Rec Center gymnastics starts up again
Gymnastics has started up again for community kids ages 4 and up.
The program meets once a week for 40 minutes. The classes are $30 a month and open to any children who are potty-trained, Lovell Recreation District Director Kristine Henley said.
Sign-ups are open through March, Henley said. Class time is dependent on the child’s placement and could be at 3:30 p.m., 4:20 p.m. or 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. No prior experience is required, and children should wear their hair up before each session.
Henley said that turnout for gymnastics is lower this season due to the armory remodel, dropping from 86 to 50. Gymnastics used to be held in the armory and included use of equipment like uneven bars and high beams. But since the class is currently in the high school wrestling room, only floor routines can be done.
Henley was originally told that the remodel would be done by now, and she is not sure when it will reopen. So far, parents have been understanding of the changes.
Sports are not just for the kids. Adult basketball leagues for men and women are offered in January. Basketball is especially popular for the men. The basketball includes both open gym and a tournament. Last year, there were six men’s basketball teams. Henley said she does not know how many women will turn out.
A welding class for those ages 15 and up is planned, but the program occurring is dependent on people signing up beforehand, Henley said. A minimum of six adults need to sign up before the first class on January 16, but those interested don’t need to commit to every class when you sign up.
Classes will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and are based around students bringing their own project. The cost is the cost of materials, unless students bring their own, and $20 per class or $120 for the season. Classes are taught by LHS welding instructor Nick Edelman and no experience is required.
Two events that were originally planned for January, the adult self-defense class and youth cornhole, have been cancelled, Henley said. With the retirement of Lovell Police Chief Dan Laffin, there has been no one else available to teach the self-defense class. The youth cornhole has been delayed due to lack of access to the armory but is eventually expected to start up.
Henley says she hears positive feedback from the community about recreation programming. She encourages adults who are interested in being a part of programming to volunteer, as well as sign their kids up for sports.
“We need coaches, referees ... and then also sign up your kids and let them try everything out. It’s a good time to try it, when they’re young. They can figure out what they like and what they’re good at. And so, when they get to middle school and high school, they’ll know which sports they like,” she said.