It’s hard to believe that the summer is already over.  Next week the kids will be back in school and it will be a little quieter around our building during the daytime.  With the school year starting also comes the closing of the swimming pool. 

This Saturday, August 14th will be the last day open for regular swimming for the summer. 

Then on Sunday, we will be having the annual Doggie Dip from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  This is a chance for anyone to bring their dog and take it swimming with them. Cost is only $3.00 per dog with a maximum of two dogs per adult. This is always a fun event, so plan on attending.            

I also want to thank everyone for their support of the swimming pool this summer.  It has been a really strange year with the weather being very unpredictable.  It seems like it was either raining, 90 degrees or both.  It was a good year with over 800 youth getting swimming lessons.  The pool is holding up fairly well but is in need of some minor repairs before next year.  Again, thank you for your patronage and let’s keep our fingers crossed for a good summer of weather next year.            

We do have some events and programs getting ready to happen so check these out                        

Adult Flag Football   

Deadline to register is Friday, August 13th.  This is a 5 on 5 passing league that is played at Lions Field in Riverside Park.  Sign up now for this fun and exciting league.                        

Disc Golf Tournament  

This end of the summer disc golf tournament will be held on Saturday, August 28thbeginning at 10:00 a.m.  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. that morning at the first hole of the Riverside Disc Golf Course.  There will 2 adult and 1 junior divisions for the event and flag events on the course.                        

Youth Flag Football   
This program is for all 1st– 4thgrade youth in the V/S school district.  The program is held on Tuesdays and Thursday beginning September 7th.  Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 7th.  Forms will be distributed at school or be available in VPRD buildings.                        

Adult Special Populations Tennis     

This program is free to all participants; we just ask that you register by August 17that the VPRD office.  The program will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Riverside Park tennis courts.  The fun will begin on August 18th.                        

Two Person Best Shot          

This annual golf tournament is filling up fast so sign up early to avoid being left out.  The date is September 18thwith a 7:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. tee time for 18 holes of fun.  Stop in to the Vinton Recreation Center to register your team now.  You will be playing in groups of six.            

Farmers Market is at the Rail Road Depot again on Thursday. 

The market is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  The vendors have been bringing some great products so make sure you stop out to support our local growers and bakers.  If you have any questions about the market or want more information on how to become a vendor, give us a call at 472-4164.  

Stop by and see all the great things our local vendors have to offer. Next week at the market, we need all of you salsa producers to bring out your favorite batch of salsa to have it judged and hopefully be named the top salsa in the area.  There will be two categories; Mild or Hot/Spicy.  Stop by market or the Recreation Center to find out how to enter this annual contest.  Register by August 17th at the VPRD office.

Make sure you check out all the upcoming events for August listed below.  We have some new activities coming up that you won’t want to miss.  Everything is listed below and we will keep you posted weekly as the events get closer.  Don’t forget, you can always find out more information at our website at www.vprdzone.com.            

For more information on these programs or any of our programs, stop by the VPRD office located at the Vinton Recreation Center. Check out our calendar below and plan on attending the many activities that are coming up.            

On Going Programs:           

Tae Kwon Do/Held at the Vinton Recreation Center on Tuesdays & Thursday evenings.  Stop by the Recreation Center to watch the class or for more information.      

Don’t forget you can always go to the Recreation Center during open hours to work out on the exercise equipment.  Walking can be done in the gym, treadmill or our elliptical fitness piece.  The Recreation Center is open the following hours: 

Monday – Friday          8:00 a.m. –   5:00 p.m.                                     Saturdays                     Closed   

Sunday'                   Closed            

Listed below are the hours for open skating.  We are taking reservations for groups.  If you are interested in renting the skate center for a birthday party, youth group gathering, or any get together, give us a call at the recreation center and we will set up a date for you.  Stop out and have some fun. Weekly Schedule for the Skate & Activity Center: Open Skating  Friday       7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  

Miniature Golf Course

Friday         7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

Saturday     7:00 – 9:00 p.m

Sunday       1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Walking

Mon/Wed/Fri                  8:00 – 9:00 a.m.                                 

Calendar of Upcoming Events:                        

August 13        Deadline to register Adult Flag Football teams

August 15        Doggie Dip at the Swimming Pool

August 18        Special Populations Tennis Begins

August 19        Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Salsa Contest

August 26        Farmers Market 5:00 -7:00 p.m./Kids Veggie Olympics

September 18        VPRD Two Person Best Shot Tournament  

Don’t forget, we will take all your bottles and cans that are redeemable for five cents at the parks & recreation department.  If you have cans or bottles and want to get rid of them, bring them to the park shop located just north of the swimming pool, bring them to the recreation center or give us a call and we will come out and get them.   All proceeds go to a fund to help our youth programs.  This program has already made a big impact. In closing, if you have any questions concerning our programs, activities, or facilities, gives us a call, stop by or send us an e-mail.             

VPRD Office                            472-4164            

Skate & Activity Center            472-5168            

Director’s E-mail                      vprdrandall@vintoniowa.net             Assistant Director                     vprdbarker@vintoniowa.net             Administrative Assistant            vprdoffice@vintoniowa.net

Check out our website:  www.vprdzone.com