Bored in Tukwila?
The Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department is working hard to make sure you have plenty of opportunities this spring to get healthy, learn a new sport, or just plain play.
Two new programs the department is especially excited about are adult kickball and indoor tennis.
Kickball will start the beginning of May and last eight weeks, taking place on Thursday nights. The department is hoping it will be a big draw for co-workers and families.
“We want to appeal to those groups, families and businesses,” said Steve Batz, athletics/general programs specialist for parks and recreation. “It will be pretty relaxed. … There are a lot of different skill levels that can come out and play kickball.”
Eric Clayton will teach groups indoor tennis, starting in March. Clayton has more than 20 years of tennis teaching experience and is a certified instructor. The class is designed to be a great atmosphere for the entire family to learn together. The students will use indoor tennis balls to learn, which will slow the game down for beginners.
“It makes it fun and easy to learn the sport,” said Dave Johnson, recreation superintendent for parks and recreation. “Tennis is a lifelong sport you can play until you’re old. Kids and families can sustain it through their whole life.”
In addition to the group events, the department also offers a host of classes, including Zumba and Jazzercise. There are also lunch-time classes, like a boot camp and yoga.
“People who work in the area or live close by can come in, get a quick workout, then get back to work or whatever they have going on,” Johnson said.
The community center has a personal trainer, racquetball courts, wallyball areas and a free time for seniors to come in and work out (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8-11 a.m.).
The city is also hosting the Healthy You, Healthy Earth 5K Fun Run & Walk April 21. After the event, participants will be able to plant a tree or shrub as part of a riverside restoration project. The event starts at 8 a.m. and has a $20 registration fee. Go to active.com to register.
Much more is coming in the summer. Want a sneak peek? The Summer Playground Program has a staff member at Cascade View Park four days a week, leading kids in arts and crafts activities. Plus, a sack lunch is provided. The best part about this program? It’s free.
For more information on everything the Parks and Recreation Department offers, go to http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/. The phone number for the Tukwila Community Center is 206-768-2822.
