Recreation

Father/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance (ages 3-10)

Friday, Feb. 3 (6:30-8 p.m.) – Dance the night away with your little princess. This is a great chance for dad to spend time with his daughter(s). Snacks and punch provided. Each couple will receive a photo memento of the evening. Join us for a “sweet” time! Deadline to register is Jan. 31 or when max of 100 is reached. Call Rachel O’Malley at 440-808-5700 for more details.

6th Grade After Hours Bash

Friday, Feb. 10 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) – The return of the popular after hours fun time. We close the doors and stay open late for these special events. Gym, pool, DJ Eazy spinning tunes. Snack and water provided. Please register early to avoid being closed out. Open to members and any child who goes to school in Westlake. Fee: $10/members; $15/residents.

Little Sneakers (up to age 5)

Run, jump, crawl or just play at the Westlake Recreation Center. Equipment and props are provided. Parents must remain with their child, grandparents welcomed. Excellent play date activity. Jan 3-March 1, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. Fee: $5 pop-in rate OR $15 members/$25 residents.

Babysitting Classes (ages 11-14)

This training course gives babysitters the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parents or adult guardians. This training will help participants develop skills in leadership and professionalism, basic care, safety and first aid. Students must bring a lunch, a pen and a doll to class. Deadline to register is one week prior to the class. Maximum of 12 in each session. Jan. 17, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

If you’re looking for ways to stay fit and active in the new year, Bay Rec is here for you! Check out some of our upcoming and ongoing programs for all ages…

Fitness Room @ Community Gym

School Year Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Attention members! Be sure to check when your membership expires so you can renew! We are also always welcoming new members. Bay Village residents or those employed in the city are eligible to join. Proof of residency or employment is required. Must be 13 years old to use equipment, ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Registrations must be done at the Recreation Department, 400 Bryson Lane, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Swim With Santa

Friday, Dec. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Join us as Santa will make a trip to the Westlake Recreation Center Aquatic Area during the holiday season. Santa will be there to pick up children’s lists and have a little fun before the big night. Cost is $3 for members; $6 for Westlake residents.

Gingerbread House Fantasy (Ages 7-11)

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2-4 p.m. – Have you ever wanted to build your own gingerbread house? This is the class for you. We will build and decorate our own small gingerbread house just in time for Christmas. All supplies will be provided. Maximum of 10. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for residents; $20 for non-residents.

7th & 8th Grade Basketball League

The Westlake Recreation Center competes in the West Suburban Youth Basketball League. Teams are made up of 7th & 8th grade students who are not participating on school teams. Practice will be held at least once a week. Deadline to register is Dec. 12. Games begin on Jan. 7. If more than 40 boys OR girls sign up, we will stay with an in-house league.

High School Basketball League

Open to any resident or member of the Recreation Center. Players who play on a school team may not play in this league. There are NO practices. Deadline to register is Dec. 12. Games begin on Jan. 7.

Thanksgiving is coming up, a time when you might be eating more than usual! What better way to even out all that feasting than getting involved in activities and programs at the Bay Village Recreation Department? Check out what we have going on and find something that will keep you moving through the start of the holiday season.

1st & 2nd Grade Basketball

Jan. 11–March 1

1st Grade: Wednesday evenings

2nd Grade: Thursday evenings

The basketball season is fast approaching! Sign up now to learn the fundamentals in a fun, recreational environment. Deadline is Dec. 6.

Everyone at the Bay Village Recreation Department would like to thank all the kids and parents who came to our Halloween Safety Day! It was a huge success with an attendance of more than 150. Kids learned about Halloween safety all while having fun listening to stories, making crafts, playing games and getting their faces painted. Everyone left with a pumpkin in hand, candy in their bags and a smile on their face. We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

Check out some of our upcoming programs…

Youth Basketball League

Grades 3-8

Practices: Begin the week of Nov. 14

Games: Saturdays, Nov. 19-Feb. 25

League Divisions:

Boys: 3/4 Grade, 5/6 Grade, 7/8 Grade

Girls: 3/4 Grade, 5/6 Grade

Teams practice one hour per week in addition to Saturday games. 

