Parks and Recreation
Moonlight Movie Series Closes on August 21 with "The Lego Movie"
The City's inaugural Moonlight Movie series will screen the popular film "The Lego Movie" on Thursday, August 21 at Orinda Community Park. The showing will begin 15 minutes after sunset which is approximately 8:15 pm. Join us for the last family event of the summer. This event is proudly sponsored by the Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation.
New Coaches Clinic for Volunteer Soccer Coaches
On Saturday August 9th, OYA held its first ever clinic for Fall Soccer coaches. The clinic featured a one hour classroom session followed by an on-field demonstration by the founder of the National Academy of Athletics, Aaron Locks. Aaron has worked with world renowned coaches such as John Wooden, Pat Riley, Don Nelson and George Karl running their youth camps and programs. Coaches were not only taught drills and how to apply them, but also the importance of making practices/games fun and rewarding while also teaching children the fundamental skills. Aaron also instructed coached on how to work with parents and to effectively communicate with the young athletes.
After that, Christina Hickey, Community Education Coordinator for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County gave a presentation on preventing, identifying, and reporting child abuse. Christina gave a great interactive presentation with several real life scenarios that were presented to groups of coaches who were working in teams to figure out how to best handle each issue.
To end the clinic, OYA staff went over the revamped divisions and rules that are new this year to OYA. Before leaving, each coach picked up equipment and uniforms. In all, the clinic lasted 3.5 hours and was much appreciated by the coaches in attendance. In order to accommodate all coaches, a second clinic is planned for Wednesday, August 20th from 5pm-8:30pm. In order to better prepare coaches and create a better environment for participants, OYA is now requiring every coach to attend either an in-person clinic or online training.
New Classes are Offered for Fall Session, Register Today!
We are happy to introduce new adult classes to our Fall programs that are now open for enrollment! Come break a sweat and learn some dance moves in our new Belly dance class being held on Wednesday evenings. Learn how to apply Feng Shui principles to your residential or business place in our Feng Shui workshops. Get tips on how to prepare healthy and tasty meals for your picky eaters in our Nourishment for Healthy and Happy Families Workshops. Pick up a Fall/Winter 2014 Activity guide to learn more and register.
Seniors Will Visit Renovated Exploratorium in September
Our next senior trip on Wednesday, September 10, we will be visiting the new and improved Exploratorium in San Francisco! Afterwards we will be walking down the Embarcadero to visit the Ferry Building so guests can grab a bite at The Slanted Door and browse the many vendors. Transportation and lunch not included in the trip cost, register now online or at the Community Center.
New Sculpture by Jeff Downing Landed in Upper Library Plaza
In 2013, the City commissioned a sculpture by artist Jeff Downing.
The sculpture titled "Signals" is similar to an installation
Mr. Downing had on exhibit years ago in the lower plaza.
The artwork is funded by private donations and Park Dedication funds.
Cal Swim Teams host an Event Benefiting Orinda Parks and Recreation
On September 28, the swim teams at Cal will participate in a unique event to benefit the Orinda community, "Swimming with the Stars". The event will feature Cal Head Women's Swim Coach Teri McKeever and Cal Head Men's Swim Coach Dave Durden and members of current and past Cal Swim and Water Polo teams. Coaches and athletes will provide insight into becoming an elite swimmer and encourage young athletes to strive for personal and academic success. Tickets include lunch, meet and greet, autographs, and demonstrations by the Cal athletes. Children in 7th grade and below can purchase a VIP ticket for an exclusive in the pool session with current and former Cal athletes. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at www.oprfoundation.org.