Woodbury Magazine caught up with the city’s parks and recreation staff to get the lowdown on this season’s programs, designed to get you up and active. From preschoolers to adults, there’s something for everyone in town.
Pee Wee Sports
Ages 3- 6
“We strive to teach the love of the game, how to wait your turn, and good sportsmanship,” says Elizabeth Owens, city of Woodbury recreation technician. Boys and girls learn basic skills, drills and rules for soccer and t-ball, along with their parents. These spots do fill-up quickly, so it’s recommended to sign up early.
Wacky Wednesdays
Ages 3-7
With such themes like “Olympics Week” and fun adaptations to traditional sports like javelin throwing with a pool noodle, each Wacky Wednesday is a great afternoon of crafts, large group games, and fun activities. The program runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Youth Sports Camps
Ages 7-10
Good for the beginner or seasoned athlete who wants to brush up skills, Youth Sports Camps include basketball, football or a sports sampler camp that offers a mix of soccer, baseball and basketball. The camps run Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Youth Skateboard Camp
Ages 5-14
Held at Ojibway Park, experts from Third Lair will help any level of skateboarder with the opportunity to learn to balance, push and drop in as well as skate park safety and etiquette. Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are required.
Youth Archery Camp
Ages 9 to 17
Keep your kids on target this summer with archery camp. Held at Carver Lake archery range in Woodbury, the camp has beginner and intermediate/advanced classes and all equipment is provided.
Adult Yard Games
Ramp up a little neighborhood rivalry and sign up for a serious competition—yard game style. Teams will compete for five weeks in bags (corn hole), bocce ball, box washers, ladder golf and can jam. The season ends with a tournament to prove once and for all who is master of their domain.
Adult Kick Ball
Whether you want to relive or redeem your playground glory days, Woodbury kickball leagues continue to be a popular way to get active. Co-ed teams vie for the summer title with five weeks of double headers and league tournament. “My goal with all these leagues is to have teams evenly matched and games that go down to the wire,” says Reed Smidt, city of Woodbury recreation specialist. “I want everyone to be in it to win.”
Adult Soccer
Take your best shot! Quickly moving toward the most popular league in Woodbury, soccer teams take to the field in eight vs. eight and five vs. five matches. “It helps that you don’t need a full 11-player squad to organize a team,” Smidt says. Team formats include men’s and co-rec. leagues and are evenly matched by talent level and competitive level.
Adult Softball
Woodbury softball leagues are still a hit. Teams play double headers in either 7 or 11-week seasons. You must register as team; however Smidt says if an individual is looking for a team, he will place them on a “free agent” list and help link with a group. Smidt says softball is also a popular opportunity for local businesses to get involved with sponsoring a team.
Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic
If team sports aren’t in your wheel house, try learning something new—like mountain biking. Woodbury offers a clinic to teach you how to navigate the city’s 5.25 mile off-road trail, which is accessible from the large lower parking lot at Carver Lake Park. B-Y-O-Bike.
For program dates and registration see ci.woodbury.mn.us/recreation-division.