Youth Basketball Leagues (Boys & Girls, Grades 1-6)

Youth basketball leagues are now forming for the Westlake Recreation Center. Children must be a resident of Westlake, member of the Recreation Center or attend school in Westlake. Practices will start the week of Nov. 29 and games will start on Saturday, Jan. 7. Deadline to register is Nov. 2. Afterwards, registrations will be accepted based on space availability and will have a $10 late fee assessed. Age groups include grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6.

7th & 8th Grade Basketball League

The Westlake Recreation Center competes in the West Suburban Youth Basketball League. Teams are made up of 7th & 8th grade students who are not participating on school teams. Practice will be held at least once a week. Games begin on Jan. 7. Deadline to register is Dec. 12. (If 40+ boys OR girls sign up, we will stay with an in-house league.)

Saturday, Oct. 15 (1-4 p.m.) Fall Festival and Pumpkin Hunt – Come one, come all to the annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Hunt at the Westlake Recreation Center grounds. This is for kids ages 10 and under and includes a pumpkin hunt, face painters, hay rides, treats, inflatables and much more.  The best news of all is that it is FREE!

Friday, Oct. 21 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) The Great Floating Pumpkin Patch – Pick your pumpkin from our patch in the pool. Swim around and pick the pumpkin that suits your fancy. Open to Rec members and residents of Westlake only.

Friday, Oct. 28 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Monster Mash Halloween Party – The little ones ages 3-8 can come and trick or treat around the Recreation Center. Dress as your favorite cartoon character. Then fifth- and sixth-graders can come later for our Halloween Monster Mash Dance Party featuring DJ EAZY.

Sundays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 (Boys: 12-2 p.m.; Girls: 2-4 p.m.) Youth Basketball Clinic – For grades 1-8. Get ready for basketball this season with a three-session clinic administered by Bay High School varsity head coach Jason Frolo. Learn the basics, improve your game and work to become an elite player. All sessions take place in the middle school gym. Fee: $70 ($85 non-resident).

Saturday, Oct. 15 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Halloween Safety Day – For ages 3-10. Get ready for the spookiest day of the year! Children and parents are invited to listen to stories, make fun crafts, play games, and learn safety tips from the City of Bay Village safety forces. Don’t forget to wear your costumes! In the Community Gym. Free.

Saturday, Oct. 8 (8:30-9:30 a.m.) Cardio Kickboxing/Pilates – FREE Saturday class for new participants! Ever thought of trying a new, fun and challenging workout? Come to the Community Gym and try cardio kickboxing and pilates for FREE! Join Cathy for 30 minutes of high- and low-impact kickboxing and 30 minutes of pilates, and you’ll want come back every week! Regular classes take place Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Register for a pass and attend up to 15 classes, good for any time or day.

Fit N Fun After School Camp (Grades 5 & 6)

Enroll in our NEW after school camp, taught by our trained staff where the emphasis will be on nutrition, fitness, D.E.N. training, sports, swimming and flexibility. Class will meet weekdays except on no-school days. If you attend Parkside School, transportation from school to Rec Center will be provided. For more information, please contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Junior Spikers Volleyball (Grades K-2)

This instructional program is designed for children who want to learn the sport of volleyball. Players will learn bumping, setting and serving skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Equipment includes Volley-Lite volleyballs. Program starts Thursday, Sept. 22, and runs until Oct. 20; 4-4:45 p.m. every Thursday.

Flag Football, Grades 1/2 & Grades 3/4
Games: Saturdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 29
Practices and games start soon, sign up now! Get a head start on learning and improving football skills.

Youth Girls Volleyball League, Grades 4-8
Games: Saturdays, Sept. 24-Nov. 12
Learn the fundamentals of volleyball in a fun, recreational environment. Teams practice one hour per week in addition to Saturday games, all located at the middle school gym.

