Special Senior Center Events
*  Red, White and Blue Party on July 2
*  A trip to Diamondback games in July & August
*  Enjoying ice cream on July 23 while watching a USO show by Bill Clinton and the Arizona Swing Kids
*  Shaking it up at a Hawaiian Luau on August 20.

Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Volunteers Are Always Welcome!
There are many ways that you can help out with Special Olympics sports, classes, socials, or special programs. If you are a positive role model and interested in helping out with any of the fun and inspiring programs, please call Collette Prather at (480) 782-2709. You’ll be glad that you made a difference!

Our Goal
It is the goal of the City of Chandler Therapeutic Recreation Program to facilitate the development, maintenance, and expression of an appropriate leisure lifestyle for individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or social limitations. We strive to meet the leisure needs of those individuals who are active in one or more of the following areas: sheltered workshop, Special Education classes, and one whose mental and/or physical disability limits that person from participating in regular recreation. For details on our programs, call 480-782-2709 or go to www.chandleraz.gov/therapeutic.

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Check out the summer Break Time and odds are you will find a class that piques your interest and doesn’t dent your pocketbook. We offer a variety of low cost classes at several locations throughout the community, including the downtown Community Center. Come out and play!

Fun for Couples at the EEC
The Amazing Race – A Competition For Couples will be held on Tuesday, July 7, from 5:30-7:45 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center. Grab your guy or gal and join the EEC for a friendly “Amazing Race” style competition between couples! The race will whisk you through Veterans Oasis Park and end with a catered, lakeside dinner. A prize will be awarded to the couple that completes the race first, so come ready to play! The cost is $29 per person, and you must be 16 or older. For more information call 480-782-2890, email EEC@chandleraz.gov, or visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis

Adult Sports Leagues
Chandler Recreation offers Men’s and Co-Rec leagues for a variety of sports and skill levels. For details and league info go to www.chandleraz.gov/adult-sports

Technorati Tags: Adult, Arizona, Chandler, Programs, Recreation, summer

Football drills will be conducted in the mornings from 9-11 a.m. and in the gym during the afternoon. Please check online for full schedule of day camp. This day long camp is especially designed for the active child in your life. Fun activities all with a football theme will be conducted throughout the week. Recreation professionals will help supervise campers along with the AZ football Academy certified coaches.
*  Tuesday-Saturday, July 7-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for 6-12 year olds, Santan Jr. High
*  Half day sessions available

Tumbleweed Recreation Center Drop-In Programs
The TRC offers supervised drop-in programs for youth and teens in the Game Pod, Hay Loft and West Gym, Monday – Friday from 4-8 p.m.  Rooms are filled with sports equipment, video games, computers and game tables. Check out the monthly calendar at www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The EEC is offering a “Green Teens” volunteer program on an as-needed basis this summer. Call ahead to find out what projects will take place each week. 782-2890.

Mayor’s Youth Commission
Are you a high school student in Chandler who wants to make a difference in your community? Then apply for membership to this advisory group and help give a voice to the young people of Chandler. For more information and applications visit www.chandleraz.gov/teens or call 480-782-2906.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Chandler, Programs, Recreation, summer, Teen

A Very Merry Un-Birthday!
Saturday, July 11, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Snedigar Recreation Center. Crazy cupcakes, hot potato presents, and pointed party hats! Calling all who love a party … let’s celebrate our un-birthdays, just like Alice in Wonderland. The fee is $16 for children ages 2-6 and a parent. (also offered on August

Little Lady Luau
Saturday, July 25, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Snedigar Recreation Center. Children ages 3-6 are invited to come dressed for a fun filled day of sunshine! Enjoy creating a craft and listen to a story. It will be a sunny day of fun with new friends. Includes: punch, finger sandwiches, fruit and sweet treats, games, crafts, and more! A parent is encouraged to attend the class with child. Fee: $13.

