Fun is on the menu for Pendleton parks
By Terry Murry on Sunday, May 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
News release from Pendleton Parks and Recreation:
Pendleton Parks and Recreation is expanding its summer programming, and most registrations are open now. Recreation Supervisor Jonathan Bullard said his staff is excited about the new opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to providing another summer of fun-filled programs for youth in our community, and we’re really excited to be expanding it into teens this year,” Bullard said. “Summer camps and summer programs are so important for building lifelong memories.”
The mainstay of the summer program continues to be Summer Adventure Camp. This weekly camp runs all summer from June 19-Aug. 18 for kids entering first-sixth grade. Campers can register for one week, every week, or anywhere in between. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Community Park.
Children can also participate in Learn to Swim classes; STEM nights focusing on science and nature; Babysitting 101; and Smart Kids, a class to train children how to be home by themselves confidently.
Children – and parents – will also enjoy “Parent Night Out.” Parks and Recreation staff will provide childcare for kids aged 5-12, along with dinner, activities, and a movie while parents have a childfree evening. Parent Night out is from 5-9 p.m. on June 9.
For adults, there will also be “Adult Night at the Pool” on July 25 and Aug. 22. This event is open those 21 and older. Teenagers, age 13-18, will also have their own time at the Aquatic Center during “Teen Nights at the Pool.”
For teenagers, Parks and Rec will again be offering the TACO – Teen Adventure Camp Outdoors – program again this year. These camps are three days a week and give an opportunity to explore the region. Each week will have different destinations, but each will include a hiking component, a water component and an excursion component, such as bowling or mini-golf. The camp is geared toward those entering seventh- to 10th-grade.
Teens can also participate in regular teen nights, every other Friday at the Rec Center, starting June 2. Each session will have pizza and other activities like dodgeball, video games, board games, and crafts. Teens can hang out and choose what activities to participate in.
Summer sports camps include tennis and basketball as well as the “Itty Bitty Sports Sampler” where parents can join their preschoolers – aged 3-5 – in exploring different sports in a fun environment. Equipment is provided during each class, and parent involvement is required. The Itty Bitty Sports Sampler runs once a week from 10-11 a.m. July 5-Aug. 2 at Pioneer Park.
This summer, top British youth basketball coach Steve Pearl is returning to Pendleton to coach one-week summer camps for youth. You can read more about Coach Pearl’s camp here.
In addition to the programs by provided directly by Pendleton Parks and Recreation, the department is also working with Pendleton UAS Range and College Community Theatre to offer specialized camps this summer. The Pendleton UAS range is offering four different camps based on robotics and flight, and College Community Theatre is offering two camps, one based on self-expression and one theater performance camp.
Other summer programming includes the return of Music in the Park every Wednesday In July at Roy Raley Park and Movies in the Park at Community Park East, Fridays in July and August. Parks and Recreation is offering “Drop-In Dodgeball” every other Thursday at the Rec Center.
Many of the increased programs are possible because recreation programming is now based out of the Pendleton Rec Center on the City Hall campus. Anyone with question about any summer programing can stop by the Pendleton Recreation Center at 510 SW Dorion Ave. or call 541-966-0228.
Many of the summer opportunities are offered at no cost to families, including Movies in the Park, Music in the Park, STEM classes, and the Teen Nights. For programs that do have registration costs, scholarships are available. Contact Pendleton Parks and Recreation for more information on programs or registration at 966-0228 Learn more about classes or register online at www.pendletonparksandrec.com
