 24 and registration is available through the Valpo Parks office or website.

T’ai Chi Classes
The first sessions of T’ai Chi for Health, for Arthritis and Advanced classes begin in late January through mid-March, meeting on Mondays or Wednesdays for one hour. Time and day varies depending on the class. Classes are held at the Banta Center. The T’ai Chi sessions are designed for individuals age 18 and up. Price is $80 per person.

Latin Dance Class
Learn the steps of the hottest Latin dances in a 6 week session. This class will keep you moving and shaking, giving dancers a workout that is more fun than a run on the treadmill. Instruction includes Cha-Cha, Merengue, and Rumba. Classes are Monday nights February 2 – March 9 from 6:15-7:30 at the Banta Center, taught by Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Price is $75/87 per couple or $40/52 per individual.