Summer Puppet Shows!
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater will host a special showing of “Jack Rabbit And The Desert Tortoise” on Thursday, July 9, from 10-11 a.m. at the Chandler Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Payment and pre-registration are required for all adults and for children 4 years old and above. Children under 4 are admitted for free and need not register, as long as they are accompanied by a paid participant. Parents must stay with children; no drop offs allowed. Please register early, as these shows usually sell-out in advance. The cost is $6. For more information call 480-782-2890, email EEC@chandleraz.gov, or visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis

Then, at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center on Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m. at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater will host a special showing of “The Tail of Peter Rabbit” for youth ages 5 and under.  You can register on-line or drop off registration at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center. For more information and to register visit www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime

Great Classes at All Chandler Recreation & Community Centers
Check out all the great classes for preschoolers in our Break Time magazine. The downtown Community Center, the Tumbleweed Recreation Center and the Snedigar Recreation Center all host a variety of art, music, dance, fitness and early development classes year-round.

Fun at the EEC
The Environmental Education Center offers a wide variety of educational programs for pre-schoolers, such as Mother Nature’s Storytime, Nature’s Song, and more. Costs and times vary, but registration is required for all programs. See Break Time or call 480-782-2890 for details.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Chandler, PreSchool, Recreation, summer

Visit http://fourth.cir.org/

Technorati Tags: 4th of July, fireworks, Holiday, Independence Day, July 4th

The projects include:
** Construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use path along the Crosscut Canal between Thomas and Indian Schools roads.
** A tunnel under Chaparral Road to link sections of the multi-use path along the Indian Bend Wash. The improvements will allow users to use the path without having to cross back and forth on Hayden Road.
** The opening of a tunnel along the Arizona Canal that will allow trail
users to go under Goldwater Boulevard and not have to cross traffic.

All projects are scheduled to be completed next winter. Combined with the addition this spring of bicycle lanes along Indian School Road between Pima and Hayden roads, the improvements help solidify Scottsdale’s standing as one of six “bicycle friendly” cities in Arizona as determined by the League of American Bicyclists.

A community must demonstrate achievements in engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning to achieve recognition from the league.

For more information on Scottsdale’s multi-use paths and bicycle lanes, visit: http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/documents/traffic/Adopted+Transportation+Master+Plan/Bicycle+Element.pdf

To view a map of Scottsdale bike paths, trails and lanes, visit:
http://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/dmc/liw.aspx. Click on the “continue” button and then the “key map” button. The bikeways feature is located on the left side of the screen, under community features.

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The new playgrounds at The Park of the Canals and Beverly Park
will provide a safe, fun environment for children in the community. (See project details below.)

WHEN/ The Park of the Canals: Thursday, May 28
WHERE Beverly Park: Wednesday, June 3

7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Project Kick-Off
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Best viewing of playground construction
1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Board-Cutting” closing ceremony
(Note: All times approximate)

PROJECT DETAILS:
. Both playgrounds are funded through a $230,680 ($107,230 for May
28 and $123,450 for June 3) grant from The Home Depot Foundation along with a $10,000 contribution from both the Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation (including donations from SRP and Mesa Rotary Clubs) and the West Mesa Community Development Corporation.
. The Home Depot works with KaBOOM! to provide financial support,
materials and numerous volunteers for play space projects across North America as part of its ongoing commitment to give back to the communities its stores serve.
. The Home Depot is the official Sustainability Partner of KaBOOM!.
Both organizations work together to make sure each playground project is as environmentally friendly as possible.
. The Park of the Canals: This historic park serves thousands in
the community, but the old equipment at this park was removed almost five years ago leaving the site with only two older swing sets. There are no other public play spaces within walking distance of this community. A new playground at the Park of the Canals would provide a reason for local families to come back together at their neighborhood park.
. Beverly Park: This 2.8 acre piece of undeveloped land known as
Beverly Park was purchased by the City of Mesa in 2003. In 2005, the City was forced to make large spending cutbacks, including funding for new parks. They also had to build a gate around Beverly Park, completely closing it to the public. The City of Mesa identified Beverly Park as this community’s only chance for a public park.

