NTPRD Weekly Update and Community News

Handmade History: Hand Sewn Table Runner program is open to ages 12 & older and will be held on Saturday, January 12 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Learn a little 1930’s history while you learn to sew and make a yoyo table runner. All materials and supplies will be provided to fabricate a beautiful timeless placemat, table runner or bed scarf. No previous sewing knowledge necessary. The registration fee is $30 and the deadline to register is January 7. For more information call 328-PARK.

A Winter Tree ID Hike will be held on Saturday, January 12 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Old Reid Park. Learn how to identify trees by using their bark, buds and twigs. The walk will be led by Bonnie Martens. Pre-registration is recommended and available online by going to www.ntprd.org. For more information call 328-PARK.

Got Stem is for youth in grades 6-8 and will be held on Saturday, January 12 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm at the NTPRD Administration Building. Participants will use Lego bricks and other materials to solve real world problems. This exciting STEM based club will let students explore creative solutions by building and testing their ideas. All materials and a snack will be provided. The registration fee is $10 and the registration deadline is January 7. For more information call 328-PARK.

Play Pals will be held on Thursday, January 10 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Play Pals is open to children ages 2-4 along with an adult. Play Pals offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to participate with their little ones on fun activities. It is designed to build sensory awareness and motor skills while encouraging social interaction. Each program begins with learning stations along with music, movement and story time. Crafts and hands-on-activities extend the fun and learning. The registration fee is $5. For more information call 328-PARK.

Act On It is open to children ages 3-5 and will be held on Tuesdays, January 15 – February 19 from 10:00 am – 10:45 am at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Participants will explore children’s stories ranging from the familiar fairy tales to modern day favorites while learning the basics of presenting for an audience, improvising, and acting in character. Participants will also work on classroom skills such as following directions, listening, and working with others. This program is held in partnership with the Springfield Arts Council. The registration fee is $40 and the deadline to register is January 11. For more information call 328-PARK.

Early Childhood Art Exploration will begin a winter session on Friday January 18 – March 8. The class for 2 year olds (with adult) will be held from 9:30 am – 10:00 am.  The registration fee is $35. Ages 3-5 (with adult) will be held from 10:15 am – 11:15 am at the Springfield Museum of Art. The registration fee is $70. You and your child will explore art elements such as color, texture, and line through fun engaging projects and activities. Perfect for the child who loves exploration. Come prepared to get your hands in paint and other messy stuff. The deadline to register is January 11. This program is held in partnership between National Trail Parks and Recreation District and the Springfield Museum of Art. Registration is available online by going to www.ntprd.org. For more information call 328-PARK.

A winter session of the Beginners Country Two-Step dance class will begin Thursday, January 17 – February 21 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. The Country Two-Step is a partner dance. Not to be confused with square or line dancing. It is much like ballroom style dance. It is a fun dance and the basics are fairly simple to learn. Single or couples are welcome. The fee is $35 per person. The registration deadline is January 11. For more information call 328-PARK.

A 6-week winter session of Tai Chi will begin Friday, January 18 – February 22. A beginner class will be offered from 8:30 am – 9:30 am and for intermediate from 9:45 am – 10:45 pm at the NTPRD Administration Building. Increase your strength, energy, flexibility and emotional outlook through this graceful form of exercise. The registration fee is $40 and the deadline to register is January 11, 2019. For more information call 328-PARK.

An Adult CO-Ed Volleyball League will begin in January, 2019. This recreational league is designed for fun and exercise. Games will be held at the Global Stem Academy on Thursday evenings. Teams must have equal male and female on the court and will play by standard co-ed rules. Each team will play five games plus a end of the season playoff. All players must be at least 18 years of age and not eligible for high school play. The registration fee is $125 per team. For more information call National Trail Parks and Recreation District at 937-328-PARK.

Register now for Start Smart Basketball for children ages 3-6 (as of January 1). Start Smart Basketball is a developmentally age appropriate introductory basketball program. Age appropriate equipment is used in teaching dribbling/ball handling, passing/catching, shooting and running/agility. Each participant will receive a mini basketball, a scrimmage vest, 4 cones and other practice materials. Parent/Guardian participation is required for this program. The registration fee is $65 and the deadline to register is January 4. For more information call 328-PARK