Parks and Rec Corner: Sign up for Clay’s summer programs

By Sarah Hall

Editor

The Clay Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for summer with several programs for residents young and old. Check out what they have to offer.

Youth programs

The town offers a number of youth sports programs beginning in the spring and summer. Cheerleading Camp offers participants a fun-filled day learning the basics from Liverpool High School cheer coach Danielle Barletta. Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to noon June 11 for kids ages 6 to 13; cost is $25.

The Lacrosse Little Stickers program provides a fun, non-competitive lacrosse program designed to introduce the game of lacrosse to boys and girls ages 3 to 7. The six-week course, coached by Stephanie Prentice and Kim Allwes, includes skill development and game play. The program runs on Wednesdays from May 25 to June 29 at Clay Park South, 7200 Buckley Road, Liverpool (across from North Medical Center). The 3- to 4-year-old age group meets from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds met from 6 to 7 p.m. The program costs $65.

Aspiring soccer stars can check out the Northstar Mini-Shooter Soccer program for children ages 2 to 5. The focus is on learning the basics. The program is led by Northstar Soccer Club Coach Kara Cook and takes place at the outdoor soccer fields at Roxboro Road Middle School. Sessions run from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, May 24 to June 21. Cost is $55 per player.

Older soccer players can sign up for the Northstar Academy Soccer program, coached by Todd Cook, director of the Northstar Soccer Club and director of men’s soccer operations at Syracuse University. This is an instructional program for boys and girls ages 5 to 13 with professional coaches. Located at the Roxboro Road Middle School soccer fields, the program runs from 6 to 7:10 p.m. Tuesdays, May 24 to June 21 for Session II. Cost is $55 per player.

Adult programs

Adults in rehabilitation for an injury, who are new to fitness or older adults can try out Gentle Fusion Fitness, which incorporates small weights, stretching, Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi Chuan and light cardio. Participants should bring a yoga mat, light weights and a hand towel, if you have them. The program is led by Florence Drago, a certified dance and fitness professional. Gentle Fusion Fitness meets from 9 to 10 a.m. or 4:45 to 5:45 pm. every Tuesday and Thursday monthly at Clay Town Hall, 4401 Route 31, Clay; choose one day or both. The fee is $20 for one day a month or $35 two days a month. Classes are also offered evenings on demand; call for more information.

Another minimal-impact workout is available through Tai Chi Fitness, which involves slow-motion routines and low-impact exercises to help with stress management, balance, circulations and memory cognition. Loose fitting clothes required. The program is led by Blair Campbell, master instructor. Classes meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday monthly at Clay Town Hall, 4401 Route 31, Clay; choose one day or both. The fee is $20 for one day a month or $35 two days a month.

If you’re looking for something a little faster-paced, check out Zumba Fitness, a Latin-inspired dance program as an innovative muscle training program with the addition of light weight toning sticks for total body conditioning. No previous dance or Zumba experience necessary. The program is led by Jeanne Vinette, certified Zumba instructor. The class meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and/or Wednesday (choose one or two days a week) at the old Clay Town Hall, 4483 Route 31, Clay. The eight-week sessions runs May 9 to June 29. Cost is $40 for one day a week or $65 for two days a week.

Finally, if you’re in the market for something a little more traditional, Session 2 of group golf lessons begins the week of June 13 at Cicero Golf Center with Chuck Jonick. Adult lessons are offered Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings; youth lessons are offered Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Cost is $49 for five weeks for adults or $42 for seniors (over 60) or youth ages 6 to 17.

To register for any of these programs or if you have any questions, call Florence Drago at the Town of Clay Parks and Recreation Department at 652-3800 ext. 139 or email [email protected]. Please fill out separate registration waiver forms and check for each individual program.