Rathdrum Prairie News: Kids’ rec program started in Spirit Lake

The Youth Equipped for Success program has begun a summer recreation program for Spirit Lake kids 10 and older.

According to coordinator Crystal Owens, the program was created to provide safe, supervised recreational activities for children.

It is funded in part by a grant from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, the Herbert D. McAvoy Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation and community donations.

The free program has an open-enrollment policy. “Kids can join at any time and pick what days they come. It’s an open-door policy basically – it’s up to them,” said Owens.

It runs 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, meeting in the field behind the Chamber of Commerce building on Maine Street.

Activities include badminton, croquet, volleyball, kickball, soccer and team-building exercises. Some craft activities also are planned, and a field trip is held every Friday.

The first week, the program attracted eight children, but volunteers expect the group to grow to 20.

“Older kids who are attending are helping as facilitators and serve as role models to the younger children,” said Owens.

“I think it’s important for younger kids to have good role models, and this works out,” she said. “The older kids get to hang out, have fun and be role models, too.”

Call 623-2539 for more information.

New recreation supervisor jumps right in

Kevin Aronson, Rathdrum’s newly hired recreation supervisor, has jumped right into work, planning the city’s three-on-three basketball tournament on July 21.

Director Lance Bridges, who is excited to be back to full staffing, says he already is impressed with Aronson’s enthusiasm.

“Kevin is a great addition to city staff, and he’s an exciting addition for Parks and Recreation. He’s bringing a lot of enthusiasm into the system,” Bridges said.

Aronson graduated from Eastern Washington University and worked for Skyhawks sports camps for five years. He most recently was employed by the SeaTac Community Center, coordinating after-school programs for children.

A short time ago, Aronson decided to look for a job near his family in Spokane. He says he is thrilled that he found a job in Rathdrum, although he doesn’t know much about the area.

“I’m slowly learning my way around. I still don’t even know where all the parks are,” he said.

As is common for recreation professionals, Aronson loves sports. He played football, basketball and soccer in high school and coached an AAU girls basketball team.

“College basketball is my favorite sport,” he said, “and college football is second.”

Street hoops in Rathdrum

It’s time for Street Hoops registration.

Once again, the city of Rathdrum and local sponsors are holding a three-on-three basketball tournament on July 21 as part of Rathdrum Days.

There are divisions for third-graders through adults. Play will start at 9 a.m. in the Lakeland Junior High School parking lot.

Registration is open through July 11 at Rathdrum Parks and Recreation.

Last year, 83 teams participated; this year, organizers hope for 90 to 100 teams.

Registration fees are $50 for third- through eighth-graders and $75 for all others. Registration includes shirts.

Call 687-2399 for more information, or stop by and meet Kevin Aronson, Rathdrum’s new recreation supervisor, at the Parks and Recreation building on Main Street.

Frogs don summer togs

Today is the first day of summer. Everyone knows that’s true because the Nagel frogs recently changed into their summer togs.

Thanks, Herb and Sandy, for giving a little chuckle to those of us traveling on state Highway 41.