By Jason Little
For those who might see Cottonwood as just a nice place to
settle down and retire with nice views of the Sedona Red Rocks and a plethora
of wineries to enjoy, they are on the right track, but there is much more to
the Northern Arizona town. Behind the programming of the City’s Parks and
Recreation Department there are numerous opportunities for children and teens
to grow and prosper in the small community. These activities are provided a
home at the state of the art 52,000 square foot Cottonwood Recreation Center,
city parks and numerous other city facilities.
The renowned Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission drives
many of the activities for teenagers in the Verde Valley…….
When reflecting on the 2011-2012
Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission year the only response can be…what a year!
Over 800 hours of community service, countless funds disseminated to
non-profits and programs that will have a lasting effect were all positive
outcomes for the commission this year. When the commission embarked on
outlining their yearly goals the commission aspired to improve upon the
previous year’s accolades and implementing/dispensing programs and funding that
would and having a lasting effect on the community at large. President Andrew Hickey stated “I truly
believe we have improved this year and challenged ourselves.”
2011-2012 Completed
Programs
·
Yavapai Food Bank (C.Y.A.C. donates Turkeys)
·
Teen Night (over 300 youth in attendance)
·
Verde Valley Sanctuary (C.Y.A.C provides 13
families with a Christmas)
·
Angel Tree (62 youth provided with presents)
·
Santa Pictures (50 youth get the experience of a
life time by meeting Santa)
·
Easter Bunny Pictures
(40 families create memories)
·
Spring Fling Dance (over 300 youth attend)
·
Parent’s Night Out (35 families enjoy
Valentine’s Day)
·
Verde Valley Manor (C.Y.A.C. members create
bonds)
·
Mayor’s March a Mile for Meals
·
Steward’s for Land Clean-Up
·
Fall Carnival
·
AZ Leagues of Cities & Towns (C.Y.A.C.
members meet Senator McCain)
The Cottonwood Aquatics Center plays host to movies in the
summer with the “Dive-In Movies” series. Kids and families are given the rare
opportunity to spend a night out at the movies and the pool all at once and for
a minimal cost. Contemporary films such
as The Smurfs, Dolphin Tail and Soul Surfer drew over 500 youth, adult, and
family members this summer.
The 17th Annual Free Fall Carnival will be held
at the Old Town Activity Park. This event features free bouncy rides, hay rides
a costume contest and of course CANDY! Kids are able to enjoy their Halloween
with friends in a safe and monitored environment……
The City of Cottonwood Youth Basketball League will be
entering its 20th season this November. Providing a 3 month long
season to over 200 youth ages 7 – 16 the program continues to grow and evolve,
even expanding its audience to the local cable airwaves. The program prides
itself on teaching the fundamentals of the game and strives to provide a
positive outlet for all the children of the community. Volunteer coaches have
always been at the heart of the program and allow the City of Cottonwood to
keep registration costs to a minimum for maximum participation.
The Parks and Recreation Department also provides 2 weeks of
Fun and Fundamentals summer basketball camps to boys and girls ages 7-14. The
camp has been instructed by local high school coaches and serviced nearly 50
kids last year. The goal of the camps is reflected by the name; kids are there
to have fun and try to learn some basketball while attending.
The
Cottonwood Recreation Center’s After School Program is a drop-in after-school
recreation program for school-age children 1st – 8th
grade. The program services Cottonwood’s
Mountain View Prep, Cottonwood Elementary School, Cottonwood Middle School, and
Dr. Daniel Bright. Under the supervision of a professional recreation staff,
youth are provided with a variety of age appropriate developmental group
activities that are fun, stimulating and enriching. The C.R.C. staff is looking
forward to getting to know the participants and their parents. We strive to
provide a fun recreation experience. Each day participants will have
structured, scheduled, age-appropriate activities, as well as supervised free
play.
Program Components:
- Sports
and Games
- Educational
Enrichment
- Arts and
Cultural Activities
- Health
and Fitness
- Swimming
- Rock
Climbing
Participation Requirements:
- Enrolled
in 1st - 8th grade
- Able to
follow C.R.C. facility rules and program rules and expectations that
ensure the safety, health and fun of everyone
- Able to
follow instructions
- Able to
participate in group settings
Able to manage personal hygiene without direct
assistance from C.R.C. Staff
After School Program
Special Programs:
The Afterschool staff realizes the demand on parents due to
the struggle between work and family. To help ease the question of what do we
do with little Jane or John Doe we have created special all day programs when
children are off from school. These all day programs are much like the regular
Afterschool program, but incorporate culture programs depending on the Holiday,
more crafts, all the Rec. Center amenities, and tours of our local Police/Fire
Department and Clemenceau Museum.
Fit Kids/Mayor’s Summer Luau
Last Saturday, August 11, 2012 we wrapped up this seasons
Special Events with the annual Luau put on by the Mayor/City Council and Fit
Kids. With big expectations for this event, our staff was eager to provide the
type of atmosphere that has been historically associated with this event. With
all 200 available tickets being handed out within the first 45 minutes of the
event we were forced to start a waiting list to ensure we did not over exceed
the facilities occupancy. The food was provided by Verde Valley Medical Center
and enjoyed by individuals of all ages.
Campers will
create life long memories, and relationships while at the Cottonwood Summer
Camp. Enjoy warm summer days at the
Cottonwood Aquatic Center, interactive games at the Cottonwood Recreation
Center, Horseback Riding and Canoeing at beautiful Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Ages for the camp are 7 -12 years. The camp includes:
· Horseback riding and equine
instruction provided by Trail Horse Adventures at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
· Canoeing and Fishing at Dead Horse
State Park lagoons
· Campers will experience world
cultures as well as local traditions through cultural programs. By visiting
Clemenceau Museum, and tracking Waldo on his worldly adventures.
· Campers will also have the
opportunity to relax watch a movie or read a book at the Cottonwood Public
Library
· Campers will also be able to
experience the Cottonwood Recreation Center’s Rock Wall, Interactive Game Room
and the Indoor Aquatic Center
Daddy
Daughter Date Night
Friday, June 15, 2012
Express your love and appreciation for Dad by
taking him out for a special evening of fine food and dancing to celebrate
Father’s Day. The City of Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department in
conjunction with Manzanita Restaurant proudly presents the 12th
annual Daddy Daughter Date Night. This evening is planned specifically for
girls (ages 5 to 17) to acknowledge their fabulous dads for Father’s Day.
This grand
event is held the Friday before Father’s day at the Cottonwood Recreation
Center. Dress for the evening will be semi-formal (coat and tie). Seating is
limited to the first 50 father/ child groups who purchase tickets. Food will be
served by the Manzanita Restaurant. This restaurant is renowned for German
food, superb seafood and charbroiled steaks. The Manzanita Restaurant was
featured in Arizona Highways, Triple Diamond rated, and included in “Dining in
Arizona’s 101 Great Places to Eat.” Additionally, each daughter will receive a
corsage, and picture with dad!
Many thanks to City Manager Doug Bartosh and Jason Little for compiling this information.