Youth Basketball Clinic, Grades 1-8
Sundays, October 9, 16, 23
Boys: 12-2:00 p.m.
Girls: 2-4:00 p.m.
All clinics take place in the middle school gym.

Peterson Pool Information

Peterson Pool, located in Clague Park, is the city of Westlake’s outdoor public pool. The pool is open to both residents and non-residents. The pool is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

For more information including costs and membership information, please see our web site at www.wlrec.org.

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick (Ages 6-15)

The NFL, Punt, Pass & Kick program is open to all boys and girls ages 6-15. Participants must register at the field no later than 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, with a copy of their birth certificate. This program is free. Competition starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Westlake Recreation Center’s football fields.

Pass & Catch (Ages 4-6)

Jump start kids to the sport of football. Boys and girls can learn how to hold, run, kick, pass and catch a football. This fun environment uses soft footballs on a smaller field. Fee of $45 ($55 for non-residents) includes football, jersey and certificate. Saturdays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 8, 9-10 a.m.

Peterson Pool Information

Peterson Pool, located in Clague Park, is the city of Westlake’s outdoor public pool. The pool is open to both residents and non-residents. The pool is open weekdays from 1-8 p.m. Starting August 6, the pool hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

For more information including costs and membership information, please see our website at www.wlrec.org.

Westlake Soccer Camp (Ages 5-14)

WHS Coach Mike Besu runs this camp designed for kids who want to work on their soccer skills during the summer.  Full Day and Half Day sessions are available.

August 1-5 (Westlake Recreation Center Fields)

Half Day 9-11:30 a.m.

Full Day 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Full-day campers need to bring a lunch)

FLAG FOOTBALL, GRADES 1-4

Grades 1-2 will practice for 30 minutes followed by a 30-minute game on Saturdays; an optional practice during the week is at the coaches' discretion. Grades 3-4 will practice one day during the week and games are played on Saturdays. Parent volunteers are needed as coaches! The season starts September 17 at 9:30 a.m. for grades 1-2, 11 a.m. for grades 3-4.

Location: Hartman Field

Season: Saturdays, Sept. 17-Oct. 29

Fee: $75 (non-resident: $95)

Deadline: Sept. 1 (late fee $10)

Register online www.bayrec.org

CHEERLEADING, GRADES 5-6

Show your spirit and join the Head Cheerleading coach from Bay High! Cheer on your classmates during football games! The season begins in early September and ends in late October. Practices will be during the week and games are on Saturdays. For more information, contact the Bay Village Recreation Dept. 440-871-6755

Enjoy the great game of tackle football and participate in the Little Southwest Conference League! Season begins week of August 8; practices will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and games will be played on Saturdays. 

The cost is $140/player and the registration deadline is July 19. Late fee is $10.

Register online at www.bayrec.org or in person at the Recreation Dept. Please feel free to call us with questions at 440-871-6755.

I grew up in a household where the boys got to go fishing and the girls got to bake cookies for the boys to take fishing, so recently, when the opportunity arose to go fishing for the very first time with a group of hard-core fisherwomen from Avon Lake – I jumped on it like a cat on a bug.

“Come by around noon,” Captain Linda instructed, “and don’t wear heels.” 

In a Boston Whaler equipped with an inflatable musical toilet, we headed out about a mile offshore into Lake Erie, the sun sparkling on the water like tin foil. Already, I loved the feeling of leaving the telephone, the computer and all that dirty laundry back on shore. Suddenly, I noticed they had already caught a bucket full of small fish.

Have you ever seen a family searching through the woods or park for something? The family may have been looking for a Geocache!  

Going geocaching is a great way to go on an exciting treasure hunt with the family! A geocache is a container filled with prizes. To find one, you will need some directions with a GPS device that may be obtained on a smart phone application.

These directions will tell you where to look and how many feet you are from the treasure if you are heading in the right direction. Once you find the geocache, you can take as many prizes as you want from the cache, but you must put in the same number of prizes that were taken out. You do this because more kids will want to find the same cache. The treasures are small, such as silly bands, rings and gogo's. Inside the cache, along with the "treasures," will be a paper log to sign your name and date.

