New Look, New Workout

Those you who have visited us since we re-opened on August 27 may have noticed some changes, like the new paint colors in our lobby. We also added a little something to the fitness room to help shake-up your workout. What is it? New circuit equipment! It had been hiding upstairs in the fitness studio for a while, but we decided to make room for it down here so everyone could use it.

I got my first chance to use it yesterday. You are supposed to go through the circuit quickly, doing as many repetitions as you can in only 60 seconds before moving quickly onto the next machine. This helps keep your heart rate up so you are burning calories while getting a great toning workout. The machines are set up in a big circle, making it easy to go from one machine to the next.

The circuit machines themselves are designed to help you get the most out of a short workout. Instead of using weights and pulleys like traditional weight equipment, they use pistons and air resistance. This allows you to work two muscle groups with each movement. For example, on the bicep curl/triceps extension machine, you pull the bar up to work your biceps and instead of it falling like on a traditional machine, you have to push it back down, working your triceps. This allows you to work all your muscles in half the time.

I think it's a great addition to any workout plan and would be an excellent workout to do with your children. I rode the bike for 30 minutes to get some cardio exercise in, then moved on to the new circuit equipment. I did two circuits of it and got an entire cardio and toning workout in less than an hour. It can definitely stream line any workout and I highly recommend you give it a try the next time you are here!

Boot Camp for your Body

Are you looking for a new workout challenge? I've got one for you - our new Fitness Boot Camp Class. I just went through this class on Thursday and let me tell you, it was killer! I work out on a regular basis and I was sore the next day! I am going to be teaching it this fall since our previous instructor can no longer do so.

This is a class designed for those of you who want a great total body workout in a minimal amount of time. By working out large muscle groups through the majority of the workout, you get your heart rate cranking and keep it there for the entire class.

It's great for men and women because it doesn't involve any complicated steps or choreography, like aerobics classes. Instead, this class focuses on strengthening movements to help you build lean muscle. What's awesome about lean muscle is that it helps your body continue to burn fat even after your workout is over.

I'm really excited to have the opportunity to teach this class. It is aimed to be a tough workout for everyone, beginners and workout addicts alike because you can alter your pace and the weight you use for each exercise. The new session starts on September 7, so sign up and try it out!

Donating is Rewarding in more ways than one

I've heard recently that there are over 13 million children who cannot afford basic school supplies. When kids do not have the tools to succeed in school, it is hard for them to learn how to succeed in life. It creates a vicious cycle that is hard to break out of.

What is even more depressing is that this problem exists right here in Massillon. It's in our own backyard, not just the big inner city neighborhoods. I know the poor economy has hit our area especially hard in the last few years and times just keep on getting tougher. We could all use a little help sometimes and here's a call out to those who can afford to help.

The Massillon Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting the donation of school supplies. Anyone who brings in two new school supplies between 1-5 pm through August 20 will get to swim for half price in the Massillon Recreation Center Pool. It's our way to give back to those who are out there helping others.

Even if you are not interested in swimming, we encourage you to donate school supplies anyway. Everything we collect will be donated to local schools, helping local students, local families and ultimately local community and economy. Although the half price promotion only lasts through Friday, we are accepting donations through the end of the weekend. Next week we will be taking the donated supplies to local schools.

Challenge Yourself!

Recently, I have been looking for a new workout challenge. If you are like me, doing the same thing over and over again gets boring. My friend suggested a train for a 5K. At first I thought she was crazy. She's the kind of person who "accidentally" runs 10 miles when she just wants to go out and run six miles. Who does that? I've accidentally done a lot of things, but I have never accidentally run four too many miles!

I workout on a regular basis, but running is still something that eludes me. However, in honor of our Sippo Valley Rail Run coming up in September, I have decided to take up a training program. Seeing as my friend has really only become a runner in the last two years, I asked for her advice. She directed me here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml. It looks doable, so I am going to try it.

I am going to start the program next week and I'd like all you novices out there to train along with me. It's the perfect amount of time to train to run our 5K Sippo Valley Rail Run on September 26. We'll also have a 10K race that day for those of you with a little more running experience. Search the Internet to find out how to go from running a 5K to a 10K or how to improve your time!

