Park District gears up for summer

With two weeks remaining before summer begins, the New Rockford Park District is gearing up for its busiest season with a small but mighty group of leaders.

Board members Kristi Swenson and Judy Allmaras sat down with me Wednesday to give readers the run down on what’s up with summer activities and facilities in the City of New Rockford.

The most important things first- New Rockford residents, there are three seats open on the New Rockford Park District board and just one name on the ballot, Jon Fortney! Write-in candidates are encouraged to appeal to the public for a position, as mail voting has already begun for the June 12 election. That, and these ladies need help! The park district also is in need of a manager. The second application round is now open, so encourage anyone interested to pick up an application at City Hall.

Swimming Pool opening soon

The city swimming pool is expected to be up and running by Memorial Day, weather permitting. Rates are the same, with day pass $5, and season passes set at $75 for individuals and $200 for families.

Staffing at the pool is in progress, and a few more lifeguards are still needed.

Open swim will be held daily from 1-5 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m., with teen night on Thursdays from 9-11 p.m.

Lap swim is back on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5-6 p.m. Local fitness instructor Jessica Hawkes will lead aqua aerobics on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Punch cards for aqua aerobics are available at Rockin’ Fitness. Anyone participating must have a day pass or season pass to the pool in addition to their punch card.

The pool will hold three sessions of swimming lessons this summer. The pool is also available for parties by request. It is especially important to reserve the shelter by the pool to ensure that your party or event has space for meals and other activities if needed.

On the Fourth of July residents and visitors can enjoy the annual pool games in the afternoon. The pool will be closed that evening so firefighters can prepare the fireworks display.

Summer ball should be a hit

Summer Sign-Up was held on Monday, May 7, and rosters are filling out for all levels of baseball.

Upon requests from young girls in the community, the park board created a survey to gauge interest in starting a girls slow pitch softball program. Any girl age 9 to 14 interested in playing softball and any adults who would coach should contact George Ritzke.

Coaches have taken their places for the summer baseball season, with the exception of t-ball. Seth Soderholm will come back from college to coach the Babe Ruth team, Cole Myhre will lead Cal Ripken and AJ Benz has agreed to lead the Coach Pitch team. There are two dozen t-ball players registered and no coaches, so adults consider this a plea for assistance.

Improvements at the ball diamonds are underway so players, coaches and fans can have a more enjoyable experience. Drain tile will be installed on both baseball diamonds in North Park before the summer season begins, so players can look forward to fewer game cancellations and postponements due to rain. The park board was also awarded a grant from Midcontinent Communications for two portable pitching mounds that will be used at North Park. Batter up!

New playground for campground

There are exciting changes coming at Archie & Jessie Campbell Memorial Park & Campground. Funded in part by a $17,000 grant from Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, there is new playground equipment ready to install. The park board also received some useful pieces from the former New Rockford-Sheyenne School playground to add. A community volunteer work weekend will be scheduled in June. Community members are encouraged to come spend some time at the campground and help install that equipment.

If anyone has ideas about activities or programs that could be offered by the park district, he or she should contact a park board member.

Anyone interested in signing up for summer activities or applying for an open staff position should contact George Ritzke at (701) 947-2461 or pick up an application at New Rockford City Hall.