CITY OF WESTLAKE JULY 4, 2011

10:00 AM    Parade Kicks Off on Hilliard Blvd.

Crocker Park Events

10:00 AM    Classic Car Show at Crocker Park

11:00 DJ EAZY Spinning Tunes

12:00 PM     Americana -Mayor Clough, City Council & Westlake Students celebrate America’s birthday.

1:00 PM       Geeze Cats Perform

Balloon Clowns, Face Painters and Glitter Tattoo artists will be there.

Clague Park Events

Starting at 4:00 PM - Food vendors will be available including; Ironwood Café, Bailey’s Boardwalk Fries, Romeo’s Pizza, Dippin Dots Ice Cream, Island Delights Smoothies, Zog Dog Hot Dogs & Nuts & Such.

6:00 DJ Eazy @ Gazebo                    

Fireworks begin at Dusk

Peterson Pool Information

Peterson Pool, located in Clague Park, is the city of Westlake’s outdoor public pool. The pool is open to both residents and non-residents from 1-8 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends. For more information, including costs and membership information, please see our website at www.wlrec.org.

Phil Bova Baseball Camp (ages 7-14)

Westlake Recreation Fields, June 20-24 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Coach Phil Bova leads a staff with over 200 years of coaching experience. Coaches from all levels of play will be present to instruct everything from hitting and throwing to actual game playing. The camp includes daily lunch, shirt, cap, guest speakers and a tremendous staff.  To register, visit www.bovacamps.com.

Get Fit

Various fitness classes are offered here at the Westlake Recreation Center including, Yoga, Zumba, Phenomenal Abdominals, Spinning and other fitness-oriented classes. For more information and class schedules please visit our website at www.wlrec.org

A new venture between the Westlake Recreation Dept. and Westlake Schools will offer students a safe, yet fun and active, place to go after school. The Fit ‘N’ Fun After School Camp will open to fifth- and sixth-graders at the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

Students will be bused from Parkside Intermediate School to the Rec Center, where the trained staff will combine fitness with fun. Daily lessons and activities will include basketball, volleyball, nutrition instruction, access to the D.E.N. teen fitness area and other fitness programs.

Peterson Pool Information

Peterson Pool, located in Clague Park, is the city of Westlake’s outdoor public pool. The pool is open to both residents and non-residents. Peterson Pool will open its doors for the summer on Saturday, June 4. The pool is open 1-8 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends. For more information, including costs and membership information, please see our website at www.wlrec.org.

Pee-Wee Coed Softball (ages 4-6)

Come and join one of our longest-running programs. Boys and girls get their first taste of America’s pastime, baseball. Children will need to bring their own glove we will take care of the rest. Participants will learn the basics including how to throw, catch, hit and run the bases. We use a softened, smaller softball for our lessons. This is a coach-pitched program. Classes start the week of June 13.

Peterson Pool Information

Registration for Peterson Pool Learn to Swim classes will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 7:00 a.m.-noon for Westlake residents only. Open registration for non-residents will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for residents and $65 for non-residents. A $10 discount is available when signing up a child for more than one session or signing up multiple children.

Royal Tea Party (ages 3-5)

Thursday, May 19 (11-11:45 a.m. OR 1-1:45 p.m.) – Come and listen to a princess story. We will make crowns with jewels and edible princess/prince necklaces. We will also have cupcake snack and wash it down with some royal punch. We shall have a splendid good time! Feel free to dress like your favorite princess or prince. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for residents.

Peterson Pool Information

Registration for Peterson Pool Learn to Swim classes will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 7:00 a.m.-noon for Westlake residents only. Open registration for non-residents will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for residents and $65 for non-residents. A $10 discount is available when signing up a child for more than one session or signing up multiple children.

VIP Special Needs Baseball

Starting its seventh season, the VIP baseball program will begin on Saturday, April 16. Indoor Spring Training will be held at the Westlake Recreation Center. This program is open to any school-age child with special needs from any community. Practices will move outside and to Sunday nights in May. For more information, please contact Jim Dispirito at 440-617-4420.

