Summer Highlights

Here is a look at some of the highlights in this year's summer recreation catalog.

Summer Concerts in the Park

On Thursdays in June, July (except Independence Day) and August, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Del Valle Park will come alive with the sounds of country western favorites, rock and roll beats, Irish/Celtic tunes, and the easy sounds of rhythm and blues.

Come after work, bring a picnic blanket and have dinner with family and friends while listening to live entertainment. Dinner entrees, snacks, and other refreshments are on sale at each concert to raise funds for community organizations like the Lakewood Tot Lot, Friends of the Lakewood Libraries, and the Pan American Festival Association.

The Concerts in the Park series is solely supported by area businesses and concert patrons. The Lakewood Pan American Association, Kentish Realty, Gateway Business Bank, and Lakewood Center are the principal sponsors of the summer concerts.

A complete rundown of concert dates is listed in the catalog. (Large download)

Summer safety first . . . then fun During those hot summer days and nights, Lakewood parks become attractive recreation destinations. So, to put park patrons and park neighbors at ease this summer, Lakewood's public safety team will beef up Sheriff's patrols and expand park staffing. Capital improvement projects in past years have provided all ten city parks with new playgrounds, brighter playing fields, and more day and evening sports facilities. Physical appearances of Lakewood parks also give a sense of security with better lighting and open spaces. Before summer activities begin, the Recreation and Community Services Department prepares the more than 120 part-time employees with a number of important park and aquatics staff training sessions. Each recreation leader and pool staff member is CPR certified and First Aid trained.

Make a Splash This Summer

From parks to pools, dive into summer by taking swim lessons or water fitness classes now being offered at both Mayfair and McCormick pools.

Swim instruction classes for children 6 months to 17 years of age are available at both city pools. The full range of classes include Red Cross certified swim classes, "parent and me" swim activities for the very young, and specialty programs like springboard diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming.

The two-week sessions are Monday through Friday, and each lesson is 30 minutes long. One-hour group adult instruction classes are available, as well. Fees are $20 for Lakewood residents, $28 for non-residents.

Water aerobics classes continue from June 24 through September. Fees range from $18-25 for seven meetings, to $25-30 for 10 meetings.

Daily recreational swimming is $.75 for children 3 to 17 and $1.25 for adults. For a pool activity schedule, call 866-9771, extension 2408. Swimmer pay at the pool, not online.

Please be familiar with the important regulations on page 20 of the Recreation Catalog. To find out more about the list of summer lessons and registration dates, go to page 18 and 19 of the summer catalog.

Summer Youth Activities

Summer just isn't summer without a trip to Disneyland or Raging Waters. These excursions are just some of the special events planned throughout the summer. Other summer youth activities include:

Little Lakewood Open: Look out Tiger Woods! Friday, June 28, children, ages 7 to 12, can tee off at the 14th Annual Whiffleball Golf Tournament at Del Valle Park. The free tournament begins at 10:00 a.m.

Sports Extravaganza: Friday, July 19, kids, ages 8-13-years-old, can turn out at Boyar Park for a fun-filled day of sporting events, water games, and a hot dog feast. The fun begins at 10:00 a.m.

For your complete guide of the daily activities and special events offered this summer go to page 21 of the catalog.

Dance and Fitness for the Grownups

Summer fun isn't just for children! Adults can stay fit and even learn new skills. Popular favorites like Hatha yoga, Cardio Salsa, and aerobics have returned for summer 2002.

Circuit training for Moms in the Park: This creative outdoor work out program allows you to bring along your stroller-aged child as you try resistance training exercises and drills along a mile-long trail at Rynerson Park.

Classes are Mondays, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., from July 15 - 29 and August 5 - 26. The fee is $20 for four meetings.

Afro-Haitian Dance: Learn the freedom of movement within the African dance tradition. Captivating percussion drum music is used in this class to improve stamina and find energy from within your soul as you shake, twist, and work your body from head to toe.

Classes are Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., from July 17 - August 7 and August 14 - September 4. The fee is $25 for four meetings.

To see these classes, go to pages 3 and 8 of the summer recreation catalog.

Family Fun at Monte Verde Park

Lakewood summer recreation opportunities include outings at the city's spectacular Monte Verde Park.

Movie and Dinner Under the Stars: Spend the evening watching the family adventure movie "Fly Away Home" under the stars at the Monte Verde Park outdoor amphitheatre on Friday, July 12, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Moms, dads and kids of all ages can enjoy a barbeque dinner of hot dogs, potato salad, drink and dessert before the movie. The cost is $4 per person.

Dinner and Movie Date Night: Need a night out . . . without the kids? Children ages 3 to 12 can spend an evening full of activities, dinner, and a movie while parents plan a date night of their own. Relax knowing the children are in safe hands and having fun. Dinner and Movie Date Night is planned for Saturday, July 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday, September 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per meeting and $15 for two children. A $5 materials fee per child is payable to the instructor in class.

Astronomy for Everyone: Have stars in your eyes as you explore the heavens with the Planetary Society guide. This new nighttime event is Friday, July 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Monte Verde Park. The cost is $5 per person.

To find a family program that best fits your family needs, go to page 15 of the summer catalog.

Lakewood, California - Lakewood City Hall
5050 Clark Avenue - Lakewood, CA - 90712
562-866-9771 voice | 562-866-0505 fax
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