Start your training now and let me know how your it  is going on twitter @massillon_rec so we can chat about our experiences.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

I'm in the midst of planning a new fun event called the Teddy Bear Picnic on Friday, July 23. Preschoolers are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to Oak Knoll Park for a craft, games, swimming and playing on the playground. I went to and helped plan this event every year in the city I used to work with.

I've been busy finding a few different games to play and different crafts. We are going to sing Teddy Bear songs, like "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around" and Teddy Bear Tag. I'm still working on which craft would be the best, so if you have a favorite Teddy Bear craft, please forward on your recommendation.

As of right now, the weather is calling for another hot, hot, hot day on July 23, so it's going to be the perfect day to head down to the pool anyway. For just a few dollars more, your preschooler can enjoy a fun day out with their favorite stuffed toy and other kids their age! I have a few more spots left in the event. Register by July 20 so you don't get left out. I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

Farmer's Market of Massillon

One of my favorite summer traditions is starting up this weekend - The Farmer's Market of Massillon. I have to be honest, though - it wasn't always one of my favorite traditions.

I had never shopped at a Farmer's Market until I came to this one last year. I was actually a little skeptical at first. I thought the prices would be high and the food wouldn't be that great since it was grown in someone's garden. I was completely wrong.

The fruits and vegetables for sale at the market are reasonably priced and delicious. I found it to be a great opportunity to try new and different vegetables I loved at restaurants but was reluctant to purchase in the store, like summer squash and fresh green beans. I am also a sucker for home-cooked baked goods and lucky for me, those are in abundance at the market. 

When I first attended the farmer's market, I was also shocked at the variety of goods. There were home made soaps and lotions, crafts, flowers, jams and jellies and more. I always thought farmer's markets just sold fruits and vegetables. But no - now I discovered things like Pepper Butter. I was so curious I had to buy it and it was great!

We are nailing down all of the logistics for the market this year. We have a total of 19 vendors there for the whole season, and this week we have an additional 3 vendors selling by the week. They are organized into a new market formation, making your shopping experience safer and more convenient. So join us for the first market of the season this Saturday, 8 am-12 pm at the Massillon Recreation Center. The market will continue ever Saturday through October 9.

Hands-on Event

Do you have plans on Friday? I hope not, unless they involve our Touch a Truck program! If you have kids, especially little boys, you should definitely mark this event on the calendar. We are inviting those big trucks you only get to see from far away to the Recreation Center for kids to climb in. And the best part? It's FREE! Concessions will be for sale, so bring a blanket and have a picnic lunch!

I just got off the phone with our Safety Services Director and could not be more excited about this event. He told me the city departments are all looking forward to Touch a Truck and have a dump truck, front end loader (think Bob the Builder), a fire truck, a police car and a vacuum truck ready! We'll also have a bucket truck from Massillon Cable and an ambulance from Smith Ambulance.

This event is starting off a lot bigger than I anticipated and I hope you are all able to come and experience it! When else will your kids get a chance to crawl all over big trucks like these.

The Best Summer Ever

What was your favorite summer job? Mine was working as a playground supervisor for the parks and recreation department where I lived. Not only did I get to play outside all day and go on sweet field trips, but I also got to hang out with some pretty awesome kids.

I like to think I made a difference in their lives - in fact I still talk to some of them. Now, of course, they are college graduates and that makes me feel a little old. I loved supervising the program but I always regretted the fact I never participated in it when I was little.

Almost every community has a summer playground program, and Massillon is no exception. What better way for children to spend the summer than playing outside with other kids their age? It is a great way for them to meet new people, make new friends and spend time with good role models.

The program also gives your children a chance to go to different attractions, like the Akron Zoo and Sluggers & Putters. I still remember how much fun those places were and the only time I got a chance to go was with the playground program.

Massillon's Playground Program is for ages 6-11 and is taking place now through August 7 at Community, Oak Knoll and Reservoir Parks. It's one of the most fun things kids can do over the summer.

If you have a child that's too young for the Playground Program but still wants to get together with other children, we also offer a Shorties Preschool Club twice a week in July for children ages 3-5. I had a chance to teach this program last year and it was way fun. We did crafts, played interactive games, sang songs (the too-di-ta song is my favorite) and read books. The program ends with some kiddie pool time, too, and no kid can resist that!

