Parks and rec corner: Cicero offers new family-friendly programs this spring and summer

By Sarah Hall
Editor

The Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of programs coming up for the spring and summer. Among their new offerings are a free movie series, kids’ fitness classes and some new camps, which will join well-loved programs like day camp and concerts in the park. Check out what they’ve got to offer.

Family-friendly food and fun
According to Recreation Supervisor Peter Bardou, the town is most excited about a new free movie series, “Food Flicks + Fun,” to be offered beginning at dusk June 18, June 27, July 11, July 25 and Aug. 8 at William Park. The town will extend its beach hours to 8 p.m. on nights the movies are offered, as well as having at least three food trucks on site each night.
“The whole idea is that parents can come home from work, grab their kids and come out to the park,” Bardou said. “They don’t have to worry about dinner, and there will be plenty to do until the movie begins at dark.”
For a schedule of movies, visit cicero.recdesk.com.
Also at William Park, the town will run its annual “Camp Out” program on June 18, where families can set up tents and spend a day together enjoying activities and entertainment for $30 per family. Food will be provided by the town.

Sports and fitness
Bardou also highlighted a new program in conjunction with Syracuse University’s South Campus.
“We have booked four hours on SU’s brand new Outdoor Challenge Course, which includes their low ropes and high ropes course,” Bardou said. “Anyone who signs up will have the chance to work through the high ropes course to overcome various obstacles, both physical and mental.”
The fee for residents is $40, and the town of Cicero will provide round trip transportation for the first 25 people to sign up. The department’s Facebook page includes a video of the ropes course.
Also new this year are two fitness classes at Plank Road Park, one for kids ages 8 to 12 and one for adults (ages 12 and up), called fH.I.I.Tness in the Park.
“The classes will be based on fitness with a purpose,” Bardou said. “[They feature] high-intensity workouts that incorporate movements meant to train strength, balance and coordination simultaneously. Workouts will incorporate the common and uncommon to create the ultimate in functional fitness training.”
Those classes will be offered Thursday evenings beginning June 30. Two sessions will run into September; $65 per person.
Other offerings:

Local golf pro Chuck Jonick will again offer lessons at the Cicero Golf Center beginning May 7. For more information, visit cicero.recdesk.com.
Returning this year are Start Smart youth programs in lacrosse (for ages 5 to 7) and baseball (for ages 3 to 5). The six-week program will begin May 26 and meet from 6 to 7 p.m. (baseball) and 7 to 8 p.m. (lacrosse) every Thursday evening. $65 per child.

Concerts, camps and more

Residents of the town of Cicero can begin registering for Day Camp and Extended Day Camp from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Cicero Town Hall at the parks office. Registration is in-person only and is first-come, first serve. Non-residents can sign up starting May 9.
If your child is into horses, the town has formed a relationship with Triple H Stables in Cicero to provide all kinds of programs for kids of all ages, including Barn Camp, Thursday Barn Days, Saddle Time, riding lessons and crafts with horses. More details are available at cicero.recdesk.com.
For family-friendly concerts, this year’s concert series has moved to Riverfront Park in Brewerton. This Canalside Concert series is free to the community.
Finally, if you’re looking for a different lunch option, check out the Plates in the Park Food Truck Frolic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday in Skyway Park, hosted by the Syracuse Food Truck Association. A variety of food trucks will offer a fresh lunch in the park every week for all to enjoy.

For more information or to register for any of these programs, visit cicero.recdesk.com or email Recreation Supervisor Peter Bardou at [email protected]. You can also call the Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks and Recreation Department at 699-5233.