Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This week of Play With Me: Ages 6-9 finishes out the Work series. In this installment your little ones will get the chance to do the work that they have always wanted to do, "grown ups" work. Play With Me is a series of interactive and meaningful activities that you can do over technology with the children in your life. Before getting started, adult assistance will be needed to help collect and setup supplies for the children. Consider sending the supply list ahead of time so the adult can prepare in advance. For this week it is important to note that they ability level of each child varies. Please only use the items for the activity below that you feel your child can handle safely. Supplies/Setup Clear jar Soil Rocks Moss Small plant Craft stick/or long object Water Grow Chart Growing for Spring Chances are you have been doing some sort of work out of doors. Whether it is getting your garden ready for winter or rakin...

The fun is continuing this November as Durham Parks and Recreation is offering a variety of events, activities and programs for all ages! From virtual programs to in-person programs, we've created this go-to guide highlighting what to mark on your calendar and make sure you're in attendance. For the most up-to-date information about our programs, make sure you regularly check ActiveNet as well as the calendar on our website! NOV 2 Virtual Mature Men Fitness Hour : It's time to get active! Join us for a virtual hour of fitness. You'll learn exercise principles and techniques using body resistance, free weights, or household items that can be substituted. Interactive instruction will be provided through Zoom. Each participant will receive an email at least 3 days before the program begins with a link to join. NOV 3 Virtual Kids Fit : A fun, energetic mix of stretching, flexibility, and balance techniques designed for young children. Kids are able to express themselves and...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This week of Play With Me: Work series will encourage your little ones to do the work that they have always wanted to do, "grown ups" work. Play With Me is a series of interactive and meaningful activities that you can do over technology with the children in your life. Before getting started, adult assistance will be needed to help collect and setup supplies for the children. Consider sending the supply list ahead of time so the adult can prepare in advance. For this week it is important to note that the ability level of each child varies. Please only use the items for the activity below that you feel your child can handle safely. Supplies/Setup Print out sheets Mexico , Japan & Greece Markers or crayons Napkins, placemats, plates, cups, forks, butter knives and spoons In honor of Durham's Sister Cities Virtual International Festival, which is going on now, we will be taking a trip around the world! On our jo...

By: Cynthia Booth, Public Affairs Specialist Who's ready to get their swim on!? We're excited to announce that the Edison Johnson Aquatics Center and Campus Hills Pool are now open for lap swim by reservation only . Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we will follow the safety guidelines as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) . Operations are subject to change based on public health data and trends.  All patrons are required to complete a DPR Wellness Screening Survey and temperature check before entering the facility. While in the facility, patrons must practice social distancing and wear a face mask, except when swimming or showering. Patrons must refrain from interactions with other patrons and any prolonged conversation with staff. For additional guidelines, visit DPR’s Indoor Pool Lap Lane Reservations page online . The indoor pools will be open on Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday. Swimmers can reserve...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults   This week of Play With Me: Ages 6-9 starts the Work series. In the next three installments your little ones will get the chance to do the work that they have always wanted to do, "grown ups" work. Play With Me is a series of interactive and meaningful activities that you can do over technology with the children in your life. Before getting started, adult assistance will be needed to help collect and setup supplies for the children. Consider sending the supply list ahead of time so the adult can prepare in advance. For this week it is important to note that they ability level of each child varies. Please only use the items for the activity below that you feel your child can handle safely. A Day at Work You may have heard of bring your child to work day, but have you ever had a child work from home day? Things that are very common place to adults may be very novel and exciting to children. Take office work for example...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This is the last week of Play With Me: Ages 6-9 Art series. We will be challenging ourselves to make puzzle pictures. Play With Me is a series of interactive and meaningful activities that you can do over technology with the children in your life. Before getting started, adult assistance will be needed to help collect and setup supplies for the children. Consider sending the supply list ahead of time so the adult can prepare in advance. Supplies/Setup Print out sheets Triangles , Circles & Squares Print out "maps" for puzzle pictures, Turtle/Bunny & Shark/Train Markers or crayons Scissors (age appropriate) Glue Plain paper to use a a background to glue your "puzzle" pieces onto. Puzzle Pictures For this activity you will both try to make the picture you choose out of the shapes provided. The shapes are not separated for each picture and you will have to use a little trial and error to get the co...

By: Cynthia Booth, Senior Public Affairs Analyst Amid COVID, Halloween will look a little different in Durham this year. Durham Parks and Recreation will host several contact-free Fall Festival and Halloween events in October. We will follow the social distancing protocols provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as participants enjoy virtual events as well as fun filled drive-through experiences from the comfort of their home or vehicle. At the drive-through events, masks are not required but those attending the movie on the lawn will be required to wear a mask. A costume mask should not be used as a substitute for a cloth mask unless made of two or more breathable fabric covering the mouth and nose. Also, costume masks should not be placed over a cloth mask as it will make it hard to breathe. Instead, it is suggested that participants use a Halloween-themed cloth mask over the costume mask. Most of the events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. ...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This week of Play With Me: Ages 6-9 continues the Art series! We will be making Pom Pom Shakers. Play With Me is a series of interactive and meaningful activities that you can do over technology with the children in your life. Before getting started, adult assistance will be needed to help collect and setup supplies for the children. Consider sending the supply list ahead of time so the adult can prepare in advance. Supplies/Setup Tissue & Crepe paper Markers Scissors (age appropriate) Clear packing tape Masking tape Paper from a magazine, scrapbook paper or thick wrapping paper Paper tube, the stronger the better. I used one from the plastic wrap packaging. Pom Pom Shakers You will each make your own Pom Pom Shaker. The idea is to cover the tube with tissue and crepe paper so that the paper is fluffy and will move when you shake it. They are fun to make and fun to shake. We use ours to cheer for each other spontaneously ...