Events and Activities : “Out on a Limb' With the Parks & Recreation Department

First, I want to make sure everyone received their copy of the 2011 Leisure Guide in your December 29th Vinton Livewire. Once again I think you will find there is a lot going on in our community for all ages. If you didn’t receive your Leisure Guide or forgot to pull it, stop by the Vinton Recreation Center or pick one up at many of the local businesses that have sponsored the guide. The VPRD is very thankful for all of the sponsors that donate annually to bringing this guide to over 5,500 homes and businesses.

This weekend kicks off some great events with our annual Sledding Party at the Winter Activity Area from noon – 2:00 p.m. This party is made possible by Fareway’s Dave Kelchen. There will be hot chocolate & cookies for everyone that joins in the fun. The Winter Activity Area is located to the north of the Vinton Recreation Center on the river road. The event will be re-scheduled if there is no significant snowfall this week.

Also don’t forget the ice rink is up and running at BL Anderson Park. We have seen a number of skaters using the ice and even some ambitious hockey players. We do have some ice skates at the recreation center that you can check out at no cost to try your luck at skating. We do rent out cross country skis for those who like to see the outdoors while getting a great workout.

Other events that will be held this weekend are as follows:

9-Pin Bowling Tournament/Saturday, January 15th-2:00 p.m./Berry’s Lanes/ Enter this adult 9-pin tournament that not only is going to be a lot of fun but also helps raise money for community projects such as new playground equipment in the city parks and the development of future parks.

Call Berry’s Lanes at 472-3757 to enter.

This is for bowlers of all skill levels.

Glow Night at the Skate & Activity Center, Saturday, January 15th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m./Join in the fun at the Vinton Skate & Activity Center. The skating rink will be glowing and so will you with your regular admission price. Everyone will receive glow necklaces and get a chance to play some fun games and contest. This is for all ages.

VPRD/Lions Club Wrestling Tournament, Sunday, January 16th, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. / Stop out and watch wrestlers from all over the area compete in this annual wresting event. Wrestlers will be competing from Kindergarten through Eighth grade. Pre-registration is highly recommended for all wrestlers by Wednesday, January 12th at the Vinton Recreation Center.

Don’t forget, you can always find out more information at our website at vprdzone.com. or for more information on these programs or any of our programs, stop by the VPRD office located at the Vinton Recreation Center.

On Going Programs:

Tae Kwon Do/Held at the Vinton Recreation Center on Tuesdays & Thursday evenings. Stop by the Recreation Center to watch the class or for more information.

Circuit Training/Get a total workout with this circuit program of 17 different machines in under an hour. This program is held at the middle school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Register at the VPRD office. This will run September through May.

Lap Swim/Here is your opportunity to train for those upcoming events or just keep yourself in shape by swimming laps. This program is for all ages. Sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays from 6:15 -7:15 a.m. at the IBSSS swimming pool. Register at VPRD office and receive your calendar of swim dates. All participants must sign up for a month at a time; there is no daily admission fee.

Don’t forget you can always go to the Recreation Center during open hours to work out on the exercise equipment. Walking can be done in the gym, treadmill or our elliptical fitness piece. The Recreation Center is open the following hours:
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sundays 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Listed below are the hours for open skating. We are taking reservations for groups. If you are interested in renting the skate center for a birthday party, youth group gathering, or any get together, give us a call at the recreation center and we will set up a date for you. Stop out and have some fun.
Weekly Schedule for the Skate & Activity Center:
Open Skating
Friday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
(IROAR on 2 Sundays per month)
Walking:
Monday thru Friday 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Calendar of Upcoming Events: (Clip & Save)
January 14 Deadline to register for Racquetball Leagues
January 15 Glow Night at Skate & Activity Center
January 15 Sledding Party@ Winter Activity Area
January 15 9-Pin Bowling Tournament/Berry’s Lanes
January 16 VPRD/Lions Wrestling Tournament
January 16 Open Swim @ IBSSS pool 2-4:00
January 18 Deadline to register for Viking Hoopsters
January 19 Tot Lot/Skate Center 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
January 23 Open Swim @ IBSSS pool 2-4:00
January 24 Tot Lot/Skate Center 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
January 26 Tot Lot/Skate Center 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
January 30 Open Swim @ IBSSS pool 2-4:00
January 31 Tot Lot/Skate Center 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Don’t forget, we will take all your bottles and cans that are redeemable for five cents at the parks & recreation department. If you have cans or bottles and want to get rid of them, bring them to the park shop located just north of the swimming pool, bring them to the recreation center or give us a call and we will come out and get them. All proceeds go to a fund to help our youth programs. This program has already made a big impact.

In closing, if you have any questions concerning our programs, activities, or facilities, gives us a call, stop by or send us an e-mail.
VPRD Office 472-4164
Skate & Activity Center 472-5168
Director’s E-mail vprdrandall@vintoniowa.net
Assistant Director vprdbarker@vintoniowa.net
Administrative Assistant vprdoffice@vintoniowa.net
Website: vprdzone.com