Spring Happenings in Scottsdale Recreation

The following is a guest post by Jessica Miller, Assistant Recreation Coordinator for the City of Scottsdale. Take it away, Jessica!

I am so excited to be able to share with you something that I am very passionate about: Scottsdale Parks and Recreation!  We are very fortunate to have an award winning recreation department contributing to Scottsdale being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. It is no surprise there is a lot to do in the 41 parks and 900 acres of green space.

I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you about ways you can recreate with your children this spring! I’ve summarized them into my top 5 (in no particular order):

1. Sign up for tot classes and workshops!

A unique range of classes are available for both you and your tot to participate in. Leisure classes not only nurture and develop your child as an individual, but also provide the opportunity to develop coordination, build self-esteem and confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork and listening skills in an enriching environment. We have offerings for you to take with your little one, or as an independent adventure for your child as they grow. All together 80+ tot classes are being offered this spring in a wide range of subjects including Art, Dance, Movement and Sports. For a complete listing of tot classes and workshops click here.

2. Scottsdale’s got a new way to learn to swim this spring!

Developing swimming skills is especially crucial here in the Valley of the Sun. For that reason it is important to start them young in our Starfish Swim program. The Sea Babies course (appropriate for 6 months to 3 years) is an acclimation course fostering high comfort level in the water. Parents are simultaneously being trained in water safety and drowning prevention. Lessons are available to meet your needs.  Private, semi-private and class style lessons are available. For a complete listing of swim classes click here.

3. Special Events are the best!

One of my personal favorites (next to leisure classes of course!) of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation. Have you ever heard of Mighty Mud Mania? It all started here in Scottsdale in 1976 as a promotional pre-wash gimmick, growing to a nationally recognized event! In addition to Mighty Mud Mania, several special events providing family friendly environments are held annually!  These events are educational, recreational, and often provide a health and wellness component. Here are some that are currently in the works for this spring:

• Fit City Scottsdale and 5K Run – Saturday, February 18 from 8 a. m. to 1 p.m. at Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. For more information click here.
• Exclusively Little, just for the Tots and Toddlers! – Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. For more information click here.
• No fooling at April Pools Day – Scottsdale’s free “April Pools Day” – Saturday, April 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road. For more information click here.

Be sure to check the City event site often for a complete up to date listing of events, or like Scottsdale Parks & Recreation on Facebook.

4. Get out and get active for free at Recreation Days!

Okay, well this one really fits into special events, but I feel like it deserves its own heading! This spring several introductory workshops, demonstrations and classes are offered for FREE! You can meet the instructors and participate to see if this is an activity you or your child would enjoy. Offerings will include a sampling of classes and programs regularly available throughout the year for all ages. There is something for everyone so spread the word! Be sure to check back often for updates and potentially added classes! For a complete listing of free offerings click here.

5. What a better place than a birthday at the park?! 

Make your child’s birthday fabulous this year by renting one of our facilities! Amenities include indoor multi use rooms, outdoor ramadas, fields and even pool locations. All are affordably priced and provide a wide range of amenities to meet your needs! McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park provides a Birthday Party Package (awarded New Times Best of Phoenix “No Frill’s Kid Birthday Party”) where you can relax while two recreation leaders lead your children through games, train and carousel rides, and more.  Complete listing of parks and amenities visit https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks

Parks and recreation departments provide an entry point and first introduction to activities and interests that instill positive behavior and lifelong values and interests in our youth. Scottsdale recreation classes, programs and amenities provide affordable prices, experience instructors and a safe space for creative and enriching play opportunities. We love providing the quality classes you (and I!) grew up with!

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Jessica Miller is Assistant Recreation Coordinator for the City of Scottsdale. During her 9 years with the Recreation office she has worked providing family friendly activities through various roles within the Afterschool Programs, Special Events, and now Leisure Education.  Her love and appreciation for Scottsdale Parks and Recreation dates back to the late 1980’s. Jessica was enrolled in a leisure class where she performed at the Civic Center Senior Center and annual Fall Festival as a ‘Scottsdale Sizzler’ cheer leader. She still has her red and white shirt, skirt, and photos to in her memory book 20 years later.  Jessica finds it ironic that she is now still cheering on Scottsdale Parks and Recreation!