Plenty of fun to be had around Willmar with recreation and education programs – West Central Tribune

Willmar Parks and Recreation and Willmar Community Education each provide a great array of different programs and events for family fun during the summer. People of all ages should be able to find something to peak their interest.

Weather-related announcements can be obtained by calling 320-231-8493, or by tuning to local radio stations Q102/102.5 FM, 95.3 FM and 1590 AM.

Willmar Parks and Recreation Department offers sports camps and leagues of all kinds, from football and gymnastics to baseball and tennis.

The full catalog of programming can be found at

www.willmarmn.gov/parks_and_recreation_land/index.php

. Registration can be completed online or by mail to Parks and Recreation, 2707 Arena Drive, Willmar, MN 56201.

Following is a sampling of programs available:

Rec & Read: Kids will have the chance to improve their reading skills while also playing games at Rec & Read. Points can be earned by reading books and by reading out loud to staff. A prize will be awarded to the reader with the most minutes. There will also be recreation equipment and board games provided for even more fun. Held 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays at Miller Park and Thursdays at Rice Park.

Games on Deck: Come have some summer fun at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center with Games on Geck, a chance to play a variety of water, yard and pool games. Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. There is a $3 pool admission fee, with season passes available.

Baseball and Softball: There are several baseball and softball programs and leagues for children and adults put on by Parks and Recreation. The leagues include T-ball, Little Hitters Baseball, Kinderball, Callie’s Pitching class, Co-ED softball and church league. More information and registration can be found in the program catalog.

Summer Movies in the Park: Willmar Parks and Rec will be hosting three free movie nights this year at three different city parks. At 9 p.m. June 10 Disney’s Luca will play at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center; American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story will show at 8 p.m. July 22 at the Willmar Civic Center Turf Fields; and closing out the summer will be Angels in the Outfield at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Baker Field.

Check the Willmar Parks and Recreation Facebook page for more information.

Willmar Community Education from Willmar Public Schools holds education and enrichment activities for kids and adults. Topics include art, nature, music, first aid, estate planning and so much more. The entire listing for community education, as well as registration and information on fees, is at

www.willmar.k12.mn.us/communityed

.

Home Alone: A class that will teach children from Grades 2 and up about staying home alone. Topics covered will include safe habits, house rules, after school routines, pet emergencies, personal safety and first aid. Students attend the class independently, though parents are encouraged to review the take home materials and discuss them with their children. Program to be held on June 6 and August 29.

Nature Kid Art Club: Each month children will be able to work on an art project using materials from nature and in different mediums. Classes will be held outdoors on June 30 at Miller Park, July 29 at Rice Park and August 18 at Robbins Island.

Theater: Various theater and acting programs for students of all ages will be held by Community Ed including creating parade and giant puppets, a workshop at the Barn Theatre and putting on a production of Sleeping Beauty.

Glass on Glass Mosaic Project: Youth and adult art class on how to create basic mosaics using glass. Ages 10 and up are welcome. July 13 at Willmar Senior High School.

Toxin -Free Home: Adults can learn all about eliminating toxins from the home by using plant based products. Class will cover how to create your own cleaning products. June 28 at Willmar Middle School.

Willmar Community and Activity Center, located at 624 Business Highway 71 NE, has programs, special events and services structured to meet a wide variety of needs and wants from a play area for children, socialization for senior citizens and events and classes for all ages. The center is a place to meet friendly people, read the newspaper or a book, have a cup of coffee, take advantage of health, wellness, computer and woodshop opportunities and participate in continuous free activities from concerts and dances to games, crafts and cooking lessons.

For more information and upcoming events, visit the Community Parks and Rec website, the Community Center Facebook page or call 320-262-5288.

The Willmar Civic Center hosts a wide range of events and activities from sports to trade shows. Areas within the center can be rented for events. There will be major construction at the center this summer as a new Events and Recreation Center is built.

More information available at

www.willmarmn.gov/civic_center/index.php

.

Swansson Field Recreational Complex is located at Willmar Avenue Southwest. For spectator sports, check out the city softball leagues played Monday through Friday at the Swansson Field complex, which has ample bleacher space for fans to cheer on their favorite teams. Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium, home to the Willmar Stingers, has more than 100 amateur games played, with concessions sold at each game.

The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA, located at 1000 Lakeland Dr. SE in Willmar, offers a wide variety of programs for area and summer residents. They offer birthday parties, Child Watch, child care, preschool and school-age activities, Kids’ Club, mentoring, programs for active older adults, health and wellness programs and events for youth and adults, lifeguard training, swimming lessons and summer camp.

For more information, visit

www.kandiymca.org

.