CONTACT: Kevin Christopher, City of Mesa, (480) 644-4699,
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov
Paula Drake, The Home Depot, (941) 488-1289,
paula_drake@homedepot.com Mike McCaffrey, The Foundation for Mesa Parks & Recreation, (480) 291-9112 McCaffrey@MesaParksFoundation.org
Jo Ellen McNamara, WMCDC (480) 964-3751, jo.mcnamara.wmcdc@gmail.com

About The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation was created in 2002 to further the community building goals of The Home Depot. The Home Depot Foundation is dedicated to building affordable homes for working families that are healthy to live in and affordable to own. To make homes healthy and affordable, the Foundation encourages developers to incorporate responsible design and use durable and quality materials to ensure that homes are more energy and water efficient, have good indoor air quality, and provide a safe and healthy space to live.
Since its formation, The Home Depot Foundation has granted $70 million to nonprofit organizations and supported the development of more than 50,000 affordable, healthy homes. For more information, visit www.homedepotfoundation.org.

About the Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation The Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation was founded in 1991 as a 501
(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its goal is to provide a method for private funding of quality of life programs and facilities for Mesa. The Foundation is a group of community members who are passionate about parks and who believe that parks and recreation are of vital importance to our community. With decreasing municipal funds, we recognize that parks are in need of support for programs and facility developments. The Foundation has supported such worthwhile projects as: refurbishment of the Falcon Field Park, funding for the Park of the Canals Master Plan, youth baseball programs, pool openings, and subsidized swim lessons for low income children. The Foundation sponsors new programs and funds facility improvements, disseminates information on existing cultural and recreational
opportunities, and provides the opportunity for businesses, organizations, and individuals to contribute to the quality of life in Mesa. Additional information is available at www.mesaparksfoundation.org.

West Mesa Community Development Corporation (WMCDC)
Founded in 2003, the West Mesa Community Development Corporation
(WMCDC) is a direct product of grassroots activism in communities of Mesa’s Westside. In the early part of 2000 and 2001, rising crime rates, disinvestment of local business and an increased transient population inspired members of the Mesa Grande Neighborhood Alliance (MGNA), an unaffiliated and highly organized neighborhood group, to educate themselves about the basics of community development. Soon after this, the advantage of assembling an incorporated organization, particularly a Community Development Corporation (CDC) – a nationally recognized model for neighborhood organizations, became apparent. So, MGNA created WMCDC to effectively address the concerns of their community. Today, WMCDC serves the Mesa Grande neighborhoods and approximately 52 other sub-areas by advocating for the economic and civic revitalization of their community. WMCDC programs include community economic development initiatives, community safety programs, community planning initiatives and projects and neighborhood revitalization. You can find out more about WMCDC at www.wmcdc.org

KaBOOM!
KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Celebrating fourteen years of service in 2009, KaBOOM! rallies communities to achieve better public policy, funding and public awareness for increased play opportunities nationwide; provide resources, including trainings, challenge grants, and publications for communities that wish to plan a new playspace on their own;
and bring together children, business and community interests for a select number of community playspace builds each year. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., KaBOOM! also has offices in Chicago, and San Mateo, California. For more information, visit www.kaboom.org.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Community, KaBOOM, Mesa Arizona, Mesa Parks

Teen Programs (ages 13-18)
Summer Sports Camp Fun!
*  Cheer and Dance Combo
*  Wrestling
*  Football
*  and more!

Tumbleweed Recreation Center Drop-In Programs
The TRC offers supervised drop-in programs for youth and teens in the Game Pod, Hay Loft and West Gym, Monday – Friday from 4-8 p.m.  Rooms are filled with sports equipment, video games, computers and game tables. Check out the monthly calendar at www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

Teen Adventure Camps
Don’t spend all summer sitting on the couch in front of the TV! Come check out the Teen Adventure Camp! Sign up with a friend, meet new people, go on field trips and just have fun!  Our six-week camp is for teens entering 7th, 8th or 9th grades from June 8 to July 17. A field trip every session! Register for the whole 6-week camp or for individual weeks beginning May 9.  Specific locations, times and costs are in our summer edition of Break Time online at www.chandleraz.gov/teens.

