Parks & Recreation Update for October 1, 2009
Date:
10/01/2009 (Last updated: 10/05/2009)Summary:
Weekly Parks & Recreation update.Contact:
Dog Park Opening; Arts Project Grants; Tree And Landscape Expo; Free Screening Of 'Art:21'
Dog Park Opening Saturday
The Yuma Parks and Recreation Department and members of the Dog Park Citizens Committee are pleased to announce the opening of Yuma’s first dog park, The Bark Park, 1705 E. Palo Verde Street, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Opening festivities also include a Blessing of the Animals facilitated by Monsignor O'Keeffe of Immaculate Conception Parish, in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. Once officially opened, Yuma’s 3.35-acre dog park will be open six days a week, Wednesday through Monday from dawn until 9 p.m. The park is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
Annual Grass Seeding - Golf Courses Closed
Over seeding is under way at the parks and City golf courses. Desert Hills and Arroyo Dunes are closed until the grass comes in and is fit for play, most likely through Oct. 15.
Yuma Tree And Landscape Expo
Come on out to the Yuma Tree and Landscape Expo on Saturday, Oct. 24 to learn everything you need to know about trees and landscaping. There will be workshops, vendor displays, guest speakers, plant sale, raffle prizes, and a tri-tip lunch. The doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for the expo, which will begin at 8 a.m. at the Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive. Cost is $4 without the lunch or $7 with lunch. Kids 12 and under get in free with a $7 paid adult and receive a free lunch.
Arts Project Grants Deadline Approaching
Nonprofit Yuma arts organizations still have time to apply for funding a public performance, project, or exhibition. The deadline to submit an application is 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Dozens of exciting, innovative arts performances, programs and exhibitions have received funding and been presented at the Art Center by various local arts groups since the program's inception. The City of Yuma Arts & Culture Commission was pleased to recently announce its renewal for the sixth year with more than $42,000 in funds available. Applicants must be a 501c(3) nonprofit Yuma organization, a Yuma educational institution or agency, or department of local government and have matching funds prior to receiving a grant. Project grant applications are available at the Yuma Art Center, 254 S. Main St., or call 373-5202.
Out, About & All Over Town
The Out, About & All Over Town program lets your 6- to 12-year-old child discover new places all around Yuma. Each week members will travel to new destinations that promise to bring out your adventurous side. The first session begins Oct. 8 through Nov. 18. The cost is only $69 or $46 with City resident credit. The program is open to children ages 6 to 12. For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Office at 373-5243.
Girls Pajama Party
This activity is for girls only. Popcorn, parades, and painting your nails - does this sound like fun? If so, you better be sure to sign up for the Pajama Party! Girls ages 6 to 12 are invited to this fun-filled evening 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 9. The cost is $11 per young lady.
MLK Teen Center
Are you a teen looking for a cool place to hang out after school and on the weekends? The MLK Teen Center has foosball, ping pong, video games, billiards, art & cooking classes, and more all for your enjoyment. It's only $8 for a year's membership and the teen center is open 6 days a week. Come check it out or call 373-5234 for more information.
5K Moonlight Fun Run And Walk
Here’s a way to beat the late summer heat and get some exercise at the same time: The Moon Light Run & Fun Walk will take place on Friday, Oct. 9. The first 100 participants will get a free T-shirt. Register at Parks & Recreation for $10 or on site at 5:30 p.m. the evening of the event for $12. The race starts promptly at 6:30 p.m., so make sure to get there on time.
Advance Screening: Art:21 Series
The Yuma Art Center in partnership with Art:21, Inc., will present a sneak preview of the fifth season of Art:21 - Art in the Twenty-First Century, the only prime time national television series focused exclusively on contemporary art 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Historic Yuma Theatre. The screening features artists Cindy Sherman, Paul McCarthy, and Yinka Shonibare MBE and their work. The audience is invited to participate in a discussion afterward. The event is free.
'Amancio' Documentary
The documentary “Amancio...Two Faces on a Tombstone” by award-winning documentary film maker Tom Murray will be shown 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St. The film follows the three-year journey that local activist Michael Baughman took to seek solace for the family and justice on behalf of their son. There will be a question and answer session following the film with a reception concluding the afternoon. The event is sponsored by the Yuma Film Commission, the Amancio Project, and the Yuma Art Center. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Take Pride In Yuma
- At the West Wetlands Park, the solar light had to be replaced due to someone cutting it into two pieces. The cost to taxpayers to replace the light is $7,500
- Graffiti in the restrooms and park at Cibola softball fields cost $50 of damage and took two hours of cleanup.
- There were 13 sprinklers damaged at Kennedy Park at a cost of $25.
- There were 42 cases of graffiti abated the week of Sept. 23 through Sept. 29.
Graffiti cleanup and vandalism currently costs the Yuma taxpayers over $200,000.00 per year. Please help us reduce vandalism by reporting incidences of crime to 78-Crime (782- 7463) and graffiti to the Graffiti Busters hot line, 329-2828. If you witness a crime in progress, call 911.
Tickets and Registration
Tickets to Art Center, Historic Theatre or Civic Center events can be purchased by phone, in person or online. The Art Center and theatre box office is located at 254 S. Main St., or call 373-5202. The Civic Center is located at 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive just off Avenue A at 36th Street, or call 373-5040. Tickets to shows at both locations are online at www.YumaAZ.gov/events.
Register for Parks and Recreation events, activities, classes, etc. online at www.YumaAZ.gov/ParksAndRecreation. Call 373-5200, or stop by the Parks and Recreation office on the first floor of City Hall, One City Plaza (between 1st and Madison avenues at Giss Parkway) between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every other Friday (closed alternating Fridays).
For More Information
For further information, please contact Greg Hyland, CPM, the City of Yuma's Director of Communications & Public Affairs at (928) 373-5023 or by e-mail or Dave Nash, City of Yuma Public Affairs Coordinator at (928) 373-5015 or by e-mail.
