FREE Kids’ Fishing Classes

For ages 5-15, these classes teach casting, knot-tying, fish identification, angler etiquette and fishing regulations.  No license or permit required and equipment is provided.  Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Dates:
July 25 – Dolese Youth Park Pond, NW 50 and Meridian
June 20, Aug. 22 – Crystal Lake, 6625 SW 15
July 11, Aug. 8 – Metro Tech Springlake, NW 36 and Springlake Drive
July 18, Aug. 15 – Edwards Park Lake

FREE Swimming

City Pools are now open and admission is free all summer.  They include:
Northeast Pool, 1300 NE 33
Woodson Pool, 3405 S. May
Carson Pool, 8301 S. Villa
Minnis Lakeview Pool, 12518 NE 36.

Swim lessons are offered for kids and adults at all area pools for $20 per session.  For more information about lessons, or to get a free parks &  pools guide, call 297-2211.

Play in the Park

This annual program offers FREE supervised activities such as arts, crafts, games , reading and field trips for kids age 6 and older.  26 metro-wide locations have the program.  Click here for more information.

Father’s Day Downtown

On Sunday, June 21, Dad gets in free (with a paid family member) to:
Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno
OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive
Oklahoma City National Memorial, 620 N. Harvey.

So take Dad out on his special day and enjoy all downtown has to offer.

For more information about OKC Parks & Recreation’s events, go to  http://www.okc.gov/Parks/index.html.

-Erica Smith, Copy Editor
esmith@opubco.com

The Safe Kids Coalition (which has a chapter in Oklahoma) gives these reminders about keeping kids safe on playground equipment:

1. Make sure the equipment is inspected frequently and kept in good repair.

2. Be sure surfacing beneath equipment is safe.  The ground should be covered 12 inches deep with energy-absorbing material (rubber, sand, wood chips) and not grass or soil.

3. Don’t let kids wear helmets, necklaces, purses or clothing that has drawstrings around the neck, such as hoodies.

4. Don’t allow kids to engage in or play near, those who are pushing, shoving or crowding around the equipment.

5. Keep toddlers younger than age 5 in a separate play area, away from equipment designed for bigger kids. 

6. Above all, keep your children in sight and within reach at all times.  Give them your undivided attention when they’re playing on or near playground equipment.

Playgrounds are meant to be an enjoyable, fun time for children.  Let’s keep them safe.

-Erica Smith, Copy Editor

esmith@opubo.com