Satellite Recreation Centers
Is your teen bored? Have them come and check out the Satellite Recreation Centers at the following Chandler junior high schools. This collaboration between the Chandler Unified School District and the City of Chandler allows the Recreation Division to offer a wide variety of after school and evening programs throughout the year for youth and adults at the satellite recreation centers below. The gymnasiums and weight rooms at these facilities are open to teens and adults, ages 12 and older, free of charge. The facilities also offer classes for the neighborhoods surrounding these sites.
* Andersen Jr. High School, 1255 N. Dobson Rd.
Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
* Santan K-8 School, 1550 E. Chandler Heights Rd
Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
* Willis Jr. High School, 401 S. McQueen Rd.
Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The EEC is offering a “Green Teens” volunteer program on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Call ahead to find out what projects will take place each week. 782-2890.

Mayor’s Youth Commission
Are you a high school student in Chandler who wants to make a difference in your community? Then apply for membership to this advisory group and help give a voice to the young people of Chandler. For more information and applications visit www.chandleraz.gov/teens or call 480-782-2906.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Chandler, Summer Recreation, Teen Programs

Preschool Programs (from birth to age 6)
Camps! We’ve got your summer camp fun! sign up today!

Fun Indoor Play
Chandler now offers three indoor play areas for children kindergarten-age and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision:
* Kids Clubhouse at the Downtown Community Center is available
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:45-11:45 a.m.
* Tumbleweed Tots at the TRC on Tuesdays and Thursdays from
9 a.m. to noon.

These play zones offers young children a safe, clean play space to burn off energy during the day. In addition, parents and their kids can share in activities, meet with existing playgroups and make new friends. Fee is $2 per child per session (Tumbleweed Tots is included in all TRC Family Passes), with a max. of 4 children per adult.

Bikes, Bounce and Boogie
This play activity features bikes, pedal cars, trikes, pedal push cars, a bounce house and music for children to enjoy. This is intended for children 5 years of age and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. Cost is $2 per child unless you are a TRC family pass holder. No registration is required. The event takes place in the courtyard of the Tumbleweed Recreation Center on Wednesday, May 20 from 9-11 a.m.

Bubble Blast at the TRC
Join the soap-soaked fun in the sun at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center Courtyard on Wednesday, May 13 from 9-11 a.m. This event is for parents and their children ages 1-5 to play with bubble machines and wands. There is a $2 fee; call 480-782-2900 for more information.

A Very Merry Un-Birthday!
Saturday, June 13, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Snedigar Recreation Center.
Crazy cupcakes, hot potato presents, and pointed party hats! Calling all who love a party … let’s celebrate our un-birthdays, just like Alice in Wonderland. The fee is $16 for children ages 2-6 and a parent.

Little Lady Luau
Saturday, June 27, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Snedigar Recreation Center.
Children ages 3-6 are invited to come dressed for a fun filled day of sunshine! Enjoy creating a craft and listen to a story. It will be a sunny day of fun with new friends. Includes: punch, finger sandwiches, fruit and sweet treats, games, crafts, and more! A parent is encouraged to attend the class with child. Fee: $13

Animal Movie: Bee Movie
Monday, May 18, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the Environmental Education Center (northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads). Throughout the Spring months (March-May), the EEC will offer one Animal Movie per month. The whole family will enjoy these classic, animal-themed movies. Adults and children under 2 years old are admitted for free and do not need to register. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult for the entire program. $2 per child.

Great Classes at All Chandler Recreation and Community Centers
Check out all the great classes for preschoolers in our Break Time magazine. The downtown Community Center, the Tumbleweed Recreation Center and the Snedigar Recreation Center all host a variety of art, music, dance, fitness and early development classes year-round.

Fun at the EEC
The Environmental Education Center offers a wide variety of educational programs for pre-schoolers, such as Mother Nature’s Storytime, Nature’s Song, and more. Costs and times vary, but registration is required for all programs. See Break Time or call 480-782-2890 for details.

