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Prairie du Chien parks and rec activities roll into fall

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Water aerobics is one of the most popular programs available at Hoffman Hall in the fall and winter. Arlene Fernberg teaches the class, which has three different sessions available each week. (Submitted photo)

This year's parks and rec activity guide for the fall and winter.

By Correne Martin

There should be no complaints about not finding anything to do in Prairie du Chien this fall and winter. The city parks and recreation department has put together a lineup of activities for the whole family, for all interests. Check out the 2018-2019 activity guide, sponsored by Peoples State Bank and available at various community locations, for complete details. 

Sports, leisure and fun opportunities for area youth are abundant at Hoffman Hall. Soccer is an offering for some of the youngest you, as there indoor learning meets for 4-year-olds through second graders. For first through fourth graders, football and basketball are program options that will teach kids the basic fundamentals, including skills, positions and sportsmanship. Volleyball will be available for boys and girls in grades second through sixth, also introducing the basic skills of the game. Any kids, beginning with kindergarteners, and their families interested in sampling a variety of sports may rather sign up for the family sports sampler course. 

“These programs have all been successful,” said Mike Ulrich, parks and rec director, noting that some have already begun. 

Swimming lessons will also be available at Hoffman Hall’s indoor pool sometime in January. 

Knights of the Square Table Chess Club started spontaneously last year and was very popular, he added. This program teaches youth of all ages to play chess in friendly matches against peers. Participants are matched against opponents of similar skill. This also starts in January.

Sports and leisure for adults is also in demand at Hoffman Hall. There will be recreational leagues for coed volleyball and basketball, both beginning in November. Open gyms are an additional way for area citizens of all ages to increase their physical activity and have fun during unstructured activities. Students, families and general community members can play pick up sports, participate in fitness stations or run/walk laps, for example. On school days off, open gym is always one dollar per person. Call ahead at 326–2985 or go to pdc.recdesk.com/community/program to ensure no other special events or city programs are scheduled. 

One way to earn free, Culver’s food is to participate in the parks and rec Culver’s walking and lap swim fitness stations or run/walk laps, or example. Meet certain goals of staying in shape and be rewarded with meals from this favorite local restaurant. Nutrition coaching will Be a new offering beginning in October, thanks to Cassie Hubanks, who was hired in May as the recreation and aquatics manager for the city. By appointment, people can learn strategies and eating habits in an accessible, down to earth, individualized manner to support a healthy lifestyle. Meet friends and neighbors at four different potluck gathering this coming season. Bring a dish at noon for some fun time with live music and activities with other community members, all based around special themes. 

The relatively new bingo at Hoffman Hall has become wildly popular every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. it starts again for the season Sept. 19. 

“We are averaging 30 to 40 people each time,” Ulrich said. “It’s all full payoffs.”

Aquatics and fitness classes are typically well attended as well. The pool at Hoffman Hall is open to the general public Monday through Friday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m. in October and 1 to 5 p.m. starting Nov. 3. The most popular class seems to be water aerobics. There are even two new time slots that have been scheduled to accommodate interest. Furthermore, interested individuals can do lap swim at the allotted times, in addition to deep water aerobics. The pool, gym, lobby and rec room are available for rent for events such as business meetings, birthday parties, family reunions, receptions, club activities and overnight stays. Corporate memberships are also now offered for businesses within the city that have 10 or more employees. This is good for each employee and their children. 

In the adult fitness room, classes include tai chi, pilates, step aerobics, hatha yoga, yin yoga, Zumba and basic yoga. Any level of skill for these classes is welcome. Daily passes as well as punch passes are sold to participants. 

Interestingly, Ulrich said, “Tai chi has grown so much, they’ve had to move it to the red room downstairs.”

For outdoor recreation programs, there are enough to keep people busy as well. A new program, called bird discovery and family nature hike, is offered Sept. 22, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at La Rivière Park. Join naturalist Denny Kirschbaum and discover the birds that call the park home. This family nature hike will also introduce participants to the beautiful park, trails, and many other neat things that can only be seen at this city forest. This program is free to the public but please call 326–2718 to register for the limited spots available. 

Group fishing instruction (even ice fishing) and an outdoor red center, both at the Washington Street Park, are available once again this fall (rec center through September). Call 326-7207 to schedule these opportunities. Once the weather turns cold, keep in mind that the city rents ice skates and snow shoes/poles for use on snowy and icy ground. The city also pours its own ice-skating rink at Lochner Park around Christmas break. 

Plus, kayak classes will offer that outdoor experience in the controlled setting of Hoffman Hall, beginning in March. 

Additionally, the Intergenerational Community Activity Network, or I CAN, is a program for all ages to enjoy bingo, fitness, arts and crafts, and field trips, among other activities. These offerings are each Tuesday beginning Sept. 18.

“I CAN is for anybody,” Ulrich said. 

Events for the entire community will fill the calendar in the coming months. Oktoberfest will happen on St. Feriole Island for the ninth year Oct. 20. 

The Halls of Terror will return to scare the screams out of visitors to the cedar building on the island. Dates for the annual haunted house are Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 and 31. A kid-friendly haunt is scheduled for Oct. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. A monster bash, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics and Badger Camp, will be Sunday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hoffman Hall. 

In November, don’t miss the annual holiday gift and craft fair, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., also at Hoffman Hall. Women are encouraged to come out that day while the men are away hunting. Starting at the same location, the Turkey Trot 5K fun run and walk is a chance for the whole family to get out on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 22 and have some fun together.

On Jan. 4-5, the Follies community talent show will happen at Prairie du Chien High School. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. both nights and a matinee Saturday at 2 p.m. all proceeds will benefit the Mississippi River Sculpture Park. 

For more information about any of these cool activities or any of the cities parks and attractions that are open year-round, call 326–7207.

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