By Heather Wood

Aah, spring is right around the corner. Leaf buds and spring flowers are starting to peek through. Clearing the gutters, starting the garden, weeding out coat closets – spring is about taking action after winter’s hibernation. But do not just fling yourself into domestic spring-cleaning projects, take some time to consider how you can best harness the enthusiasm and clarity you feel now in order to create real, lasting changes in your life and health.

Spending time taking a walk around your neighborhood or local park either as the sun comes up and starts to warm the air or last thing in the evening as the sun begins to go down is a great way to enjoy the longer days ahead. It does not matter where you go, it could be down a winding country lane or into some woodland, just spend a few minutes taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells around you as nature springs back to life after its winter slow down.

Over the last year, our living spaces have become a work area, classrooms, and a home gym. Kernersville Parks and Recreation is keeping the safety of our participants in mind when planning our programs and events. Mandatory mask wearing, temperature checks, and pre-registration are all ways we are trying to ease the transition when you visit our facilities. With the proper steps in place, we want everyone to feel safe when stepping back into the leisure activities that we all enjoy.

All program classes listed below are held at the Kernersville Community Recreation Center and are open for pre-registration by visiting www.kvparks.com.

Finding a positive workout should not be a negative experience. A workout you feel good about can be challenging. You want to be inspired to make positive changes and in order to do that, you need an encouraging community and an empowering workout. REFIT believes that fitness should change more than your body, this program is a powerful, positive workout that changes you from the inside out. This community centered cardio dance program focuses on building relationships, as well as endurance, and engages the whole person: mind, body, and soul. In this hour-long fitness class, Ashley Duggins will guide participants along with easy to learn movements, inspiring music, and a family-friendly environment for all ages. Classes are currently being held on Thursdays from 6:15 – 7:15PM.

If you are looking to improve your wellness, you should give one of our yoga classes a try. Our All Levels Yoga class is a gentle flow and uses breath to connect to movement. It is a great way to increase balance, flexibility, strength, and stamina. This class is offered at 5:45-6:45PM on Mondays.

Work on developing new skills, strengthening, and conditioning the body in preparation to take your yoga practice to the next level. Intro to Inversions and Arm Balances is perfect for beginners and/or anyone still learning the mechanics of challenging asanas such as handstand, pinch, crow pose, and more! There won’t be anything fancy in this class. Just detailed, explanatory, demonstrative, and supportive guidance. Try out this class on Mondays from 7:00-8:00PM.

Join us for a core work intensive yoga flow on Saturdays from 10:00-11:00AM to get your blood flowing and your day started off on the right food. Core Boot Camp Yoga will build and strengthen the abdominal area and deepen range of motion in the hips, all while toning muscles and burning calories.

Does your child enjoy arts and crafts? Abrakadoodle Art Classes for kids are all about creativity! Kids use their imaginations while using a wide variety of materials such as paints, wire, clays, and more. They explore artists, techniques, world cultures, and more.

“Did you know that between the ages of six and eight, most children decide whether or not they are ‘artistic?’ Not only do they come to that conclusion, but also that distinction stays with them for most of their lives – unless they learn otherwise. How many adults do you know who say that they are not the least bit ‘artistic?’ Well, now you know that this crazy notion has its roots in elementary school. The truth of the matter is that all children are born with rich imaginations and the ability to be creative and artistic. We see this manifested in their play when they pretend to be a princess, a teacher, or a superhero, or when they believe that a toy can come to life, or that a fairy will find a tooth under a pillow. While all children have these innate abilities, it is important to foster and nurture both their imaginations and their view of themselves as creative individuals.” – Rosemarie Hartnett – President of Abrakadoodle.

Archery is Back!! This one-hour class teaches the basics of archery while learning safety, equipment, and basic shooting skills. This class is intended to make you feel comfortable shooting a bow and learn a skill that can be enjoyed throughout your lifetime. Note: all equipment will be provided, and personal equipment will not be permitted. The class will be offered on a weekend, so check the times and age ranges and pre-register for availability. Saturday, March 13: 10:00-11:00AM – Ages 18+, 11:30AM – 12:00PM – Ages 8-12, and 1:00-2:00PM – Ages 13-17.

We are also hosting an Adaptive Archery Clinic in partnership with High Point Parks and Recreation Department. This clinic is specifically designed for adults with disabilities or chronic conditions and are interested in learning a new skill. The clinic will be located at the Kernersville Community Recreation Center on March 11 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM.

We are also wrapping up our first Big 3 Challenger Basketball season! This is a collaborative program with Greensboro and High Point Parks and Recreation Departments that offers skill building and competitive play for youth and adults with disabilities. The department is also looking forward to offering soccer, cheer, and football in the coming months. For more information about these programs contact our Adaptive and Inclusion Coordinator, Casey Johnson at cjohnson@toknc.com.

Last month felt a bit weird without the hustle and bustle of preparing and enjoying the laughter and excitement that comes with hosting the Father Daughter dance. But do not fret, we have moved the dance to May in hopes of still being able to celebrate in 2021. Follow us on Facebook for upcoming details and when tickets will go on sale. We cannot wait to see all of our friends gathering again and making their way to the Candy Castle!