Blue Springs Parks plans activities for May

Blue Springs Parks and Recreation is sponsoring several activities in May.

To register or for more information, call Parks and Recreation at 816-228-0137 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.bluespringsgov.com.


Jr. Olympic Skills tennis

The U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Tennis Competition for ages 8-13 years will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rotary Park at Railroad Lake, 600 N.W. Vesper St. in Blue Springs.

In this free competition, participants are challenged to serve and continuously hit a low compression tennis ball against the wall as many times as possible in 30 seconds. Boys and girls compete separately. Finals will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

For more information, go to www.usolympicteam.com/JOskills.     

Jr. Olympics Skills track

The U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Track & Field Competition for 8-13 years will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at Blue Springs South High School.

This free competition challenges participants in the 50 meter dash and standing long jump. Boys and girls compete separately, and there are three levels of competition. Finals will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

For more information, go to www.usolympicteam.com/JOskills.     


Jr. Olympic Skills soccer

The U.S. Jr. Olympic Skills Soccer Competition for ages 8-13 years of age is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at the Hidden Valley Sports Complex, 6500 Valley View Road in Blue Springs.

Participants are challenged in their ability to dribble, shoot, and score in the fastest time possible by making goals within the 18-foot penalty box. Boys and girls compete separately. The National finals will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. This is a free competition.

For more information go to www.usolympicteam.com/JOskills.     


Pooches on the Parkway

“Pooches On The Parkway” is a Fun Walk and Dog Expo for dogs and their owners. This 3rd annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Wilbur Young Park, 1100 S.E. Adams Dairy Parkway, (next to the Blue Springs South High School).

There will be exhibits, games, activities including an agility course and Canine Good Citizen Test (operated by D.O.G. Dog Obedience Group), and contests for dogs, as well as a sheep herding demonstration.

The Canine Good Citizen Test will be a way to find out if your dog has some basic training and good manners. He or she may be eligible for an award from the American Kennel Club.

The C.G.C. program is designed to reward dogs that have good manners. The program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic manners for dogs. Dogs that pass receive a certificate (suitable for framing) from the AKC. Your dog must pass all 10 exercises to become a Canine Good Citizen.

A rabies certificate is required. The cost is $4 in advance with preregistration, or $6 the day of the event.


Free outdoor concert

A free outdoor concert, presented by Zuvers Real Estate Services of Blue Springs, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 25 at Rotary Park at Railroad Lake, Missouri 7 and Vesper Street in Blue Springs. Krazy Kats will perform 50’s and 60’s music from the provincial gazebo. In the event of inclement weather, call the Parks and Recreation Hot Line at 816-228-0116. For more information on future concerts in the “Music in the Park” series, call Parks and Recreation.


Rebound Gymnastics

Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department, along with Rebound Gymnastics, is offering gymnastics classes for children 6 to 12 years of age from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays May 27 through June 17 at Rebound Gymnastics in Blue Springs.

Participants will learn the basics of gymnastics with the use of the bars, beam, vault and trampoline. This is an excellent way for children to improve balance, strength, flexibility and confidence. Classes are offered at the introductory price of $20 per four class.