Logan Geary takes his turn at the diving board while friends Jacob Hauver and Cameron Larsen wait on deck during a splash contest held on the opening day of Logandale Pool, Saturday, May 28.

By Vernon Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

The summer fun began as the community public pools opened over the holiday weekend. The swimming pool in Logandale opened its gates and local residents showed up to swim for the first days of the season.

Open swim hours at the pools this summer will be Monday – Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm in Overton and from 12:30 to 4:30 pm in Logandale.

The Splash Pad in the Moapa Park has been open for use for several weeks now. The Splash Pad is in operation between 8 am and 9 pm daily.

The opening of the pools marks the beginning of summer aquatics activities. Registration for summer programs is going on now at the Parks and Rec office at the Logandale Fairgrounds.

Swim lessons will be held at both pools for ages three and up. The Overton Pool will offer evening swim lessons once again. Local Parks and Rec staff said the late scheduling was popular last year. At Logandale Pool, swim lessons will be offered in the morning as is customary. But evening lessons will also be held in Logandale this year.

Dive lessons will be offered at the Logandale Pool where basic diving skills and diving board use will be taught to proficient swimmers.

Swim team programs are again being offered for the more seasoned swimmers. A Synchronized Swim Team, for ages 5-17, will be formed and will practice three times per week throughout the summer. A competitive swim team will also be meeting for practices four times per week.

Water exercise programs for adults will also be offered with classes in deep water and high endurance exercise.

In addition to aquatics, there is a wide variety of Parks and Rec programs available for all ages during this summer.

The Moapa Rec Center will be offering a diverse line-up of classes and workshops during the summer. These include a golf club, guitar classes, science camp, knitting and crocheting classes, cheer camp, foods classes, craft camps and scrapbooking sessions.From 10 am to 1 pm every day Monday through Thursday, Fun Factor will be offered where kids can participate in open play at various sports and games. Classes start June 20 and registration is going on now at the Moapa Recreation Center.

“We found out last year that the community of Moapa doesn’t really need a daytime babysitting program,” said Moapa Coorinator Gail Lindsey of the open rec substitute. “So offering these classes really fit the need here.”

Adults in Moapa can also sign up for Zumba Class. The class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 am.

In the lower Valley, the Summer Fun Recreation Program will begin on June 13. This program will be offered at 9 am to 3 pm on Monday & Wednesday in Logandale and on Tuesday & Thursdays in Overton. The program is for elementary school age kids.

“We are excited this year because we have two excellent adult leaders for the program: Laura Lynn Robison and Cristine Johnson,” said Coordinator John Stastny. The program will consist of arts & crafts, board games, outdoor and indoor games, swimming and much more.

For the older segment of kids ages 9-12, Sports Camp will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Run by John Stastny, this program will have kids work on skills in a variety of sports like basketball, football, baseball/softball, volleyball, and pickle-ball. The kids will also go swimming at the pool once a week.

“The only catch is that the program is limited to 34 kids,” Stastny said. “So register early to get a spot.”

For adult athletes in the community, several community sports leagues are being offered.

An Adult 3-on-3 Basketball league and Men’s and Women’s Softball Leagues will take place in the coming months. Keep an eye on the Progress for details.

Finally, Parks and Rec will be offering a new summer program called “Leaders of the Future”. This free program will be offered to a few select teens in the community. Applications may be made at the Logandale Fairgrounds office. Acceptance to the program will be based on performance in interviews. Only ten kids will be accepted for the program.

“We used to have a summer work program where kids could come and work for Parks and Rec during the summer,” Stastny said. “But with our current budget crisis, those days are gone. So we are offering this program for teens.”

The participants will assist Parks and Rec staff in administering the programs. But they will also receive days of training in job skills, interviewing, resume building and life skills. The teens will also go on field trips with focus on exploring careers.

Registration for all of these summer activities will continue over the next couple of weeks. For more information call Parks and Rec at 398-7480 or stop by the office at the Logandale Fairgrounds.