Honors for Chandler groups, athletes

As it is a time of year for new beginnings for teachers and students and approaching changes in season in the world of sports and temperatures, it is also time to reflect on some achievements for the year thus far.

In addition to last month’s announcement of Chandler being named a “Playful City USA” for the third straight year, there are a few other awards on the horizon. In the spirit of honors and changes, below are a few highlights to note for this week.

EEC wins photo award

Last week, the Environmental Education Center won one of the five awards categories for the 2009 APRA (Arizona Parks & Recreation Association) Photo Contest. A photo submitted by the staff, titled “Solar Oven at the Environmental Education Center,” was selected for the “Favorite Way to Help Save the Planet.”

Chandler youths place at Hershey track nationals

Congratulations are in order for two Chandler students — Ethan Gaiser, age 10, and Nathan Rodriguez, 13 — for finishing in the Top 10 in their respective running events at the National Track & Field Meet held July 30-Aug. 2, 2009, in Hershey, Pa. In the 400-meter dash for boys ages 9-10, Gaiser, a student at Sanborn Elementary School, finished in seventh place with a time of 1:15.19. Rodriquez, who attends Willis Junior High School, ran the 1600-meter run for boys ages 13-14 in 5:05.30 for 10th place.

Community center hosts Boys & Girls Club

After the recent demolition of the old Chandler Boys & Girls Club Compadre Branch, the staff moved its programming temporarily to Chandler’s Downtown Community Center while construction on the new facility is completed. The move-in date is scheduled for later this fall, with a dedication ceremony slated for Nov. 16. The staff and youth members are anxious to get in the new club, which features two computer labs, a music production suite, teen fitness center and patio, cafeteria-style food service, multi-purpose community room and more (http://compadre.clubzona.org).

Fall recreation open house on Thursday

A reminder to check out the fall Chandler Recreation Open House at the Downtown Community Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to preview the many specialty classes and programs. A variety of instructors will be available to showcase arts, crafts and dance classes for youth and adults as well as offer demonstrations and hands-on activities. Light refreshments will be served and 10 raffle prizes of free classes and movie passes will be given away. For more information, call (480) 782-2727.

Nature parties for kids

Looking for a new kind of birthday party to host for your children and their friends? The Environmental Education Center offers nature-themed birthday parties for children ages 3 and up, depending on the activity. The nature themes include: “Wild Child,” “Geocaching,” “Garden Party,” “Eco-Quest” and “Nature’s Palette.” Evening parties are available for youth ages 6-12 for exploring the night sky and other outdoor activities. All parties include 60 minutes of staff-led activities, games and crafts followed by time on your own for pizza, cake or opening gifts in one of the picnic ramadas at Veterans Oasis Park. Parties are scheduled on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon or from noon to 2 p.m., while evening parties are available on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call the EEC (www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis) at (480) 782-2890 for prices, availability and other information.

Summer 'Come Out & Play’ winding down

If you haven’t seen the summer “cool down” episode of “Come Out & Play,” the bimonthly Chandler Recreation program on Channel 11, you can still catch it today at 4:30 p.m., Monday at 1 p.m. or Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. For additional programming schedules or to view the streaming Web version, visit www.chandleraz.gov and click on the Channel 11 tab.

Fall Break Time

The fall Break Time outlining all classes and fall special events in September through November is available at many City facilities, libraries and recreation centers. All programs and rentals include a non-resident fee, which is 25 percent higher than the resident rate. For more information, call (480) 782-2727 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/registration.

Recreation E-News

The monthly Chandler Recreation e-newsletter subscription list continues to grow, so spread the word to your friends and neighbors to sign up at www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html. If you use the social media site Twitter, you also can stay current with the latest news by following @ChandlerRec.

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