Youth Programs (ages 6-12)
June 8 – July 24
This year Youth Summer Camps are getting a whole new look! Camps will be seven fun-filled weeks for youth entering grades 1-6. Summer Camps for youth will be located at Tumbleweed Recreation Center and Snedigar Recreation Center. With a new format, including a variety of fun activities and programs, the Youth Summer Camp is ready to begin! For specific times and costs be sure to read the summer edition of Break Time, online at www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. Register for all seven weeks! Space is limited! Camp registration will begin on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 10 a.m.

Go Healthy, Go Fit for Kids
Remember the days of playing outside from the minute you finished breakfast in the morning until mom or dad made you come in to eat dinner? These days, kids don’t even leave the house because their entertainment is watching television or playing video games. This sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on your child’s health and wellness. Children now have diseases like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. One of the best strategies to combat excess weight or disease in your child is to improve the diet and exercise levels of your entire family. In Go Healthy, Go Fit, your child will experience a variety of activities while having fun, feeling challenged, making friends and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This camp will consist of health assessments, recreational activities, nutrition awareness and a lifestyle workbook. Check out the next session on-line at www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime or contact Barbara Matthews 480-782-2907 for more information.

More Camps and Classes
We’ve got tons of fun planned this summer. So, come out and play!

Skate, Rattle and Roll Summer Camp
Looking for a great way to stay cool while out of school? This camp at Polar Ice in Chandler is the one for you! The camp includes arcade tokens, arts and craft activities, movies, games and lunch is provided.

Environmental Awareness Classes and Activities
The Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park (northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads) has a full slate of nature and environmentally conscious classes and programs for youths. check them out!

* Nature Photography for Students
Young photographers can learn how to create great pictures of nature with any camera. A combination of classroom review and in the field “learn as you do” make this class fun for all ages. Students must supply their own digital camera. Learn more about the instructor at www.orcatek.com. Fee: $38, Saturdays, May 2-23, 10a.m.-Noon for 6-18 yrs

*  The EEC is also beginning to offer programs for scout groups and after-school clubs. Contact Matthew Dawson (matthew.dawson@chandleraz.gov) or Daniella Lamis (daniella.lamis@chandleraz.gov) for details.

Cooking for Kids: Mothers Day Brunch
Let’s have fun in the kitchen! Classes are at the Community Center:
*  Friday May, 2, 11 a.m. to noon, for ages 6-12, fee of $21
*  Wednesday, May 6, from 5-6 p.m., for ages 6-12, fee of $21

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Chandler, PreSchool, Recreation, Summer Programs, Youth

Tempe Arizona Light Rail Kickoff

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers to perform at Destination: Tempe light rail opening event Tempe Arizona

Tempe Arizona light rail opening event features Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers to perform. Entertainment, family activities and free rides to mark light rail’s debut in Tempe, Arizona. What’s there to do in the Valley once the presents are unwrapped and the holiday leftovers have been gobbled up? Party in Tempe, of course! The city is gearing up for a major celebration in conjunction with the opening of light rail on Saturday, Dec. 27, and has arranged a terrific lineup of entertainment to mark the occasion. Destination: Tempe includes the light rail grand opening, the Insight Bowl, Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party, APS Fantasy of Lights, P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and other fun celebrations of the season.

Residents across the Valley will mark the opening of the new 20-mile light rail system with parties along the alignment on Saturday, Dec. 27. That day in Tempe, there will be free celebrations at five of the city’s nine light rail stations, with a centerpiece community party from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. near the new Tempe Transportation Center at Fifth Street and College Avenue. The new Tempe Transportation Center also will be celebrated Dec. 27, alongside the light rail festivities. As the transit hub of Tempe, the center serves local and regional bus patrons and, starting in late December, light rail riders. Arizona band Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers will headline Tempe’s main light rail station celebration from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. In addition, the Chris Parker Project will play two sets on the main stage from 2-3:45 p.m. Chuck E. Baby and the Allstars will play from 10 a.m. to noon, and Ringo McLennonSon will play from noon to 2 p.m. Fireworks over “A” Mountain will wrap up the day starting at 5:30 p.m.

Tempe Arizona Light Rail Kickoff

Technorati Tags: Kickoff, Light Rail, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Tempe Arizona, Tempe Arizona Light Rail Kickoff