August News from Lincoln Parks & Recreation

After a brief hiatus, FUNdamental Focus is back!

Please, feel free to contact us at parks@lincoln.ne.gov with your comments and suggestions. If you know of someone interested in this information, please spread the word by using the link at the bottom to forward this newsletter. Past newsletters can be found on the News & Publications section of our website.

Uncle Sam Jam -
A Great Day at the Lake!

sam jam canoe

Sam Jam 2011 provided family fun for thousands at Oak Lake on Saturday, July 2. What a wonderful sight...kites flying, families canoeing, all ages trying their hands at archery, drumming, volleyball, horseshoes, croquet, soccer, NEOS, box hockey and children's carnival games. You could hear the children's laughter as they showed off their painted faces and balloon creations. "B 4 ... BINGO" could be heard all afternoon from the open air shelter.

sam jam parachute

The colorful parachute could be seen lifting into the air and slowly descending as whole families disappear beneath. Disc Golf included nine holes of fun and a free Frisbee for the family. The sponge relay and balloon toss were refreshing, the mile high relay and potato sack race challenging, and the Simon Says winners are to be congratulated for their sharp listening skills. As active day gave way to the evening fireworks, Sam Jam 2011 proved to be an awesome day for all. Thank you Lincoln for showing up to play!

Urban Prairie -
A new activity for youth

Urban Prairie is a close-knit program for youth who are interested in being outdoors and discovering Lincoln and Nebraska.
Activities include:

Outdoor Adventures: cycling, rock climbing, paddle sports, hiking, swimming and more
Discover Nebraska Ecology: visit wetlands, test water quality, tour rain gardens, explore Nebraska prairies, and learn about native species
Develop New Skills: community gardening, volunteer service, bike maintenance and other lifelong recreation skills

The program took a group camping this summer, with more trips planned. Here's a flyer about the most recent camping adventure to Platte River State Park.

Visit our website for more details and registration information.

Nature Camps

This summer, lots of happy kids explored the wonderful adventures the outdoors has waiting. During Camp Discovery, preschoolers investigated the Nature Center animal garden, made snacks from wild plants, watched muskrats, discovered lots of animal holes and investigated what lived in the creek.

Middle school youth used the skills learned during their week of leadership training to serve as junior counselors for the remaining weeks of Wilderness Nature Camp. Campers hiked through all sorts of habitats and, depending on the theme for the week, explored fossils or bird wings, made a splash with water games, created unique crafts, biked the trails , experimented with photography or went canoeing. Their favorite activities remain creeking and magic spots - and the many new friends made while having a great time.

Rock Your Park Banner

In celebration of July as National Parks & Recreation month, National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) hosted a flash mob contest. All of Lincoln's public pools participated, each location performing their own song and dance during safety check at 2:00 p.m. July 28.

Visit our facebook page to see the video!

It's time once again for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration! Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 11 from 7-9 p.m. at Star City Shores. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Parks Foundation.

Volunteers are FUNdamental to Lincoln Parks & Recreation! We'll have family fun, food, & prizes to say thanks to the many volunteers who make our community great! Bring your invitation for entry. Call 402-441-7847 if you need more info or did not receive an invite.

Thanks Lincoln!

Thank you for your continued support of what we do.

Sincerely,

Lincoln Parks & Recreation