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Fun and safe parks and recreation programs planned in Prairie

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By Correne Martin

 

“We worked very hard this past spring/summer in learning and determining how to do things correctly in these very uncertain times.”

Mike Ulrich, Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation director, proudly reflected on his department’s efforts despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Following all state, county and local health guidelines, he said, staff bought into the department’s wellness initiatives and administered them well to the public.

Now, in an effort to continue to provide a fun, yet safe environment for patrons and staff, parks and rec is offering some very user-friendly experiences for the fall at Hoffman Hall and at the city parks.

Youth/teen disc golf

Open to boys and girls grades 3-12, the youth/teen disc golf league will meet every Tuesday night at 5 p.m., at the St. Feriole Island course, beginning Sept. 15, and running through Oct. 20. Players will be placed in age-appropriate levels and can choose who they want to play with. Discs will be available if needed. The cost is free but a mandatory parent meeting is required on Sept. 15 to pre-register. 

Youth kickball

Meeting every Thursday, from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29, participants in grades 1-4 can play organized kickball games and have a new team each week. The focus of the program will be to learn the game and have fun playing this organized sport while staying safe. There is a fee per participant. Grades 1 and 2 will meet from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., and grades 3 and 4 will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., all at Lochner Park. There is a mandatory parent/child meting on Sept. 17, at the times above.

Jumanji

Co-sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Public Library, this is an opportunity to play “real life” Jumanji. Join some crazy creatures and characters from the game, along with some interesting additions. It will be a race to the finish. Do you have what it takes to win and claim the title of champion? This game is meant to be played as a group or family. The Amazing Race: Jumanji starts Sept. 18, at the library, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and features several perilous locations. For more information, visit the PdC Library Facebook page. 

Outdoor youth volleyball

On Saturdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 19 through Oct. 24, boys and girls in grades 2-6 are welcome to come play volleyball outdoors at the Fort Fun volleyball courts. The emphasis of this program will be on basic skills, staying safe and having fun. There is a fee for participants, and a mandatory parent meeting on Sept. 19, at 9:45 a.m.

Kayak/canoe/bike rentals

Located at the outdoor recreation center at Washington Street Park, rentals of kayaks, canoes and bikes will be available Saturdays and Sundays, or by request Monday through Friday. To keep everyone safe, COVID-19 health guidelines must be followed. Rentals can be paid online at pdc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal or they can be paid on site Saturday and Sunday. Sign up for a two-hour time slot between the hours of 12 to 4 p.m. Rent the kayaks and canoes with paddles and life jackets, or up to four bikes at one time. Helmets are required. For more information, call Hoffman Hall at 326-2985, weekdays during business hours.

Haunted hike

Co-sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Public Library, join outdoor and Halloween enthusiasts on Saturday, Oct. 31, for the inaugural haunted hike, where the park trails will be riddled with ghosts and goblins. A non-scary/dog-friendly hike will go from 1 to 3 p.m., while a very scary hike is offered from 5 to 8 p.m. Afterward, enjoy one of three bonfires. Masks will be required. There is a small fee that can be paid on-site. 

Register for the parks and rec programs online at pdc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal, or contact staff at 326-7207 or 326-2985. City resident fees are offered at a discounted rate, while non-residents can also participate.

“We’re happy to have many staff and volunteers returning to work to be able to provide these many programs at Hoffman Hall,” Ulrich said, “and they will be doing on-going training beginning this week.”

In addition to these programs, and bingo offered at Hoffman Hall again, participants will notice changes due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. 

Pending how things change, Ulrich said he look at adding additional programming come November.

“We also will be offering a shortened version of our popular Concerts in the Park on Saturday afternoons, so stay tuned for that,” he added.

“As with anything we do, we know what we offer today might be different in the future, but we think there are many safe things to do through the cities parks and recreation programs.” 

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