Happy spring! Visit us online at www.bayrec.org or in person at the recreation department Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. We will have extended hours from May 7–June 11 on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-noon. This is a great time to purchase your summer pool pass and register for summer programs.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 440-871-6755 or info@bayrec.org.

VIP Special Needs Baseball

Beginning Saturday, 16 (6 p.m.) – Starting its seventh season, the VIP baseball program is open to any school-age child with special needs from any community. Indoor Spring Training will be held at the Westlake Recreation Center. Practices will move outside in May and move to Sunday nights. For more information, please contact Jim Dispirito at 440-617-4420.

English Rose & Black Tie Etiquette (Grades 1-5)

Thursdays, April 14 – May 19 (6-7 p.m.) – This popular etiquette course will include materials and weekly class supplies. Students are taught how to act in everyday social situations at home and away. Something fun and new is presented each week to help students be the best that they can be.

Learn to Swim Classes

Next session begins the week of April 11. Various classes at various times are offered. For more information, please contact our aquatics department at 440-808-5700, ext. 3420.

RUGBY CLINIC (TOUCH/ TAP, GRADES 5-8)

Saturdays, April 30 – May 28 (3-5 p.m.) – Must have a minimum of 20 players. Fee is $50/residents, $65/non-residents. Deadline to register is April 16 (late fee: $10). Location: Diamond 1 Baseball Outfield (Dover Center and Lake roads).

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC (GRADES 4-8)

Wednesdays, April 13, 20, 27 (6:30-8 p.m.) – Refine your volleyball skills during the three-day clinic. Fee is $65/residents, $80/non-residents. Location: Community Gym (west-entrance doors of Bay Middle School).

BEAT THE RUSH! PURCHASE YOUR 2011 POOL MEMBERSHIP TODAY

Bay Village residents only. Early-bird special ends May 10. Purchase your membership with proof of residency at the Recreation Department office. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Extended office hours from May 7-June 11: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon.

Parents and children interested in learning about a free safe boating program for seventh-grade students should plan to attend an information meeting on Wednesday, April 13, at the Bay Youth Center. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. to distribute sign-up materials, discuss the program and answer questions. 

This program is open to all seventh-grade children in the Western suburbs. Students enrolled in the program will complete the Ohio Boating Education Course which is required by law for any person born after 1982 to operate a power driven boat over 10 horsepower. This class will be held on May 14 and 21 and is mandatory.

Middle school girls win Recreation League Championship!

The Westlake Demons seventh and eighth grade recreation girls basketball team won the West Suburban Recreation League Championship on March 12. The Demons accomplished the feat by beating the previously unbeaten Columbia Raiders 20-14. 

Coach Jim Schultz’s squad was the No. 3 seeded team and upset the No. 2 team from Middleburg Heights, then upset the No. 1-ranked Columbia Raiders to win the first-ever championship for a Westlake Recreational basketball team. Congrats to Coach Jim and his team.

Spring Break Day Camp (grades K-6)

March 28 – April 1 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Enjoy the spring break at the Rec Center one day at a time or join us for the whole week. The camp is designed to keep kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Children will need to bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack is provided. Daily rate is $30/Member, $45/Resident, $50/Non-Resident. Weekly rate is $150/Member, $225/Resident, $250/Non-Resident.

From 9 p.m. on Friday, February 25, until 5 a.m. the next morning, 115 teens attended the Westshore Young Leaders Lock In at the Westlake Recreation Center. High school teens from Bay Village, Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park, Lakewood and North Olmsted enjoyed a night of swimming, basketball, volleyball, corn hole, karaoke, dancing and movies.

School administrators, police officers, teachers, counselors, parents, and Westshore Enforcement Bureau staff chaperoned this fun-filled event. Students from the Westshore communities had fun forming friendships with teens from other schools while enjoying a night of alcohol-free and drug-free activities.

