UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Upper Macungie Township residents will have more opportunities for recreation this winter.
The township has announced several new indoor programs for this winter, including Zumba, youth soccer, art classes and a science camp.
Several of the classes have been offered outdoors during other seasons, but have never been offered during the winter months.
Township Recreation Manager Mike Kukitz, who was appointed early last year, said that’s because indoor space is limited.
“We’re very fortunate and ecstatic that we were able to get so many new programs this winter."Township Recreation Manager Mike Kukitz
Kukitz scheduled some classes inside the Township Municipal Building and worked with the Parkland School District to host others at Veterans Elementary School.
“We’re very fortunate and ecstatic that we were able to get so many new programs this winter,” Kukitz said.
The township is currently working to build a community center at Grange Park, which would be able to host indoor recreation activities.
Township Supervisor Kathy Rader said the township plans to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for the center soon.
The winter programs
Here are some of the new offerings this winter:
- Indoor Zumba: These dance workout classes have been popular outdoors, Kukitz said. The indoor classes will be held Mondays from Jan. 8 to Feb. 12 at Veterans Memorial Elementary School from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration fees for the six-week course are $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents.
- Mad Science Holiday Mini-Camp: This science camp for elementary schoolers has been held outdoors in the past. The indoor classes will run for three days during the holiday break, from Dec. 27-29. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the township municipal building. Registration fees are $40 per day or $100 for all three days.
- Art Classes: These new classes will feature seasonal art projects. There will be a Winter Fabric Tree Workshop on Dec. 11 and a Fabric Wreath Workshop Jan. 22. Both events are from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Township Municipal Building. Registration fees are $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents.
- Low Impact Aerobics: This new exercise program is designed for seniors who need low-impact exercise, but it is open to all. It will be held on Tuesdays from Jan. 2-30 at the Township Municipal Building from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration fees are $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents.
- Lil Athletics Sports Classes: This returning program introduces children ages 2-7 years old to a variety of sports. It will be held on Wednesdays from Dec. 6-20 at Veterans Memorial Elementary School. Registration fees are $49 for residents and $54 for non-residents, which includes three 45-minute sessions at different times depending on the age range.
- Indoor Youth Soccer: The township’s Mighty Kicks program is an introductory soccer class for kids ages 2-7 years old. It will be held on Wednesdays from Jan. 10 to Feb. 14 at Veterans Memorial Elementary School. Registration fees are $70 for residents and $75 for non-residents, which includes six 40-minute sessions at different times depending on the age range.
Registration for the programs is through Upper Macungie’s RecDesk.
An outdoor event?
While many of Upper Macungie’s recreation activities are moving indoors for the winter, one event is moving outdoors.
The township will host its annual Kids Noon Year’s Eve Party at Grange Park this year, on Dec. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In past years, the event was indoors.
The party is a kid-friendly way to celebrate the holiday without staying up too late. It will feature a balloon drop at noon, with a chocolate milk toast to ring in the new year.
The event will also have arts and crafts, music, face paint and food trucks. Kukitz said he is expecting a few thousand people to attend.
