Parks are popular

The Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department’s goal is to provide local residents with recreational, environmental, arts and fitness programming using the city’s facilities.

In an effort to develop the most comprehensive recreational programs for everyone to enjoy, the department often collaborates with other community organizations, such as the Woodbury Athletic Association, Woodbury Days Council or the Woodbury Fine Arts Council. The following are a few examples of what the Woodbury Parks and Recreation has to offer:

Youth & Family Programs

Friday Fun, Nature in the Park; Music Together, Abrakadoodle, Science Explorers, Peewee Sports, playground programs and Safety Camp are just a few of the programs offered for youth and families. Many of these recreational programs promote parent and child interaction. The city also offers a volunteer program — Leaders in Training — that introduces kids ages 13 to 15 to future leadership opportunities.

Other areas of focus are our specialized camps and clinics that introduce youth and families to a particular sport or recreational opportunity, such as lacrosse, soccer, baseball; basketball; flag football, horseback and cheerleading. Carver Lake Beach is a popular summer destination for families as well.

Adult & 50+ Programs

While adult programs, such as softball, basketball, volleyball and tennis and soccer leagues continue to soar in popularity, the city also offers some less competitive programs, such as stretch ’n flex, cards for seniors or programs.

The city also works in conjunction with its senior housing areas to offer trips and tours, safety programs, and other areas of interest for adults.

With the addition of Central Park, an indoor, multi-use park, the department has been working closely with the Washington County Library, YMCA and South Washington County Schools to expand program offerings for adults age 50 and up.

Special Events & Performing Arts

In addition to its regularly scheduled programs, the parks and recreation department offers a variety of special events each season.

The Puppet Wagon has been entertaining Woodbury children in neighborhood parks for 20 + summers. The city schedules special performances in the park from June through August at the Ojibway Park bandshell and from September through May at the Central Park indoor amphitheater.

The Holiday Egg Hunt 4th of July and Family New Year’s Eve Celebration events are all favorites of the department and the community.

The city provides detailed descriptions of all parks and recreation programs in a brochure mailed three times per year to all Woodbury households. For more information about programs and other offerings, call the parks and recreation department at (651) 714-3583, or visit the city’s Web site at www.ci.woodbury.mn.us.

Tags: community guide, places to go, things to do