Don't miss either of these great programs. It will keep your kids outside and having fun in a supervised environment while you are at work, running errands, or just enjoying the silence of having the house to yourself :)

Birthdays

In the next two weeks I have three birthdays to celebrate, one of which is my sister's. I remember when we were kids, I used to be so jealous of her birthday parties. I am a November birthday, so my parties were never as awesome as her June birthdays. Her parties were always outside and included a slip-n-slide or a wading pool or something cool like that. Mine were always in the house and cramped for space. I'm sure all you winter birthdays can relate.

That's why I love the Massillon Recreation Center's birthday party packages. When you purchase one of these packages, you can have a great birthday party with the pool, table service, balloons, and party favors for your child and 10 friends. Where were cool things like this when I was growing up?? Not fair!

Just when I thought we'd leveled the birthday party playing field, our Aquatics Supervisor (a June birthday, I should add), came up with the idea to make summer birthday parties better. Now, you can get the same birthday party package, with a party host, balloons and table service at Oak Knoll Wading Pool! It also includes 2 hours of private pool use from 10 am-noon.

So now those of you with kids who have birthdays between mid-June and mid-August can have your child's party at the wading pool. But don't forget your winter birthday children. Book them an awesome indoor birthday pool party at the Massillon Recreation Center so they don't feel left out. Take it from another winter birthday - they'll love it and remember it forever!

The importance of swim lessons

I read an editorial in today's Independent titled "Swimming lessons can be a real lifesaver" (6/1/10) and it contained some eye-opening facts. For instance, did you know drowning was the second-leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and 19 between 2000 and 2006? I was shocked to learn that.

While we are all careful when we take kids to the pool, sometimes accidents happen. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that while not all toddlers are ready for swim lessons, learn-to-swim programs can be beneficial for children under the age of four.

While swim lessons are not a fail-safe (even experience swimmers can drown), they go a long way in teaching children water safety.

With summer upon us, this is a big issue. The Massillon Parks and Recreation Department offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months old (with a parent). All of our swim lessons are taught by American Red Cross Certified Instructors. Our instructors are required to take educational updates as they become available, so they are always up-to-date on the newest techniques.

Seeing as it's summer and you might rather be outside at the pool, we have started offering Parent and Child Aquatics Level 1 & 2 and Preschool Aquatics Level 1 at Oak Knoll Wading Pool on Tuesday nights beginning June 8. These are great for children who are a little skittish about the water because the pool isn't deep.

If indoor lessons are more your thing or your child is a little more advanced, we also offer those classes indoors as well as lessons for levels 1-5 weekday mornings beginning June 7. Our Evening and Saturday lessons will start July 5 and June 26, respectively.

We have also started offering deep-water lessons for more advanced students on Sunday mornings at the Massillon City Pool. Those lessons start on June 6.

You can find information on all of our swim lessons on our web site.

Swim lessons are important and help teach your children water safety and awareness, but nothing compares to being active and playing with them. You'll be able to recognize problems before they start and could end up getting a great workout too!

Fun in the Sun Carnival

Last night was the sneak preview of our annual Fun in the Sun Carnival. Seeing all of the rides out my window makes me reminice about my childhood.

There was a similar carnival that would set up around the Cuyahoga Falls area that we went to a few times. Even though I was only 8 or so, I still remember how much fun it was. More than the rides, I remember just being outside and having fun with my family. We'd get greasy carnival food like funnel cakes and corn dogs and play those silly carnival games. I still remember when my mom, dad, sister and I challenged each other to climb the rope ladder to win a stuffed animal. None of us made it up to the top, but we sure did have a great time trying.

I think spending time with your family, no matter what you're doing, is one of the truly important and great parts in life. One of the things I love about being a recreation programmer is being able to provide these fun, family events and opportunities.

The Fun in the Sun Carnival will be at the Massillon Recreation Center Friday, May 28-Monday, May 31. Hours are 5-10 pm Friday, 1-11 pm Saturday & Sunday, and 12-8 pm on Monday. Ride tickets cost $1. Most rides require two tickets. You can also purchase a ride wristband for $15. There are 6 new rides this year! There are also carnival games and food.

Books Abound!

I don't know about you, but I am an avid reader. My favorite thing to do on my lunch break is go to the park, sit by the water and read a book. I don't read anything really worthwhile; it's more for entertainment. But given the chance, I would rather sit and read a book than watch TV.

