Registration Underway for Winter Programs at Medfield Parks and Recreation

While the calendar says the end of December, the weather has felt more like fall around town. Despite the non-winter weather, the Department is looking forward to 2012 and the start of the winter session of programming.

Classes will start again at the beginning of January with some new programs being added to the usual stable of classes. The brochure can be found online (www.town.medfield.net) and downloaded onto your computer as a PDF document. This format allows the staff to continually update classes, either by date changes or adding classes to the existing schedule.

A couple of highlights are trips during an early release day from school and the return of floor hockey and basketball classes. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, there will be an afternoon trip to Nashoba Valley for snow tubing, and pre-registration is required, and the cost of the trip, which includes bus transportation and three hours on the tubing trails, is $60 per person. This trip sold out last year, so don’t delay in registering your child.

Also this winter, the popular Kinder Basketball League continues, with games on Saturdays at the gymnasium. Games will be played between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. each Saturday starting Jan. 21, with a schedule distributed at the first game. Registration is still ongoing, and volunteer coaches are always needed.

Some programs are already full or near full, so check out your favorite classes and don’t wait to register. Parks and Recreation has numerous class offerings for you to choose from, whether for yourself or your child, or both. All classes are listed in the brochure and on-ine, but here is a sampling of the department's offerings:

Top Secret Science: The students enrolled in this course will be exposed to a wide variety of scientific topics through exciting experiments and beautiful children’s literature. Children will examine the effects of water on polymers using awesome alligators and explore the effects of the sun’s heat and light. Dive into a new topic each week with these thrilling experiments that will be sure to mold minds of these young learners into future scientists. Students will enjoy three to five different make and take home, hands-on science experiments each week. Class meets Monday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Pre-K Basketball Class: The emphasis of this program is to have fun and develop the basic skills of basketball. The program is designed to provide each child with the skills they will need to move along in their basketball endeavors. Real games will not be the focus as kids will dribble, pass and shoot through a variety of drills and fun games. This class will allow the kids the chance to experience the sport without waiting in lines, which will help maximize individual skill development. Class meets on Tuesday afternoons from either 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. or 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

Toddler Fun: Each toddler will thrive in this fun environment while developing gross motor skills. This program includes singing, jumping through hoops, blowing bubbles, rolling games and other physical activities to improve balance and have fun. This class has moved to Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Floor Hockey: Learn to play the sport of hockey before you have to take the ice. Floor hockey is a perfect way to develop skills and play hockey without the ice and skates. Each class, we will learn different skills, then put them to the test in fun games. There are three separate classes available, all on Tuesdays, at either 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Icky Sticky Goo: Buckets of fun and stuff. Flubber rubber, shaving cream, finger painting, goo and more. Children should be dressed appropriately for messy work. Class will meet on Tuesday mornings at either 9:30 or 10:30.

Learn to Skate: Participants are divided by age and ability. Adults wishing to participate will be grouped together. Participants take a 25 minute lesson then enjoy 25 minutes of open skate. The class ratio will be one instructor for every 15 skaters. Class is held at Iorio Arena in Walpole on Saturdays from 10:10 to 11 a.m. Other classes are available on different days, consult the brochure.

Body Sculpting: This is a low impact program that sculpts your body with simple movements and exercises to shape your thighs, abdominals and arms. Not strenuous, but highly effective! The instructor’s background as a dancer at the Boston Conservatory gives her the right tools to make sure you are getting the most from this workout! This adult class will meet on Monday or Friday mornings from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

Circuit Training: A perfect class for those looking to improve their overall fitness level. Anything goes in this circuit-style class designed to increase your speed, agility and muscular strength. A combination of cardio and strength conditioning exercises will be used to get your heart pumping and your muscles burning! Please bring mat, hand weights (if available) and water bottle. This adult class will meet on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m.

Coed Adult Evening Yoga: Enjoy getting a workout while releasing stress. This Vinyasa flow yoga class synchronizes breathing with movement as you flow through a creative sequence of yoga postures. In this class, you will create heat in the body to improve your circulation, increase core strength and gain more flexibility. You will establish awareness to your mind-body connection, leaving you feeling both rejuvenated and relaxed. Some previous yoga experience is recommended. Class will meet on Monday evenings from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. There also is a morning yoga class offered on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Registration can be done in one of three ways: online with a credit card at www.town.medfield.net; with a check or cash at the Parks and Rec office at the Pfaff Center; or by mailing a check made payable to MEDFIELD PARKS AND RECREATION and mailed to 124 North St., Medfield 02052. If you have any questions, call the office at (508) 359-2715.

The recreation office is located inside the Pfaff Center at the corner of North and Dale Streets. To mail your registration to Parks and Recreation, send to Medfield Parks and Recreation, 124 North St., Medfield, MA 02052.