Valparaiso parks briefs
The following programs are offered through the Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation. For information, call (219) 462-5144 or visit www.valparaisoparks.org.
Discovery cottage
The parks department now is taking registrations for September classes for preschoolers age 3-5. Classes are offered for one or more days per week. Class themes include Little Scientists, Everyone is Different, Hats for You, The Apple Kitchen, and Preschool Dance. Enjoy one or all. Fees vary. Call for dates, times and fees.
Popcorn panic
The department is accepting registration for the 2010 Popcorn Panic 5-Mile run and 5K Walk at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 11. Registration is $20 per person. Preregister by noon Sept. 9. Friday-night and same-day registration will be accepted for $25 per person. Participants are invited to preregister at the parks department Administration Office, 3210 Campbell St., or by telephone using a debit or credit card at (219) 462-5144.
Lit'l Kernel Puff Race
Registration is being accepted for the Lit'l Kernel Puff Race, which will be part of the Popcorn Festival at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 11. The race is open to children ages 2 through 9. The cost to participate is $8 through today and $11 afterward. Register in person at the park office or call the office. Same-day registration is not available.
RailCats Day
Harry Danning Day at the RailCats is at 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at The Steel Yard. Tickets are $7, which are discounted through the parks department. For each ticket sold, $1 goes to the parks' Youth Programs Fund. Tickets are available at the Valparaiso parks office, 3210 N. Campbell St. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cash and checks will be accepted.
Portage parks briefs
The Portage Parks and Recreation Department offers the following activities. For information, visit the park office at 2100 Willowcreek Road or call (219) 762-1675, ext. 300 or 302.
Adult yoga
Adult yoga continues from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Portage Yacht Club.
All classes are for beginner/intermediate levels and people ages 18 and older. Bring a towel or mat on which to sit, wear comfortable layers of clothing and bring water. For more information, call Cynthia Smith at (219) 762-1675, ext. 305.
The Saturday yoga class meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Portage Yacht Club. For more information, call Cynthia Smith at (219) 762-1675, ext. 305.
Dance classes
Ballroom classes are conducted Mondays in Woodland Park's Sycamore Hall. There are three workshops left, beginning at 7 p.m. for beginners and 8:15 p.m. for advanced. The cost is $15. For more information, call Mary at (219) 680-9261.
Community Market
The Community Market at Founders Square will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 10. Vendors with fresh produce, flowers, crafts and more are welcome.
Open gym basketball
Open gym basketball will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through August in Woodland Park's Oakwood Grand Hall. Cost is $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents.
Trunk sale
Put your junk in your trunk and sell the stuff from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 at Woodland Park's parking lot. The vendor fee for two parking spaces is $12 for residents and $15 for others. No trailers, large vans, or vehicles that take two or more spaces will be allowed. You may only sell from your vehicle and the parking space next to you. No food items allowed. Reserve your space by Aug. 20 at Woodland.
Tae kwon do
Learn from a certified American Taekwondo Association instructor with 12-plus years of teaching experience. Students will build confidence, self-esteem and life skills. The next eight-week session will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Aug. 31 in the Blue Spruce Room at Woodland Park. Call for ages and prices.
Tumbling Tuesdays
Children will learn the fundamentals of tumbling while developing balance, agility and strength in a relaxed, fun environment. No tumbling experience is required. The class is six weeks, Sept. 14 to Oct. 19, at the Portage Yacht Club. Register at Woodland Park by Sept. 13.
Strike Busters Bowling
Children are invited to join a noncompetitive afternoon of bowling. The program will wrap up with a pizza party. Bumper pads are available upon request. The next six-week session is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Camelot Lanes, U.S. 6, Portage. The program is for ages 4 to 12. Cost is $35 for residents and $40 for nonresidents.
First Tee youth golf program
The First Tee youth golf program uses golf as a venue to teach character and life lessons and to influence the lives of youth positively. Each session is 10 hours of curriculum plus practice on the Creekside Golf Course. Visit www.thefirstteevalparaiso.org for information.
Ultimate Frisbee tournament
Teams play 7-versus-7 and can be all-male, all-female, or coed in this round-robin tournament. The cost is $50 per team, and the tournament will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 11 at Imagination Glen. Register by Sept. 7 at Woodland Park. Rosters can be printed at www.ci.portage.in.us/parks. The winning team receives championship hoodies.
Adult dodgeball league
Teams play 6-versus-6 with a maximum of 10 players on the roster. Prizes may include champion T-shirts or entry into future sports leagues. This league is coed. Games are 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays at Woodland Park, beginning Oct. 13. There will be an 18-match schedule followed by a double-elimination tournament. The cost is $150 per team, and players must be at least 15 years old. Those younger than 18 require a signed release by a parent. Register by Oct. 8.
