Rockwell Park Evening Program
Spend your evenings in Rockwell Park. Come on down and participate in several activities, basketball, martial arts, tennis and lots of games and crafts. Snacks are provided. Program meets 3 days per week for 9 weeks and is free for youth to attend.
Who: Youth ages 5-15
When: Mon., Wed., and Fri.
Beginning June 21 – Aug. 20
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Belly Dance (3684)
Belly dance with experienced instructor Benazir. This beginning level class will stretch your creative limits while you learn an ancient and refined art. Some gear available to borrow in class, such as: hip scarf, zills, and veils. Wear comfortable clothing, such as sweats, bare feet are customary but ballet or Isotoner slippers work well too! Class closed to spectators.
Who: Teens - Adults 13 & up
When: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays June 29 – Aug. 3
Where: Youth Development Center,
230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Cost: $30 City Residents
$60 Non-City Residents
* $10 off when a parent/child sign up together
Hershey Track and Field Meet (3701)
The City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department will host the local National Hershey Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 12, 2010. First place winners will qualify for the State Finals. Age groups are 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, both girls and boys. Youth between the ages of 5-7 and 15-18 can come and be part of the event but, are not able to qualify for the State Meet.
Who: Youth ages 5-18 years old.
When: Saturday, June 19
Where: Kalamazoo Central High School
Time: 11:00 a.m. registration begins. Meet begins at 12:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Baseline Bomber Tennis
Attention all beginning and experienced players! Learn or refine your skills from West Hills Athletic Club. You will work on all facets of the game. Register now as the class size is limited. Some tennis racquets are available from the Parks and Recreation Department.
Who: Youth ages 8 – 14 years old.
When: 6:15 – 7:30 - Tuesdays,
Crane Park (3728)
June 22 – July 27
6:15 – 7:30 - Thursdays,
Frays Park (3730)
June 24 – July 29
Cost: $32 - City Residents
$50 - Non-City Residents
Track & Field Clinics (3734)
Three one hour track and field clinics where local youth will be taught the mechanics of running, throwing (softball throw), jumping (long jump), block starts, and relays with the opportunity for the youth to showcase what they’ve learned and compete against others at the Hershey Track meet on Saturday, June 13. Each session will have a set schedule with focus on a new skill.
Who: Girls and Boys 5-18 years old.
When: Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
June 15, 16, and 17
Where: Kalamazoo Central Track
Cost: $15 - City Residents
$30 – Non-City Residents
Public Safety’s 3rd Annual Baseball Clinic (3745)
This one day clinic sponsored by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the Kalamazoo Kings will assist youth ages 10-15 with basic – advanced baseball skills. Participants will get hands on instruction by several former baseball players (both college and professional) along with current Kalamazoo Kings players. At 4:30 p.m. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Specialty Teams will be making various presentations, followed by the Kalamazoo Kings VS Windy City Thunderbolts game starting at 7:00 p.m.
Who: Youth ages 10-15
Where: Mayors’ Riverfront Park
When: Friday, August 6, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Check begins at 12:30 p.m.
Limited space is available and pre registration will be required. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 337-8191 to reserve your spot.
As Bill Wright stated, “This is what the Kings are all about. I couldn’t be more proud to work with the men and women of Public Safety. They do great things for this community and its youth.”
Ultimate Frisbee
Have fun learning and playing the game of Ultimate Frisbee. This upcoming and challenging sport improves coordination and endurance. Instructor Ken Elliott has many years of experience; he has played in national competitions, and is a member of the Ultimate Players Association. Registration is required. Participants will be broken up according to age. No class the Memorial Day.
Who: Youth ages 9-14 years old
When: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Thursdays
April 22- June 10 (3641)
June 24- July 29 (3694)
Where: Blanche Hull Park
Cost: $10 City Residents
$20 – Non-City Residents
Basketball Camp (3677)
The pre-season Summer Basketball Camp for youth, participants learn basic fundamentals, take part in skill enhancing drills and activities, plus daily group “chalk talks,” where youth will listen and learn from some of Kalamazoo’s local coaches. There will be numerous skill competitions and game time on the court. The camp will be broken down into separate age groups during the day for age specific activities.
