Chandler boasts numerous summer activities

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Fourth of July, whether you were out at the Tumbleweed Park fireworks festivities or just relaxing and barbecuing at home. Or perhaps you are just arriving home from a weekend getaway and catching up on the local news you missed.

As you enjoy the close of the holiday weekend today, it’s time to settle in for July and try to stay active without subjecting ourselves to extended trips outdoors. There are numerous activities and programs on the horizon throughout the Chandler Recreation Division that you may want to explore for the first time or use to renew an enthusiasm for a sport or hobby that you had in the past.

Pretty soon it will be time for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and before long we’ll be talking about the Arizona Cardinals starting training camp! So stay cool, be patient for cooler nights and embrace any exercise opportunities that you can. Like our Channel 11 television program always says, “Come Out & Play,” Chandler!

Blood drive

On Monday, the Tumbleweed Recreation Center hosts its first blood drive in a partnership with United Blood Services from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Cotton Room. Just check in at the customer services desk at the TRC, 745 E. Germann Road.

Visit www.BloodHero.com or call (480) 782-2907 for more information. All donors in July and August will be automatically entered into a drawing for a 2009 Saturn Aura. Participants must be 18.

TRC offers body age fitness assessment

The Tumbleweed Recreation Center staff offers an innovative fitness assessment program called Body Age. It is an all-in-one computerized program that calculates a person’s body age by running him or her through a series of tests that assess strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, body fat percentage and blood pressure.

These tests, accompanied by a questionnaire, help formulate an individual’s fitness age and develop a customized regimen to enhance overall wellness. There is a brochure that you can download at www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed. For more information, visit the TRC customer service desk or call (480) 782-2907.

Summer activities at senior center

The Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St., provides many ongoing activities for active adults over age 55 to pursue this summer and throughout the year. From Internet basics and digital photography classes to “Silver & Fit” exercise programs, dances and card games, there is something for everyone seeking to stay active and involved in their community through the golden years. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/senior-adults or call (480) 782-2720.

Chandler Rec offers unique sports

While the Recreation Department offers a variety of individual group exercise classes and youth team sports camps, did you know that by browsing through the pages of the summer Break Time (www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime) magazine, you can also find numerous non-mainstream sports such as archery, fencing, cricket and horseback riding taught by dedicated practitioners?

If you are feeling a little adventurous or just want to try your hand at a new sport, this could be the time to register and take the plunge. Also, if you are passionate about a particular activity, craft or hobby that you don’t find in Break Time and are interested in sharing your expertise and becoming an instructor in the future, the recreation staff would love to hear from you. Just call (480) 782-2727 or stop by any city recreation center to pick up an application.

Cooking at home this summer?

It isn’t always all about sports and games. Did you know there are plenty of cooking classes offered throughout the year? Variety in cuisine is the spice of life, right? You can find instruction in preparing holiday dishes, desserts and healthy meals by registering for classes on page 60 in Break Time.

Star Party

The Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park and the East Valley Astronomy Club will host a free Star Party for all ages from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 24. Participants will be able to explore Arizona’s amazing night sky and view a slide presentation about the International Year of Astronomy. The telescope viewings take place at the east end of the Nature Center’s parking lot from 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Liam O’Mahony is an information specialist with the City of Chandler Community Services Department. His recreation column runs Sundays in the Chandler Tribune. He can be reached at liam.o’mahony@chandleraz.gov.