March 28 – April 1 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) Spring Break Day Camp (grades K-6) – Enjoy the spring break at the Rec Center one day at a time or join us for the whole week. The camp is designed to keep kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Children will need to bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack is provided. Daily rate is $30/Member, $45/Resident, $50/Non-Resident. Weekly rate is $150/Member, $225/Resident, $250/Non-Resident.

Wednesday, March 16 (3:30-4:15 p.m.) Little Chefs (ages 4-6) – This basic class will teach kids how to make simple and tasty recipes with a St. Patrick's Day theme. Supplies are included. Parents are asked to stay and assist. Cost is $10/Member, $15/Resident, $20/Non-Resident.

Wednesday, March 16 (4:30-5:30 p.m.) Kids in the Kitchen (ages 7-12) – Same as the Little Chefs class but more hands-on and involved. Parents, please notify the instructor of any food allergies upon registering. St. Patrick’s Day theme. Cost is $10/Member, $15/Resident, $20/Non-Resident.

Highlighted programs for March:

Feb. 1 – April 30: Second Annual “Westlake Weighs Down” – This fitness challenge is open to all Westlake residents ages 18 and older. Awards will be given to the top three males and females with the largest percentage of total weight loss. Other activities include health talks, nutrition tips and healthy recipes. There is a $10 registration fee which includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Meadowood Golf Leagues – Registration is now open for the Spring Junior League. Registration will begin on March 1 for the following leagues: Summer Jr., Teen Leagues and Instructional Clinics. Register at Meadowood Golf Course, 29800 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake.

Adult Softball Leagues – Westlake Recreation is now accepting teams for its various men’s and coed softball leagues. Men's leagues include Sunday Men DH, Monday/Wednesday Men and Thursday Men DH. Coed leagues include: Sunday nights, Tuesday DH and Friday DH. Deadline to register is April 12. Season starts the week of May 1.

Highlighted programs for February:

Feb. 1 – April 30: Second Annual “Westlake Weighs Down” – This fitness challenge is open to all Westlake residents ages 18 and older. Awards will be given to the top three males and females with the largest percentage of total weight loss. Other activities include health talks, nutrition tips and healthy recipes. There is a $10 registration fee which includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Friday, Feb. 11 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) Ultimate After Hours Bash (6th Grade) – The kids run the center! Come out and enjoy some pizza and use the basketball courts, do some swimming while listening to a DJ play your favorite tunes or just hang out with your friends. Kids only participate in this adult-supervised program. Open to members or children who live or attend school in Westlake. Fee: $10/member; $15/resident, non-member.

Monday, Feb. 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) No School Day Camp (Grades K-6) – Camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack will be provided. Fee: $120/member; $180/resident, non-member; $200/non-resident.

Fitness center memberships
Don't forget your New Year's resolution and renew your fitness membership today! Sign up at the Bay Village Recreation Office during the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. We look forward to seeing you there!

Summer is just around the corner!
The Bay pool will be open before you know it. Beat the summer rush and purchase your 2011 summer pool membership.  The early bird special ends May 10. While you are purchasing your membership, don't forget to book your splash party at the Bay pool before the dates are filled!

Jan. 26 (6:30-9 p.m.) Decorative Painting Made Easy – Have you ever wanted to have professional-looking faux-painted walls but just couldn’t afford to have it done? It’s not as hard as you think. This class will help you out.

Feb. 1 – April 30: Second Annual “Westlake Weighs Down” – This fitness challenge is open to all Westlake residents ages 18 and older. Awards will be given to the top three males and females with the largest percentage of total weight loss. Other activities include health talks, nutrition tips and healthy recipes. There is a $10 registration fee which includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Anne Mitchell at 440-808-5700, ext. 3475.

Friday, Feb. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance – Dance the night away with your little princess. Great father/daughter together time. Snacks and punch provided and each couple receives a free photo from the evening. Open to Westlake residents only. Fee per "couple": $15/members; $20/residents, non-members; $5/add'l child.

