While the temperatures may not say fall, around the Marana Parks and Recreation Department, fall is in full swing. We are inviting everyone to Fall Into Fun + Fitness by partaking in all of our great fall programming.
We here at the Town are so excited about two new amenities for our residents. On August 10, we officially opened Tangerine Sky Community Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 17-acre park is the largest in Northeast Marana, and will provide plenty of fun and recreation for residents in the area.
On August 30 the new splash pad at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park opens. This is Marana’s second splash pad, joining the facility at Marana Heritage River Park in the Gladden Farms area. This will be another great feature at Crossroads for families to enjoy.
We have something for everyone, from the most diehard fitness enthusiast to people looking for activities for kids. Our programs involve sports, fitness, music, and the arts.
There are plenty of sports and fitness opportunities for both adults and kids. For the grown-ups we have Softball and Flag Football leagues, and our Pickleball League has become very popular. For those who want to work on their volleyball or hoops games, we have our Open Gyms for both basketball and volleyball.
For the kids were will have two separate Pee Wee Soccer leagues, one in South Marana at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park and one in North Marana at Ora Mae Harn Park. Sign-ups are already underway for January’s flag football league, but player evaluations are in October. For those who want to prepare for the season, we have a preseason football clinic that will get athletes up to speed.
We are also offering Tennis lessons for children as young as five years old. After their popularity over the summer, we are bringing back our horse camps for fall break in October.
For all of our runners out there, we have two bit races. In October, we have our second Dirt Dash Trail Run on the Wild Burro Trail. This year we added a 4.6K race to go along with the longer 15.6K race for those who really want to push themselves.
In November, we invite you to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast with the annual Turkey Trot. This year we add a Fun Run to go along with the 5K and 10K distances.
Those who love our amazing trails will have plenty of opportunities to experience the Tortolitas. We have both guided hikes and guided horseback rides.
Steve Berry’s Martial Arts Academy returns for those 6&Up who want to learn self-defense and self-discipline. Want to get in shape? Then our new Fitness on the Farm, boot camp style classes might be what you are looking for.
Marana Game Day – Corn Hole Tournament also returns this year, moving to December 1.
For those who want to learn or experience something new, we have a lot of great programs. We are expanding our music lessons in a partnership with Pima College. This year we will be offering guitar, piano, and Native American style flute classes.
More experienced musicians may want to participate in the monthly Bluegrass Jam sessions, while teens can learn Jazz/Lyrical Dance. Maybe singing and dancing is more your style? Then the Marana Community Musical Theatre may be for you. Last month they put on a wonderful performance of the Wizard of OZ, and they have a lot planned for this year.
Parks and Recreation is partnering with the American Red Cross to provide Baby Sitter Training and Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED classes.
For our residents 50 and up, the Boomer Adventure Trips with excursions to Apple Annie’s in Wilcox, the Patagonia Festival, Madera Canyon, and Winterhaven in December. We will also host a Fall Harvest/Halloween Dine and Dance event at the Marana Heritage River Park.
Whatever your interest, fitness, education, or just plain old fun, Marana Parks and Recreation has something for you. Come check us out.
Jim Conroy is the Town of Marana's Director of Parks and Recreation.
