Parks and Rec Department plans fall, winter activities

From sports leagues to swimming, dance lessons to crafts classes, the Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for folks who want to stay active this fall and winter. “Right now, we are in the middle of our fall softball, soccer and flag football seasons,” said Paula Austin, program coordinator.

“Soon we’ll be offering our popular youth and men’s basketball leagues, both of which register the first week of October, with play beginning in November and going through December,” she said.

Here’s a look at upcoming Parks and Recreation activities:

•Jewelry making classes for ages 12 and up are offered Thursday, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. The $30 class fee covers tools, supplies and instructions. All classes will be at 7 p.m.

•Album making classes are Oct. 20, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. Costs range from $12 to $46, and include all supplies and instruction. Classes range from basic album making to more advanced levels.

•Swimming lessons are offered on a six-week ongoing basis through May indoors, with American Red Cross-accredited instructors.

•Dance classes are offered year-round. Call instructor Leeann Staples, 765-7601, to learn more.

•Gymnastics and tumbling classes are held at Lakes Middle School on Saturdays. The instructor is Jeanne Hayes, 796-2250.

•Basketball leagues are separated into a first- and second-grade, third- through eighth-grade, and ninth- and 10th-grade boys. Men’s teams range from 11th grade to adult, with an entry deadline of Oct. 21. Next to start is the third- through eighth-graders, with registration starting Thursday. Other leagues will follow. Call 768-2250, or check the Web site, www.cdaid.org, for more information. There are no plans for a womens league due to lack of demand, Austin said.

•Youth wrestling starts in December under the watchful eye of North Idaho College coach Pat Whitcomb, with clinics for kindergarteners through sixth-graders. Registration is Dec. 1-29 for the next clinic on Jan. 5. Cost is $20 for city resident, $25 for nonresidents, and includes a T-shirt.

For more information, check out the department’s Web site at www.cdaid.org, click on “department” and scroll down to “Recreation Services,” or call 768-2250. The Parks and Recreation Department is at 710 E. Mullan Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.