Opinion : “Out on a Limb”

With the Parks and Recreation Department

That old saying goes “If you don’t like the weather in Iowa, just wait fifteen minutes and it will change”.  The sure has been the case this past week but one thing you can rely on here in Vinton is that the VPRD will always try to offer a variety of programs for all ages and interest.  Take a look at some of the upcoming programs and activities that are going to happen in February and hopefully you find something that interests you. 

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. 

Upcoming Programs & Activities:  

Special Populations Bowling/February 8/ This program is designed for those adults in our community that have special needs. The red pin bowling begins at 10:00 a.m. with a pizza party to follow.   Register by Wednesday, February 6th. For more information or to register, contact the VPRD office at 472-4164. 

Kids Craft Day/February 9/ This program is for all kindergarten through fourth grade students that want to make some cool Valentines crafts.  The fun takes place from 11:00 – 1:00 at the Skate & Activity Center and it also includes lunch.  Deadline to register is Wednesday, February 6th. 

Daddy/Daughter Date Night/February 9/ This annual event is for all current kindergarten through sixth grade girls.  Bring Dad, grandpa or even an uncle to this big event that includes dancing, games and a lot of fun.  All girls will receive a flower and a commemorative picture with her special person.  We do need for you to register by Tuesday, February 5th. 

Special Populations Valentines Dance/February 13/ This Valentines dance is always a favorite amongst our adult special needs residents in our community.  The dance takes place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  We will be serving lunch from noon until 1:00 for those interested.  For more information, contact the VPRD office at 472-4164. 

Adult 9-Pin Bowling Tournament/February 16/ Join in the fun at our annual bowling tournament hosted at Berry’s Lanes.  This is a nine pin tournament that each participant will be bowling 3 games.  This isn’t just for league type bowlers but it is for all adults who like to bowl and have fun.  There is no handicap needed, scores are flighted with the top three in each flight rewarded.  We are limited to 56 bowlers, so call Berry’s Lanes now to register at 472- 3757. 

Character Skate/February 24/  This fun filled afternoon is designed for the younger kids who like to skate and now they can do it with some fun characters.  This will take place during open skate from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Vinton Skate & Activity Center. 

Family Bingo Night/February 24/ B-I-N-G-O!  That is what you need to yell when you get the winning card.  Join in the fun from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Vinton Skate & Activity Center.  All ages are welcome to come and win valuable prizes donated by community businesses and members.  We have now added a big wheel that gets spun to pick what type of bingo we will be playing.  Remember, this is only for those who want to have fun and most importantly, it’s FREE! 

 On Going Programs:  

Tot Lot/ This program is designed for all youth in pre-school or younger.  Tot Lot is held at the Vinton Skate & Activity Center on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  This not only gives kids a chance to burn off some energy and interact with other kids but it is also a great place for parents, grandparents and babysitters to have a few hours each week socializing and having fun with other adults.  Participants may pay each day or purchase a season pass for the entire program.  There are reduced rates for multiple kids from the same family or babysitter.  This program will end on February 27th.  

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 Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Register at the VPRD office.  This will run through May. 

 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 – Friday7:00 a.m. –   8:00 p.m. 

Saturdays10:00 a.m. -  8:00 p.m. 

Sundays1:00 pm.   –  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.  

Saturday7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Daddy/Daughter Dance 2/9) 

Sunday           2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (IROAR 2/3, 2/17) 

Walking: 

            Monday through Friday          8:00 – 9:30 a.m. 

Calendar of Upcoming Events: (Clip & Save) 

February          1“Superhero Night” at Skate Center/7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

February  3IROAR Racing at Skate Center/All day 

February  4Blood Pressure Checks during walking/8:00 – 9:30 a.m. 

February  4Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

February  6Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

February   8Special Populations Bowling at Berry’s Lanes/10:00 a.m. 

February  9Kids Craft Day 11:00 – 1:00/Register by Feb 6th 

February  9Daddy Daughter Date Night/Register by Feb 5th 

February11Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

February12VPRD Board Meeting/Skate Center @ 6:00 p.m. 

February13Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

February13Special Populations Valentines Dance/1:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

February 16Adult 9-Pin Flighted Bowling Tournament/2:00 p.m. 

February17IROAR Racing at Skate Center/All day 

February20Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity Center/9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

February23Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Invitational 

February24Character Skate at Skate Center/2:00 –4:00 p.m. 

February24Family Bingo Night/Skate Center/5:00 – 7:00 p.m./Free!! 

February27Tot Lot at the Skate & Activity 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 Office472-4164 

Skate & Activity Center472-5168 

Director’s E-mailvprdrandall@vintoniowa.net 

Assistant Directorvprdbarker@vintoniowa.net 

Administrative Assistantvprdoffice@vintoniowa.net 

Website:  vprdzone.com