Friday, Feb. 11 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) Ultimate After Hours Bash (6th Grade) – The kids run the center! Come out and enjoy some pizza and use the basketball courts, do some swimming while listening to a DJ plays your favorite tunes or just hang out with your friends. Kids only participate in this adult-supervised program. Open to members or children who live or attend school in Westlake. Fee: $10/member; $15/resident, non-member.

Friday, Feb. 4 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Father/Daughter Valentine’s Dance – Dance the night away with your little princess.  Great father/daughter together time. Snacks and punch provided and each couple receives a free photo from the evening. Open to Westlake residents only. Fee per "couple": $15/members; $20/residents, non-members; $5/add'l child.

Jan. 17, 24 and Feb. 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) No School Day Camp (Grades K-6) – Camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art projects and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack will be provided. Fee: $120/member; $180/resident, non-member; $200/non-resident.

Tuesday, Dec. 21 (1-4 p.m.) Santa Sleep In (ages 4-9) – Kids will watch Christmas movies, have a snack, play games and do a craft in their pajamas. 

Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 27-30 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) No School Day Camp (Grades K-6) – Camp is designed to keep the kids entertained with games, swimming, art project and other fun stuff in a supervised setting. Bring a brown bag lunch, towel and swimsuit. An afternoon snack will be provided.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 (10 a.m.) Santa’s Elves Shoot Out (Grades 1& 2) – A basketball shooting contest. Beat the clock with each participant shooting 12 basketballs in 45 seconds. Double elimination format.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 (1 p.m.) Santa’s Shoot Out (Grades 3-6) – Teams of two will shoot for one minute from different locations on the court. The object is to see which team can score the most point. Double elimination contest.

Here is a highlighted program for the first half of December. If you are looking for a certain program or are wondering if we have it available, check our website, the Rec Gazette newspaper or give us a call. There are a handful of programs that are not listed in this article.

Saturday, Dec. 4 (8:30-10:30 p.m.) Family Ultimate After Hours Bash – Bring the family up for an evening of being together and having fun after the doors to the Rec close.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 (4:30-5:30 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m.) Elf Workshop (ages 3-8) – The kids will make handmade Christmas gifts.

Friday, Dec. 10 (7 p.m.) Evening at the North Pole – Join us for a story, sing-a-long, snacks and Santa.

Saturday, Dec. 11 (9-10:15 a.m. or 10:30-11:15 a.m.) Breakfast with Santa – This fun morning includes a yummy breakfast, time with Santa and pictures with the jolly big man. Kids up to the age of 12 can be signed up. You need to register early, for this event has limited space.

Thanksgiving is here. With that in mind, the Westlake Recreation Center slows down on some of the programming for the week and weekend. After the holiday keep your eyes and ears open for those programs that will get you moving and burn off all the good holiday food and treats.

Leading up to Thanksgiving we have a handful of programs for the kids and adults. Nov. 23 is a busy day with Learn to Swim lessons starting up for those of all ages and abilities. Also Tiny Turners and Tumble Bugs start up the same day which will have the kids learning about gymnastics in a non-competitive atmosphere. The next day, on Nov. 24, Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness will start. This class will help those soon-to-be moms or recent new moms with the discomforts of pregnancy.

Just a reminder: We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day in observance of the holiday and will be open regular business hours Thanksgiving weekend.

November is here and so is plenty of programming. As the warm temperatures are few and far between, the programming has moved inside. Classes and programs range from family, exercise, adult, children’s and obviously fun. If you can’t find any programs that satisfy your needs listed below pick up the newest version of the Rec Gazette and see what other programs we offer.

The Westlake Recreation Center has several family-oriented programs for you to sign up for. This Saturday, Nov. 6, will be the Parent Night Out. Parents can drop their kids off and attend to whatever is desired and pick the kids up later in the evening. Also on Saturday afternoon is the Great Pumpkin Roll. Bring your leftover pumpkins from Halloween and roll them down the sledding hill in several competitions. Lastly we have the Parent/Child Yoga class that teams up adult and child to participate in a fun atmosphere starting Monday, Nov. 8.