Meridian Parks and Recreation has put together a dodgeball tournament for adults.  A chance to travel back to our youth and participate in the crazy game of dodgeball.  Here is the information from Colin Moss the recreation coordinator at Meridian Parks and Recreation:

April 13th-14th, 2012

Don’t miss out on a fun weekend of dodgeball action!  The 2nd Annual Legends of Dodgeball Tournament will be held Friday and Saturday, April 13th-14th.  Each team will play 2 round robin matches Friday evening and then a double-elimination tournament Saturday to determine the champions.  First place takes home $300 and t-shirts, and second place gets $150!

It’s a co-ed tournament with each team needing at least 2 of their 6 players starting each game to be women.  And don’t be afraid of getting hurt!  We’re using rubber-coated foam balls which don’t hurt to get hit with.  It’s a game that’s fun and safe for everyone.  Also, if you’re worried about not knowing the rules of the game, don’t be!  We’ll have an optional tournament rules review and practice game session on Thursday, April 12th.

Don’t forget the after party!  Saturday after the tournament has concluded, Idaho Pizza Company will host the awards presentation and will give a free large one-topping pizza to every team that shows up!  Thanks Idaho Pizza Company!

So what are you waiting for?  Get your friends, family and/or co-workers together and form a team now!  The registration cost is just $150 for a guaranteed 4 fun matches!  With 6 players, that’s just $25 per person plus you have the chance to win it back and then some!  The deadline to register a team is Friday, April 6th at 5:00pm.  The tournament registration form is attached or you can visit the tournament website at www.meridiancity.org/legendsofdodgeball to download the registration form, a blank roster and the tournament rules. 

Here is a link to the flyer too!

2012 Legends of Dodgeball Flyer

Wonder if I can find some friends to participate….

http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/event/harlem-globetrotters-centurylink-arena

Here is their story taken off their website:

“85 years ago in Chicago, a 24-year-old businessman named Abe Saperstein formed a small basketball team called the Savoy Big Five. He was just trying to promote a nightclub called the Savoy Ballroom, but in just a few years the team had played over 1000 games around the country and become the Harlem Globetrotters.

In 1941, just before the start of World War II, the Globetrotters signed Reece “Goose” Tatum, an all-time great who developed amazing comedy moves and changed the direction of the team. By the end of the war the Globetrotters had played an incredible 30,000 games (losing only 2190) and were featured on the cover of Life magazine. Those were remarkable achievements at a time when America was deeply segregated by race.

The team toured the world, breaking cultural and social barriers along with basketball records. They were the first team to play basketball in Europe. In 1950, a Globetrotter named Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton became the first African-American player to be drafted by the NBA. In 1959, when the United States and the Soviet Union were enemies at the height of the Cold War, the Globetrotters went on a sold-out tour of Russia.

Over the next 50 years, tens of thousands of people around the world turned out for each of the Globetrotters games, including presidents, kings, and popes. Their line-up has included some of the greatest players ever, including Wilt Chamberlain and Magic Johnson, and they’ve been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Globetrotters have appeared in their own movies and TV shows and have been seen by hundreds of millions of people in 120 countries. The Harlem Globetrotters are simply the most famous basketball team in the world”.

Do you want to play in the snow this week-end?  Brundage Mountain just got over five feet of snow and 100% of their runs are open.  This is a great ski mountain with wide runs and excellent snow.  Head North on Hwy 55 just 8 miles past McCall.

http://www.brundage.com/

If you decide to go North this week-end, you can ski/snowboard/cross country ski/snowshoe in some great snow PLUS enjoy the McCall Winter Carnival.  The carnival runs from January 27 to February 5, 2012.  It’s loaded with events to see and participate in. Whether you would like to see a parade, hear live music, snowshoe golf, snow tube, see plays or see hockey, there is something for everyone.  The sculptures are always incredible too.  Here is a schedule of events:

http://mccallchamber.org/carnival_events.html

This could be a fun day trip or head there for the week-end!