Who: Youth ages 8-15 years old (coed)
Where: Mayors’ Riverfront Park,
251 Mills St.
Outdoor Basketball Courts
When: 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Monday - Wednesday
July 19-21
Cost: $22 - City Residents
$44 - Non-City Residents
Sk8t Board Road Trip VI
Skateboarders and In-Line Skaters, ever wonder what other skateboard parks are like? Well, come along this summer and find out what they are all about. Reserve your seat today to explore two Southwest Michigan Skate Boards Parks. We’ll be visiting Michigan City, Indiana and Ranney Skate Park in Lansing. We do the driving-you do the skating, bring your own boards/ skates, helmets and pads – don’t forget your “No Fear,” attitude. Bring money for snacks, or pack your lunch and let’s roll!
Both trips are for youth ages 8 – 15 years old and will depart at 10 a.m and return at 3:30 p.m from
the Upjohn Park Skate Park, 1018 Walter St.
Cost: $10 City Residents per trip
$15 Non-city Residents per trip
Holland, Michigan David L. Dirkse Skatepark (3713)
When: Saturday, July 17,
The park consists of a stairs, banks, quarter-pipes, and a U-shaped bowl which flows into an open area filled with real street elements such as the LA High Bank and a raked manual pad. For skaters who prefer the Skatelite surface a wide mini-ramp and a traditional fun box with hubba ledges and rails is provided.
Michigan City Skatepark, Michigan City (3714)
When: Saturday, Aug. 7,
The Michigan City Skatepark, opened in 2005, is an extremely large, sprawling, Woodward-ramp based skatepark. It is so big, it would be impossible to list each obstacle individually. There are dozens of them, and they are laid out in a manner where, all sorts of tricks, transfers, and lines are possible. Bring your no fear attitude to take on this park!
YDC Teen Night
The Youth Development Center is offering teens an opportunity to meet with their friends one night a week for a variety of activities! Join your friends for games, movies, snacks and great conversation. Do you want an Open Mic Night? Or a poetry night? Come and visit – and find out what the YDC is all about!
Who: Middle and High School students
When: 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Friday - Begins June 25
Where: Youth Development Center,
230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Cost: Free
Kalamazoo Public Safety/ Leadership Academy
This Leadership Academy was established to provide cadets (ages 13-18) with a structured one week learning environment. During the Academy the cadets will be challenged both mentally and physically in key aspects of leadership.
When: June 20-25 – 19, 2010 for boys 13-18
Aug. 13– 18, 2010 for girls 13-18
Where: Fort Custer Training Base
Application/Selection: Thirty male and thirty female applicants will be selected to participate in this one week Academy. Youth who are interested must live with in the city limits and be 13-18 years in age. Each interested youth must fill out an application; go through an interview and selection process and will be notified if they are selected. For the applications and more information contact Public Safety at 337-8260 or email skibbek@kalamazoocity.org.
Entrepreneurial Programs
Counselor In Training (3682)
The CIT program is for teens that have an interest in working with children. CIT’s will receive hands on experience in learning leadership skills by working with youth in group activities at many of our program sites. Successful completion of this program provides volunteer experience, which will increase the probability of employment with the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation
Department. As part of the Summer Youth Employment Program, for teens ages 14 - 17 years old may qualify to receive, depending on funding, a minimum wage for a 20-25 hour work week. All potential CIT’S must contact the Youth Development Center, 337-8009 and for further information
Babysitting Class (3738)
Earn some money over the summer by babysitting! Learn the basic skills that all
babysitters need to know - first aid, diaper duty, interactive games and how to handle emergencies. Leave with an infant/child CPR Card, a Babysitting certification, an emergency reference guide, babysitting handbook and CD Rom packed with resources to help keep your business thriving. That is a whole lot of knowledge to share with your future clients. Bring a sack lunch. The American Red Cross teaches this class. Registration deadline is May 28.
Who: Youth ages 10 years old and up
When: Saturday, June 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Youth Development Center,
230 E. Crosstown Parkway
Cost: $45 – City and non city residents
Future Chefs (3695)
Improve your cooking skills and prepare for employment in the food service industry. Learn to cook with talented chef Channon Mondoux of Renaissance Cuisine and Fair Food Matters, an educational resource for food issues related to health, environment and social justice. This program includes field trips, guest presenters and volunteer opportunities to help enhance future employment, such as: The Can-Do Kitchen, Food Dance Café, A Food Affair and The Growing Matters Garden. A letter of interest or a letter of recommendation is required to participate in this program. Participants will leave with a certificate of successful completion and a letter of reference.
Who: Teens ages 12 – 18 years old
*Class divided into age appropriate groups
When: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wednesday
*Field Trips before or after class
June 23 – August 4, (no class July 7)
Where: Oakwood Neighborhood Center,
3320 Laird
Cost: $15 – City Residents
$30 – Non-City Residents
