GRAVENHURST - Gravenhurst’s recreation department wants to get youth out moving and has a full slate of upcoming programs open for registration, some more extreme than others.
Judy Vanderveer, town recreation program director, said spots are still available for a BMX one-day clinic, a first for Gravenhurst, taught by internationally acclaimed professional rider and certified Ontario Cycling Association BMX instructor Cory Walsh. That event takes place this Saturday, May 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the youth park, beside the centennial centre.
Vanderveer said the park saw some improvements during the centennial centre expansion and the rec department wanted to find ways to get it used.
The BMX clinic will teach youth, ages seven to 13, techniques while focusing on safety. Participants are required to bring their own working bike, helmet and guards, and are asked to register by the end of May 4 at a cost of $25.
The youth park will also host a five-week skateboard clinic, beginning May 26 and running Saturdays from 9 until 11 a.m. until June 23 at a cost of $55. Instruction will be provided by professional instructor Dan Maloney of Bracebridge and it will be geared for youth ages seven to 13 as well. Youth will learn various techniques such as stopping, turning and tricks. Helmets and protective gear are required to participate; however, the town does have CSA-approved helmets to borrow if participants do not have one.
On May 27 the town will host a helmet clinic and bike rodeo on the pedestrian walkway beside the centennial centre, touching on such things as helmet fittings, bicycle maintenance, handling, signalling, gears, breaking, avoiding road hazards and more. Participants must already know how to ride, but Vanderveer said all ages are welcome for this free event, running from noon until 2 p.m. that day. Instruction is provided by staff from the Gravenhurst Bike Shop and participants are asked to bring their helmets and bikes.
Registration is also open now until May 16 for the town’s summer T-ball and minor ball leagues at the administration office in the centennial centre. T-ball games take place at Gull Lake Rotary Park on Wednesday evenings for youth ages four to six. Cost is $45 per person and includes a team T-shirt.
Minor ball is also played at Gull Lake on Wednesdays for youth seven and over and the cost is $75 per player, which includes a team T-shirt.
The leagues will begin June 6 and run once weekly until Aug. 22.
If anyone would like more information or to register, contact the recreation department at 705-687-6774 or get the registration forms through the town website and fax them to 705-687-8857.