NTPRD Weekly Update and Community News

Handmade History: Hand Sewn Table Runner program is open to ages 12 & older and will be held this 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. The deadline to register is January 9. 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. Meet at the Pumphouse Road Bridge. 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 9. 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. Play Pals will begin with learning stations along with music, movement and story time with the theme of animals in winter. 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 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 Maple Sugaring class will be held on Saturday, January 19 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Discover the process of making your own pure maple syrup during this educational program. This class will cover all the particulars of making pure maple syrup. Then go outdoors and learn how to identify a sugar maple tree and learn other aspects of the process. This program is free. Pre-registration is required by January 16 and available online by doing to www.ntprd.org or in person at the NTPRD Administration Building. For more information call 328-PARK.

Nature Stories is open to children ages 18 mths – 3 yrs with adult companion and will be held on Thursday, January 24 from 10:00 am – 10:30 am at the NTPRD Administration Building. Spend time with your little one during this nature inspired story time and craft. The registration fee is $5. For more information call 328-PARK.

Got Stem is open to 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. 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 deadline to register is January 22. 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 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 14, 2019. For more information call 328-PARK.

Two Free Pilates classes will be held on Wednesdays January 9 and 16th from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Pilates is stretching and strengthening. This class focuses on core awareness, strength, balance and flexibility. Experience what Pilates is all about at these introductory free classes. Registration is required. For more information call 328-PARk.