NTPRD Weekly Update and Community News

Early Childhood Art Exploration
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.
Beginners Country Two-Step Dance
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 15. For more information call 328-PARK.
Tai Chi
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 15. For more information call 328-PARK.
Maple Sugaring
A Maple Sugaring class is 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
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.
Nature Explorers Home School Club
A Nature Explorers Home School Club will be held on Friday, January 25 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Nature Explorers is open to youth ages 6-12 and is designed for home school students. This month we will explore Ohio Mammals with fun and educational activities.The registration fee is $2.00 per student. Registration is available online by going to www.ntprd.org or in person at the NTPRD Administration Building. For more information call 328-PARK.
Got Stem
Got Stem is open to youth in grades 6-8 and will be held on Saturday, January 26 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.
Rising Stars Theatre Academy
Rising Stars Theatre Academy is open to youth ages 6-9 and will be held on Saturday, February 2 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District Administration Building. Participants will learn basic theatre and improvisation through a variety of fun games and exercises. It is a great program for the beginning actor or for the more experienced actor who wants to refresh his or her tools. This program is held in partnership with the Springfield Arts Council and led by Krissy Hartman. The registration fee is $30 and the deadline to register is January 31. For more information call 328-PARK.
Groundhog Day Party
A Groundhog Day Party will be held on Saturday, February 2 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District. Learn interesting facts about the groundhog as you celebrate this fun day. Participate in an outdoor activity and craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The registration fee is $5 per family of 4 with $2 for additional. For more information call 328-PARK.
Pilates
A free Pilates classes will be held on Wednesday, January 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.
Slammers Youth Volleyball
Registration is now open for the Slammers Youth Volleyball, which is open to youth in grades 5th & 6th. This 8-week instructional volleyball league improves skill development and introduces new players to the sport. Practices and games will be held weeknights at local gymnasiums starting in early March. Teams are organized geographically by school districts when possible. Uniform shirts will be provided. All players must have knee pads. The registration fee is $40 and the deadline to register is February 1, 2019.
 
Trail Hikers
Trail Hikers is organized by National Trail Parks and Recreation District and held on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Trail Hikers will be held at Rebert Pike Nature Park on the 1st, 3rd & 5th weeks of the month and at New Reid Park on the 2nd and at Old Reid Park on the 4th week. These guided, self-paced hikes will allow you to explore and enjoy our local natural environment. Hiking boots are recommended. This program is free. For more information call 328-PARK.