Ephrata Parks and Recreation hosts summer athletic activities

CORRECTION: The Tonification class hosted by Ephrata Parks and Recreation starts at 8 a.m. and runs to 9 a.m. This information has been incorporated below.

EPHRATA – As the Columbia Basin enters the middle of summer, Ephrata Parks and Recreation has a variety of events and activities to keep both youth and adult athletes busy through the end of the season.  

“From young age groups to older age groups, just bringing a sense of community and doing something together is always good, helps put a smile on people's faces,” said Gunnar Blankenship, the Recreation Supervisor at Ephrata Parks and Rec. “Just a way to get out and move and stay active during the summer months, it’s always good and keeps people healthy and happy.” 

One of the upcoming youth programs that Ephrata Parks and Rec will be hosting is a gymnastics camp at the recreation center called Tumbling with Brydon from July 28-31. The camp will be a way to introduce children to gymnastics as well as build upon any existing skills, said Blankenship. 

He said signups are $75 and there will be two separate options for camps available, one for children aged 4-6 that is from 3-3:45 p.m. and another for those in grades second through fourth from 4-4:45 p.m. Each camper will also receive a special camp shirt and a bow craft. 

“It’s a fun, exciting four-day camp that provides young athletes with an engaging introduction to the fundamentals of gymnastics,” said Blankenship. “Campers will focus on skills like tumbling, stretching, strengthening and balance all in a supportive and structured environment. 

Swim lessons are offered throughout the summer at Splash Zone water park. Their next session starts today and will last until July 24, and their final session of the summer will be from July 28-31. The sessions have multiple options to choose from depending on the age group, what time works best, and skill level. 

“They offer everything from private individual lessons to group lessons for aqua tots for ages three and up,” he said. “It’s kind of everything in between, just kind of meeting you at whatever level you want to be met at.” 

There are always several free youth programs held throughout the summer as well. ‘REC2U’ is a program where members of parks and rec bring out games like cornhole, water guns, basketball and soccer out to the local parks. 

REC2U is open to all ages and usually lasts from about 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with plans to go to Lee Park on Aug. 6. Parks and Rec will also provide snacks and water and Gatorade to hydrate.  

Ephrata Parks and Rec also has registration open for Flag Football, which starts Sept. 9. The league will be open to both boys and girls in grades first through six. 

Participants in flag football receive a jersey and will play through a six-week season, with the first week being practice and games every Tuesday and Thursday for weeks two through six. Volunteer coaches will be needed when the program begins. 

“Just an introduction to football without having it be tackle football,” said Blankenship. 

There are also plans to bring back youth recreation soccer and youth cross country in the Fall, he said. More information on these programs will be provided at a later date. 

Blankenship said Ephrata is also offering some adult programs. At Splash Zone, they offer an 18 and older water aerobics class that is held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:45-8:45 a.m. and will last throughout the summer until they close Aug. 31.  

Coming up August 23 is the Doubles Cornhole Tournament at Splash Zone, which will be open for ages 13 and up. The tournament will last from 2-6 p.m. and the entry fee is $20 per team and anyone coming along for the tournament will have to pay daily admission, he said. 

“If you pay to do the cornhole tournament, that’ll get you into Splash Zone and you can swim if you want,” said Blankenship. 

Another program offered is the tonification class, which is a strength and conditioning program where they use body weight and light dumbbells to work out to Tabata-style music. The class is open to both men and women every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8-9 a.m. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Ephrata Parks and Rec offers a sit and fit class curated towards seniors and those who are more limited in ability. This program lasts year-round with classes running from 9:15-10 a.m. 

Open gym basketball and volleyball runs year-round at the Ephrata Rec Center but will be closed during the month of August for cleaning and maintenance. 

    Ephrata Parks and Rec hosts a variety of free events at the parks in town. The last event was held on Tuesday at Lions Park.
  

    Two teens play with a basketball in one of the pools at Splash Zone water park. Ephrata Parks and Rec will be hosting a Doubles Beanbag Toss Tournament at the water park August 23 open to ages 13 and up.
  

    A man carries his daughter through the pool at Splash Zone water park. Ephrata Parks and Rec holds a variety of classes and activities throughout the summer for both children and adults.