Archived Story

Parks and Rec has plenty to offer this winter

Missoulian

There are plenty of ways to break winter's chilly hold, and Missoula Parks and Recreation offers a long list of events that will warm the coldest of toes and fingers.

Many of the activities are centered around Currents Aquatics Center, located at 600 Cregg Lane in McCormick Park.

But there are plenty of other outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating, to get the heart pumping.

Ski, sun and soak: cross-country ski tours

Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., ages 16 and up, $35.

Get outside and enjoy winter through one of the best lifetime sports: cross-country skiing. Then wrap up the day with a leisurely soak in the spa at Currents. Experienced outdoor instructors will share tips for winter safety to help make all your winter outings enjoyable. Meets at Currents in McCormick Park and then travel to the snow at Lubrecht Experimental Forest, returning to Currents around 3 p.m. to enjoy a soak in the spa. Trip includes transportation and some instruction. Provide own equipment, water and snacks. Rentals available at Pipestone and The Trailhead.

Snowshoe treks and classes

Jan. 19 or Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ages 13 and up, $35

Snowshoeing is great for all fitness levels, and anybody can learn to snowshoe. Snowshoeing is low-tech, low-cost winter fun. Snowshoeing classes are sponsored by Pipestone Mountaineering. Clinics include snowshoe selection, clothing, where to go, safety, snow conditions, what to bring and an outing to try some snowshoes. Transportation provided, snowshoes provided by Pipestone. Outings meet at Currents in McCormick Park.

Map and compass class

Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 19, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., ages 12 and up, $10 Learn the basics of map and compass reading through hands-on activities. Class is taught using the Brunton Navigation Educational program, which covers triangulation, map scales, symbols, declination and many other useful tips you'll need to use a compass. This class is designed for the beginner, but is also great for experienced users to brush up their skills. Meets at Currents in McCormick Park.

Fly tying classes

Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 18, April 15, 7-9 p.m., ages 12 and up, $12 Love to fly fish, but don't know how to tie your own flies? Let the Missoulian Angler Fly Shop walk you through all you need to know to start tying your own flies. The satisfaction of catching that big beautiful trout on your own fly is wonderful. All skill levels are welcome. Meets at: Missoulian Angler Fly Shop, 401 Orange St.

Frost Fever 5K Frozen Frolic

Jan. 26, 10 a.m., all ages, $16 by Jan. 16.

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for a wintery 5K fun run/walk beginning and ending at McCormick Park. Register online at www.active.com, phone 721-PARK to register by phone with Mastercard or Visa, stop by Currents Aquatics Center to register, or download a registration form at www.missoulaparks.org.

Ice skating

Pineview Park ice rink

Thanks to a large group of devoted volunteers who work countless hours and a favorable location for ice, Pineview Park will have natural ice again this winter for the 32nd year. Expect 30-45 days of skating. Remember, this is a neighborhood park and the rink area is small. The rink is open for public skating from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. unless closed for maintenance or thaw. Exceptions: from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, three-fourths of the rink is reserved for volunteers who maintain the ice, but the Children's Corner remains open. Volunteers have the full ice from 9-11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. New volunteers are sought this year (contact Bill Bevis, 728-2774.) Other scheduling details are posted at the rink shed.

Glacier Ice Rink

At the Fairgrounds. Phone 728-0317.

Backcountry avalanche awareness

Jan. 29-30, 7-10 p.m.; field sessions: Feb. 2 or Feb. 3. No fee. Join the West Central Montana Avalanche Center for two free evening classes and a field course. No fee for the classroom or field sessions. Geared for skiers, snowboarders, backcountry travelers and snowmobilers. For more info, visit www.missoulaavalanche.org. No pre-registration required.

Adult volleyball, basketball, soccer

Visit www.missoulaparks.org or call 721-PARK for dates, ages, fees.

Get off the couch this winter and get your game on. Men's, women's and co-rec leagues for basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer. Download a roster at www.eteamz.com/missoula, phone 721-PARK, or pick one up at Currents in McCormick Park. Please submit your roster early: field and gym space is limited. Teams are scheduled into the league in the order rosters are received, and league placement is not guaranteed.

Inner tube water polo league

Begins Feb. 24; Sundays 6-9 p.m. at Currents, $50 per team, ages 14 and up

An outrageously fun way to stay fit this summer. Dunk the winter blues in our heated pool with this new league- no water polo experience required, and limited swimming ability required. Bring the kids. Currents Splash Pool is open during league for players' families (regular admission).

Frost Fever flag football tournament

Jan. 26-27, time TBD, $140 per team, ages 18 and up

Get your team on the gridiron and sign up for this rain-or-shine, mud-or-snow tournament. Open to all teams and skill levels, men's and co-rec divisions. Teams are guaranteed two games.

Currents Aquatics Center: family fitness and fun

Located in McCormick Park, 600 Cregg Lane, 721-PARK

Energize and recharge at Missoula's premier year-round indoor water playground. Current's four pools feature engaging water features for every age. Currents features a zero-depth entry with spray toys and a grizzly slide, water playground, splash pool and fitness pool, two water slides and a fitness and lap pool. Open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 for youth 11 and under, $3.50 for ages 12-17 and seniors, and $5.25 for adults. Save 20 percent with a resident discount card.

Drop-in water aerobics at Currents Aquatics Center

Fee: regular admission

A drop-in aquatics fitness program for all fitness levels. This class will increase flexibility, build strength in your core muscles and various muscle groups, and improve your cardio fitness. This is a drop-in class, no pre-registration required. Purchase a 30-swim punch card or annual pass and save 25 percent to 55 percent.

Aquacize! meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6:15-7 a.m.; Monday through Thursday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9-9:50 a.m.

School break special hours at Currents

Dec. 26, 27, 28, 31, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 6-7 and 24-28, regular admission, all ages.

Keep the kids active and entertained during the school breaks by bringing them to Currents for a swim. Slides and spray features will be on from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Buy a 10-, 20-, or 30-visit punch card and save up to 33 percent. Parents can join the fun or relax in our lobby (a wireless Internet hot spot.) Children 6 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult. Dates based on MCPS calendar. If your school is out on different dates, ask a lifeguard about turning on slides and spray features!

Youth swim lessons at Currents

Offered year-round, fees vary, ages 6 months to adult

Visit www.missoulaparks.org or call 721-PARK for details.

Parks and Recreation swim lessons provide high-quality, affordable instruction. Friendly, positive instructors and shallow, warm water make learning fun! Family locker rooms allow you to keep your children close at hand. The Red Cross Learn to Swim program progresses from complete beginner to swim team or lifeguard/swim instructor ability.

Aquacize!

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program at Currents

Offered year round, weekday mornings, $30, ages 16 and up.

This aquatic exercise program uses gentle exercises recommended by the Arthritis Foundation to improve muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Instructors certified by the Arthritis Foundation.

Aqua-Pilates: core strength conditioning

Offered year round, mornings and evenings, $32, ages 16 and up.

Aqua-Pilates uses water's natural resistance to increase the body's full range of motion while stabilizing the core muscles. The mind-body workout incorporates movements based on the Pilates method. Set in the healing environment of water, the workout helps increase flexibility while challenging participants to maintain core stabilization, postural alignment, and balance. Aqua-Pilates exercises are suitable for all levels of conditioning.

To find out more

For more information about Missoula Parks and Recreation winter programs, call 721-PARK or visit www.missoulaparks.org.
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