Porter County parks
Porter County parks officials offer a variety of activities for all ages. Call (219) 465-3586 or visit www.portercounty.
Storybook trail
This free activity runs year-round at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Enjoy reading, exercising and family time by walking along the trail and stopping at each page to find out what happens next. A suggested movement also will be listed. The trail begins on the path by the playground, south of the parking lot. Stories change every month. This program is open to the public. No registration is necessary.
Women’s Walk Club
Join group leader Jenna Martin, a registered nurse, for a walk along the trails from 8 to 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Sunset Hill Farm.
Run club
This free year-round club is led by experienced trail runners. The group meets from 8 to 9 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Sunset Hill Farm and generally runs about five miles.
Dog walkers
Bring your pet on a leash for a walk on the trails at Sunset Hill Farm County Park with fellow dog lovers. This program is free and open to the public, and takes place at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday until May 30. Jenna Martin, a registered nurse, will lead the group and offer health tips along the way.
Snowshoe in the Park
Enjoy the health benefits of this low-impact aerobic exercise. This program is from 10 to 11 a.m. every Saturday this month. If there is no snow, participants will Nordic walk instead. The cost of this program is $5 per person.
Portage Parks
The Portage Parks Department offers a variety of programs. The office is at 2100 Willowcreek Road. Call (219) 762-1675.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a transformational learning program for 8- to 13-year-old girls. Life skills are taught through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. Portage is partnering with Porter County Parks for this program. The program will be at Woodland Park and is for girls in third through fifth grades. They will meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 5 to May 21. Participants must register at the Porter County Parks Department. Fee is $80. For more information, call Becky Kreiger at (219) 734-0203. Visit www.girlsontherun.org.
Jewelry, gem show
2013 Jewelry, Gem and More Show consists of jewelry, candy, day spas, nail salons and anything else that could pamper moms and girlfriends. The show will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at Woodland Park. Admission is free. Vendors are still needed, particularly flower shops, massage businesses, day spas and nail salons. For vendor information, call (219) 762-1675 or download an application at www.ci.portage.in.us/parks. Booth spaces are $25, and a table and chairs are provided.
Spring soccer
Spring soccer is for ages 3 to 14. The cost is $40 for Portage Township residents and $50 for others. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon March 9 and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 11 to 22. Register at the park department office. A copy of your child's birth certificate is required.
Adult yoga
Register monthly for each session. Classes are held Wednesdays in Sycamore Hall at Woodland Park. The cost is $25 per month, ages 18 and older. Good for all skill levels.
Riverwalk concession stand
The concessions stand has reopened. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The classroom is open during operating hours and there is free Wi-Fi. Call (219) 763-7138 for soup of the week.
Harvest Festival
The festival's juried art show is open to all artists who produce original art. The fine art mediums include glass, wood, oils, watercolor, mixed media, pencil, pastels, pottery, jewelry and photography. The entry deadline is Aug. 2. There is a nonrefundable $20 jury fee. Juried artists will have to pay an additional $55 entry fee. This is an indoor show Oct. 5 and 6 at Woodland Park. Call the parks office for an artist’s application or download an application at www.ci.portage.in.us/parks.
Cheerleading
Parks officials have partnered with Young Champions Cheerleading to offer a fun course designed to teach choreographed pom-pom and dance routines in a fun, social environment. No experience needed. The current session has begun but late registrations are accepted. There is an initial $7 registration fee and $7 per class at Woodland Park.
Taekwondo
For all ages 3 and up, learn from a certified instructor from Achievement Martial Arts with more than 13 years of teaching experience. Students will build confidence, self-esteem and life skills. The program runs April 10 to May 31 at Achievement Martial Arts, 3394 Willowcreek Road. The cost for 3- to 5-year-olds is $50/residents, $60/nonresidents; for ages 6-plus, it is $80/residents, $90/nonresidents. Register by April 9 at Woodland Park.
Adult softball league
Season starts April 14. Games begin at 6 p.m. and are played at Imagination Glen Park. Choose between men’s upper and lower, women’s, and coed divisions. Download a roster form online at www.ci.portage.in.com. The cost is $500/team.
Mother/son dance
Mother son dance is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 3 at Woodland Park's Sycamore Hall. Register by April 24. The cost is $36 a couple for Portage Township residents and $41 for nonresidents.
Valparaiso parks
Valparaiso Parks Department offers many activities this month. Call (219) 462-5144, visit www.valpoparks.org or visit the parks office at 3210 N. Campbell St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Discovery Cottage
Classes at the Discovery Cottage get kids ready for kindergarten, ready to study and ready for friendships. Several times and weekday options are available, with classes such as Cottage Cooking, ABC Mommy and Me, Dance, Play Pals and more.
Youth sports sign-ups
Youth spring sports registration is going on now for programs ranging from soccer to baseball.
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