Meridian Parks and Recreation has age appropriate spring break camps as well as art classes for children and adults.  Don’t miss an opportunity for some great adult education too.

Meridian Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

http://www.meridiancity.org/activityguide/

Boise Parks and Recreation has loads of activities for children and adults to try.  Everything from educational classes to pure fun with art, dancing, or softball are available.  We have enjoyed several of the spring break camps over the years.  Mountain Biking and golf were both big hits for my daughters.  They offer plenty of other spring break camps like art, drama, skating, hockey, zoology

Boise Parks and Recreation Activity Guide

http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/Activities/page12464.aspx

 Escaping Hunger Event

As part of MAKE HUNGER HISTORY, on Friday January 13^th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the ISHS support organization The Friends of the Historical Museum will present the first ever “Escaping Hunger Celebrity Lock Up”; a free community event held at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Special drawings, tours, prizes and giveaways will occur all day long. While there is no charge to attend, food and monetary donations are encouraged! All proceeds will be divided between the Idaho Foodbank and a scholarship fund for Idaho school field trips. Local celebrities will be locked up from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Their goal will be to get the most food and monetary donations. The winning celebrity will be presented with the “Warden’s Cup” and bragging rights for the year!

Celebrities includes: Blue (Idaho Steelheads’ mascot), Niccole Blaze (musician), Ty Brennan (KTVB Channel 7), Bill Coffey (musician), Nate Fowler (musician), Natalie Hurst (KBOI Channel 2), Mix 106 Team, Rick Moorten (Wild 101.1), Ryan Peck (Boise Rock School and Anna Webb (Idaho Statesman).   See Mug Shots: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150439572651669.358935.94920681668&type=1

More information on:

http://history.idaho.gov/old-idaho-penitentiary-events

Gold Fork Hot Springs

If you are looking to get away and enjoy a beautiful drive with a unique destination in sight, you should consider Gold Forks Hot Springs located in Donnelly, ID.   It’s an awesome place to soak your weary bones.

We go to Gold Forks Hot Springs a few times a year.  It’s clean and has several pools with varying temperatures.  Kids and adults enjoy soaking and playing in the hot pools any time of year.  It’s especially gratifying if you have been working outside shoveling or chopping wood OR if you have been playing outside skiing, hiking, snowmobiling.

It’s located off Hwy 55 just before you get to Donnelly, ID.  Here is a link:

http://www.goldforkhotsprings.com/

Boise: 

Boise Parks and Recreation maintain 4 off leash dog parks/off leash areas.  They are located at:

• Military Reserve Flood Basin:  Military Reserve Flood Basin Dog Off-Leash Area is located at the front of the Reserve at the corner of Reserve St and Mountain Cove Rd
• Morris Hill Park:  Located at 10 Roosevelt Street.  This park is not just for dogs!  It has a 1 acre fenced dog park for your pups to romp, but it also has a picnic shelter, playground, restroom, benches, tables, and horseshoe pits.
• Pine Grove Park (undeveloped):  8995 W Shoup Dr.  This park features a 1 acre temporary fenced off leash area with trees and benches.  It will continue to have a dog area once funding is available to develop this park.
• Sterling Property (undeveloped):  9851 W Irving St.  This park is located at Mitchell and Irving in West Boise.  It currently does not have water.  There are some picnic tables, trees and a trash can.  When funding is available, the park will feature a pond, walking paths, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelter, playground, 30-space parking area and spray park.
• Off Leash Dog Trails:  The ridge to rivers trail system in Boise has several off leash dog approved trails.  Please follow this link to find more information:  http://ridgetorivers.cityofboise.org/HikesAndRides/DogOnandOffLeashTrails/index.aspx

For more information go to:  http://www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/ParksAndFacilities/Parks/page29664.aspx

Meridian

• Meridian Bark Park:  1401 Watertower Lane.  Winter hours are:  Friday to Monday dawn to dusk.  Restroom, drinking fountains (people & canines), open play area, picnic tables, mutt mitt stations, donation box, & trash receptacles