I only read about 2 books a month, but I usually buy them and that can get pretty pricey. And I always wonder what to do with the books when I'm done since I'm not one to go back and re-read them. That's what originally gave me the idea to host a Community Book Swap at the Massillon Recreation Center. I figured I couldn't be the only one who thought that.

Turns out, I was right! We hosted our first book swap in September and collected 1244 books. Everyone who came wanted to know when we were doing another one. Spring is the perfect time so you can stock up on things to read for the summer. We have already surpassed the number of books brought in for the last book swap.

My office is almost overflowing!

We have romance novels, children's books, adult fiction and nonfiction, cook books, self-help books and almost anything else you can imagine. You can drop off your books for vouchers at the Massillon Recreation Center for the rest of the day today. Then on Thursday, you can come back and redeem your vouchers for new books. If you find more than you donated, you can also purchase books for 50 cents.

We'll definitely be hosting another book swap in September, so keep your eyes out for it!

Let's Play Campaign

My plan today was to fill you in on our Fitness Boot Camp class that starts in a few weeks. Instead, I feel compelled to take a minute to tell you about all of the activities and programs we have to keep kids of all ages active and healthy. I read an article today about childhood obesity and was just shocked by the statistics (you can read the article here).

Did you know that one in three children, ages 2-19, have been reported as being overweight and childhood obesity causes 112,000 deaths every year? I was completely stunned by those figures. I know there are a number of factors, some that are beyond our control, but getting your children active at a young age can help them develop a love of exercise and physical activity that will last a lifetime.

The secret is finding something your children are interested in. One way to do that is to try a handful of different activities until you find something they like.Our Sporties 4 Shorties class allows your preschooler to try a handful of different sports, including basketball, soccer, football, t-ball and hockey.

Once you find out what your child is good at and what they enjoy, find a program for that sport and age level to sign them up for or try to play it with them outside of organized activities.

Soccer and t-ball are huge sports for preschoolers. The rules, equipment, and field can be tailored to fit any age and skill level. You can call your local parks and recreation department or YMCA for programs in you area. Here at the Massillon Parks and Recreation Department, we offer T-ball, Soccer and Basketball for children as young as 3 years old. Our programs are taught by experienced instructors who know how to teach children that age. We also provide parents with practice guides so you can work with your children off the field.

Getting your children healthy and active doesn't have to cost money, either. It's as simple as playing outside after school or work, going for a walk around your neighborhood or taking a bike ride on the weekend. And an extra benefit of getting involved in these activities with your kids - you could get in better shape, too, and have fun while you're doing it!

A new use for Cardboard

Massillon is about 48 years behind the times...when it comes to building boats out of cardboard and packing tape, that is. But that's all about to end this year as we host our first ever Cardboard Boat Race in the pool at the Massillon Recreation Center on Friday, May 21.

I was just back in the Lifeguard Office helping the lifeguards here build a boat they plan to enter in the race and it's hilarious! The goal of the race is to build a boat that can keep you and a friend afloat during a speed test and buoyancy endurance challenge. Ages 7 and up can compete for prizes in categories like Red Hot Boat, Best In Show, Pride of the Fleet, Last Boat Standing and my personal favorite the Titanic Award for the most dramatic sinking! I think this is going to be the most fun I have ever had in the aquatics center!

The first cardboard boat race on record took place in 1962 in the design department at Southern Illinois University. Students built boats and had to sail them across a local lake as part of their design grade. You can click here to see how these college students built theirs, ask our lifeguards for tips and tricks or come up with your own design. Rules are available here. 

Students Make Massillon Beautiful

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of organizing and attending one of my favorite events: The Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony. This event means a lot to me because so many people get together to make a difference. It involves the cooperation of the Mayor, Parks and Recreation Department, the local schools and local businesses like Moyer's Nursery and Landscaping and Little Caesar's Pizza who sponsor the program through donations.

Each year, the program teaches local 3rd grade classes about the importance of trees and the significance of Arbor Day. Then a few lucky students come out to a park and help us plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day. This year, I actually learned something, too! Did you know the first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872?

On the first Arbor Day, over 1 million trees were planted. Now, the number of trees planted is closer to 8 million. It's amazing to be a part of that. Planting a tree for our Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony also helps Massillon remain a Tree City USA for the last 11 years.

