Get out and get active this winter with Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department (JPRD). New and exciting things are happening within the department. Staff is working diligently to increase program offerings for people all ages and abilities to include leagues, instructional programs, special events and day trips. Here are some of the exciting programs and events, all of which will be held at the Susnig Center, located at 401 Mound Street in Jerseyville:

JPRD is now taking registrations for our 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Boys Basketball League. The league will run January through February and wrap-up with an end of season tournament the last week of February. Third and 4th graders and 5th and 6th graders will be combined to form teams. Individual registration fee is $25 and includes a game shirt. Games will be played on Monday/Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Registration deadline is Friday, December 16, so register NOW!

It’s time for adults to act like kids again and have fun playing some schoolyard games! JPRD is offering a new adult league – Co-ed Dodgeball. The league will run February through March and wrap-up with an end of season tournament with bragging rights. Games will be played on Friday nights starting at 6pm.Team registration fee is $125, with up to 10 people on a roster. Make sure to register by Saturday, January 21 to secure your team’s spot.

Your youngsters will love these new programs! Tiny Tots Indoor Soccer is now open for registration for your three or four year old. This is a great way to introduce your toddler to the sport of soccer with instruction on basic skills such as dribbling, trapping, shooting and goalkeeping. The program meets once a week for 45 minutes for a six week period. There are two sessions to choose from: Tuesdays from January 10 through February 14 and/or Thursdays from February 16 through March 22. There are also two times to choose from within each session: 10-10:45am or 5-5:45pm. Program fee is $30 per toddler per class. No equipment is required for the program; just dress your child in comfortable clothing and sneakers.

Itty Bitty Basketball is a skill development program that consists of small group rotations through skill stations for your three or four year old. Stations include passing, shooting, dribbling and rebounding. The program meets once a week for 45 minutes for a six week period from Sunday, January 22 through February 26. On the six and final week, participants will be divided and scrimmage an entire game. There are two times to choose from: 1-1:45pm or 2-2:45pm. The success of this program is dependent upon volunteer station leaders, therefore parents/guardians will be asked to be volunteers. Program fee is $30 per toddler and includes a participation medal that your toddler will cherish.

Pee Wee Basketball is designed just like the Itty Bitty Basketball program, but it is for your five or six year old. The program will run from Sunday, January 22 through February 26 at either 3-3:45pm or 4-4:45pm. Program fee is $30 per child and includes a participation medal.

JPRD is also offering a very magical night for daddies and their daughters this winter. Plan now to attend the Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance on Saturday, February 11 from 6-8:30pm. The night will be filled with special memories that include dinner, music, dancing and games. The event is for girls 3-12 years old and their dads, stepdads, grandpas or guardians. Girls will leave the event with a special gift. A photo of each couple will be taken and ready for pick-up the following week. This memorable night is all inclusive for $15 per person.

Join JPRD for Museum Madness on Tuesday, February 28 from 8:30am-5pm. This day trip will journey to three unique St. Louis museums, including the Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, Holocaust Museum & Learning Center and the Missouri History Museum. During the adventure, lunch will be served at a hidden jewel: Kohn’s Kosher Market. This trip is ideal for people of all ages. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, since there will be a substantial amount of walking. The program fee is $50 per person and includes all tours, lunch and van transportation.

Additionally, there are spring programs that you should be aware of now and anticipate registration to begin in early 2012: T-Ball and Pitch-Machine League, Little League, Itty Bitty and Pee Wee Soccer, Pint Size Parties, more special events and fun day trips. All programs and events can be enjoyed by both Jerseyville residents and non-residents. Payment of cash or check is always due at the time of registration. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of the program, unless otherwise noted. For more information on all these programs and more, please call the office at 618.498.2222 or email jerseyvilleparkandrec@gtec.com.

As you can see, JPRD is really moving forward and trying to offer many new programs. But why stop here? If you have an idea for a new program and/or experience in a certain area that might make a successful new program, please submit your program proposal to JPRD at jerseyvilleparkandrec@gtec.com. The proposal should include information such as program description, desired participant ages, length of class period, number of times the class meets, experience with the proposed program and references.

Very respectfully,

Angela Sullivan
Director of Parks & Recreation