For more information go to:  http://www.cityofmeridian.org/parks_rec.aspx?id=2686

Nampa

• Nampa Dog Park:  The Nampa Dog Park is located at the intersection of 2nd St. S. and E. Amity Ave. near the Kings Rd. overpass.  This is a six acre park that offers off leash play for dogs of all sizes. There are separate areas for large and small dogs.  It is fully fenced park and includes grassy areas, walking trails, drinking water (for dogs and humans), shade shelters, trees, benches and ample parking. They are eventually looking to put a swimming pond in for dogs too.

For more information visit:  http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/ParksDepartment/DogPark.aspx

Remember Proper Etiquette at the Dog Park!

• Pick up after your dog
• Restrain your dog if he/she cannot play nice
• Keep your dog near you

OK – so it feels a little strange writing about parks in late December.  I’m as disappointed as anyone about the lack of snow for our winter sports.  However, why not take advantage of this warm weather to enjoy some area parks, the river, biking or fishing.

 As long as the trails aren’t wet, Camel’s Back park is a fantastic place to work off some of your post holiday indulgences.  Most adults and kids alike love the ‘hill’ at the park and the challenge to climb it.  The best part of the park is that it offers so much.  You can enjoy biking trails along the perimeter that lead you down 9th street to additional trails, plus hiking trails are accessible all over the North side of the park.  The kids can enjoy the great play equipment on the flat portion to the West.  If you’re a tennis fan, there are tennis courts available.  AND there is a huge portion of flat grassy area for people to play games like flag football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, lacrosse, or whatever other impromptu game that we don’t usually have the luxury of playing outdoors in late December.   Another bonus…It’s free!

I don’t know about you, but  I’m signing off early today to hit the greenbelt and throw a line in the water.

The "hill" at Camel's Back

Super easy if you invite friends over and everyone brings a dish and their favorite beverage. You can even do a theme night for your food.

Games can vary but some of our favorites are games that young children as well as adults enjoy.  Here are some ideas:

1.  Mess with your neighbor:  Need a deck of cards and three chips or coins per person.  Everyone gets one card and they do not show their card.  You do not want to be the lowest card.  Ace low and King high.   You can trade your card with your neighbor to the left or keep you card.  Dealer trades with the deck.  Kings are flipped over and no one can trade with you.  Object of the game is to “not be the lowest card”.   Everyone flips their card and the lowest card “pays” the pot one chip or coin.  When you are out of your chips you are out of the game.

2.  Ship Captain Crew: Need Dice.  Rules: http://www.all-about-dice.com/support-files/printable-instructions-ship-captain-crew.pdf

3.  Left Right Center:  Need Dice With L, R, and C on them.  Rules:   http://www.ehow.com/how_8294907_instructions-lcr-dice-game.html

4.  Thirty One:  Need a Deck of Cards.  This is not just a game for adults.  Rules:  http://www.bicyclecards.ca/game-rules/thirty-one/93.php?page_id=32

5.  Spoons:  Need a deck of cards and spoons (one less than total number of people playing).  Rules:  http://www.classicgamesandpuzzles.com/Spoons.html

These are just a few of the fun game that you can make an expensive evening of.

Fun Board Games:  Catch Phrase, Mad Gab, Cranium, Outburst

Do you have a game your family loves?

We would also like to know where all the good Christmas Lights are in Boise and Meridian.  Let me know if you have seen some great displays.

If you have never been to the Botanical Garden during the holidays, you are missing a great family experience.  They have over 250,000 lights and they are truly amazing.  During December they have special visits from Santa and Prancer.  There is also a Holiday Express Model train through the end of the month.  Don’t worry about getting hungry…there are food vendors to feed you and there are hot drinks to warm you. 

Mondays are carpool nights and a whole carload gains entry for $20.00 (6 person maximum) which is a great deal. 

Click the link below for more information on hours and special December visits:

http://www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=40