As part of the ceremony, we do a tree chant of "Grow Massillon!" as we throw dirt into the hole. I think this is a great symbol of the role trees play in our lives. As we grow and mature, trees do the same. They grow bigger and stronger and can withstand storms. The kids who helped plant this tree and the Massillon Community as a whole are the same way. Years from now, all of the students who have been involved in our Tree Planting Ceremonies over the years can return to the park their tree was planted and see how the trees have grown and reflect on how they have grown too.

As Julius Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, said "Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future."  I think he's saying trees symbolize hope for the future. Arbor day is this Friday. We did our ceremony a week early, but I hope our story inspires you to go out, plant a tree and help keep our city green and gorgeous!

The NEW Parks & Recreation Blog

Since Kenn has successfully completed his weight loss journey with Get Fit, Stark! and reached his goal weight of 255 lbs, I thought we should reinvent our blog. I had many ideas of what to do in it, but I finally decided to use it as a way to give everyone an inside look at our programs, events and the department as a whole.

Our new blog will include previews and personal experiences of classes and events and even take you through some of what we do to get ready for our events. It will keep you informed and updated on what is going on at the Massillon Parks and Recreation Department. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful. Please feel free to comment and make suggestions for future posts!

Thank you and Enjoy!

Get Fit, Stark! Rally

Since Kenn couldn’t make it to the Get Fit, Stark! Rally we hosted last night and he hasn’t posted a blog for a while, I wanted to take a little time out of my day to write a post. I think it is important that we get the word out about all the hard work people are putting into themselves and how rewarding that can be.

Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting the faces of this year’s Get Fit, Stark! Program. I also was able to join them for a killer Boot Camp Workout from Matt, one of our fitness instructors. On a side note: if anyone likes to be tortured, I recommend signing up for his Fitness Boot Camp Class when it starts in March. It is fantastic.

The rally started out by everyone coming up to the scale, weighing in and telling the group about their challenges and successes over the last month. This was my favorite part of the night. Almost everyone in the group lost weight and it was inspirational to see their faces when they saw that on the scale. It was as if they were being handed the greatest reward for all of their hard work. Some of the stories almost brought me to tears, too. One of the participants was in borderline diabetic when she started and has minimized or eliminated her health problems through her new healthier lifestyle. Another participant has already lost 50 pounds and plans to lose 50 more. It’s just amazing.

Weight loss, especially when you want to maintain it, is a process. It involves learning all new behaviors and having a different relationship with food and with exercise. It really is difficult – I know; I’ve been through it, too. I have lost 30 pounds and am now trying to maintain it. A lot of it just boils down to what works for you, but I noticed there are a lot of common themes between everyone on the program and what I have learned. Here are a few lessons to take away from last night:

1. Plan ahead. Whether its meals or exercise, planning will help keep you from making excuses. Pay for a fitness class so you’ll be less likely to skip it, pack your lunch, or when dining out check out the menu beforehand so you know what to expect.


2. Indulge in moderation. If you allow yourself a little bit of a food you really like or are really craving, it is going to help you in the long run. One participant eats whatever they want on Sundays. Another ate the foods they wanted, but practiced portion control. Another just takes one bite of the food they are craving, because that’s the best one. Either way you do it, I think you need a little wiggle room to enjoy the foods you like or else you diet is going to feel too restrictive.


3. Exercise. Not only does it help you burn fat and build muscle, it also helps balance out the times when you indulge. One other weird thing I’ve found is that I eat better on days when I’ve had a tough workout because I feel fitter and healthier. Some of the participants in Get Fit, Stark! even said that doing a challenging workout or class made them look forward to going to the next class.


4. Use the Buddy System. That’s a major part of Get Fit, Stark! There are people you can talk to and go through this change with. They can motivate you to go to the gym or take a class when you might not be feeling it or as one participant put it: give you that look when you want to order dessert.


The most important thing about diet and exercise is just doing it. If it were easy, there wouldn’t be so many programs, books, TV shows, and videos to help us with it! Getting started and making it part of your routine is the hard part. Once you do that, you’ll look and feel so great, you won’t want to stop. Just ask anyone in Get Fit, Stark!

Congratulations on the progress you all have made and good luck on the remainder of your journey!

~Jessica