While we finally approach the end of 2020, your Concord Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank you for your continued support during 2020. With the pandemic limiting our programming, we have missed seeing the smiling faces of so many of our regular patrons at fitness classes, summer recreational swim time at the pool, and in our softball leagues, just to name a few of our programs.
We eagerly look forward to a new (and hopefully) improved year in 2021! Won't you join us in making 2021 a year to remember (in a good way, of course)? Act now to give the gift of recreation to a loved one or yourself! Many new classes and experiences will begin in January 2021 so why not give the gift of...
- Learning a new skill in one of our classes
- A fitness or exercise class to develop healthy habits
- A virtual experience (think Zoom travel class)
- A lap swim pass for Concord Community Pool
- A summer trip to Camp Concord at South Lake Tahoe
- A preschool enrichment class for a special little in your life
So many options to consider, with many of them highlighted in the remainder of of this newsletter.
We hope you take time during the holiday season to rest, reflect and appreciate those around you.
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Free Yoga Class
December 21, 4:30-5:30pm
Zoom Online
People who practice yoga say it improves strength and flexibility, eases arthritis symptoms, helps you sleep better and, most importantly, connects you with the community during these trying times. Enjoy a free session of Yoga with Susan Killoran, one of our amazing instructors, to help you relax and manage stress through this holiday season. This free Iyengar style session is open to anyone currently practicing yoga or wanting to try it for the first time.
Registration is required to participate in this free session. Register here.
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City playgrounds are open
Something to celebrate! After a very brief closure, the State has permitted playgrounds to open, to "facilitate physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise."
Along with playgrounds, city parks and open space, including dog parks, are open for recreational use. Please take care to wear a face covering, observe social distancing and visit these spaces only with your household.
Walking, hiking and enjoying nature are still recommended activities during the pandemic, as long as they are done safely.
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The Visit Concord Store
For Concord-themed gift ideas and fun stocking stuffers, check out the Visit Concord Store. There’s something for everyone on your list, including Taco Trail, Beer Trail, and I (Heart) Concord shirts, plus hats, socks, blankets, keychains, bandanas, pet items and much more.
As a holiday special we’re offering a $5.00 off any purchase of $20 or more through December, plus a free Santa hat while supplies last. All proceeds go to local non-profits and you can use your Shop Concord gift card for all purchases.
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Concord Gamers: Time to Get Your Game On!
We are excited to announce the launch of our pilot eSports program in partnership with Mission Control. ESports is the world of competitive videogaming, that will keep you connected to your friends while at home! Whether you’re new to the world of eSports, or you’re an experienced gamer there is a spot for you in the Parks & Recreation Department’s league. For more information on what eSports is, and how you can participate, click on the link below!
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Need to get out and exercise?
Courts are open! Visit one of Concord’s outdoor pickleball or tennis court facilities for some much needed fresh air and exercise. Health Order Restrictions are in effect, so to keep the courts open, please follow all posted restrictions and rules.
Pickleball and Tennis - Doubles Play is not allowed
On December 7, 2020, Contra Costa County Health Services updated information regarding permitted and non-permitted activity in the county. This update included changes to the type of play allowed on pickleball and tennis courts. Per the County’s Updated FAQ’s Doubles Play is not allowed at all.
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Registration NOW open for January & February classes and programs
While our printed Activity Guide is still on a break, you can view all our classes on the Activity e-Guide, located on the City website. It's as easy as 1-2-3!
- Scroll through by age group (Youth, Adult, 50 & Better) and then by subject (Health & Fitness, Arts & Crafts, etc).
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Peruse our listings. When you see something of interest, simply click on the class number link (in blue) and go directly to that class on our registration site.
- Here you will find all the activity details and can complete your registration online.
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We get it. It's hard to keep up with the changing health orders--what is open, who to call, what's OK to do. We've answered the most commonly asked questions our customer service staff receive on a daily basis. Keep reading for answers to all those burning questions we know you have! Still have questions? Reach out to us at
Q: Can I rent a picnic area?
A: The City is not currently renting picnic areas. Picnic areas are available on a first-come basis and users must follow the health order, restricting use to household units (no gatherings). View picnic sites.
Q: Are City parks open?
A: Yes, all City parks are open for recreational use. Park goers must follow the health order at all times.
Q: Can youth sports organizations rent athletic facilities and continue practices?
A: Yes, youth sports that operate in stable drill based cohorts can continue to practice.
Q: Are playgrounds open?
A: Yes, playgrounds are open!
Q: Are pickle ball and tennis courts still open?
A: Yes. All players must follow the health order at all times.
Q: Do I need to reserve a court to play pickle ball or tennis?
A: At this time all tennis and pickle ball courts are open to the public on a first come, first served basis for recreational play.
Q: Are City offices or facilities open?
A: All City facilities and offices are closed, however, City staff are working remotely and available to take your phone call or respond to emails during business hours. Please visit our website to connect with customer service or find contact information for a particular facility.
Q. Is the Nutrition Program still available at the Senior Center?
A. Fortunately, the Nutrition Program, managed by Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, is still available through the Senior Center. It is being offered in two ways: pick-up or delivery. For more information, call Meals in Wheels Diablo Region at (925) 937-8311.
Q: Can I reserve a facility for an event in 2021?
A: Please contact the specific facility you are interested in to determine availability and place a hold on a date for 2021. Currently, all events in January 2021 have been cancelled and the department determines future month rentals based on the current health order allowances.
Q. Can we play bocce at Baldwin and Newhall Parks?
A. Unfortunately due to state and county guidelines, all City bocce courts are closed.
Q: Who do I call if I know a business is not following county restrictions?
A: The City of Concord has added a way to report violations by businesses of the County Health Order on the Concord Connect app—information regarding downloading here.
Q: What activities can I do or what is open?
A: Review this list for what is open and closed in Contra Costa County.
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Cooking Round the World
Ages 55+
Wednesdays, Jan. 6- Feb. 24
10:00am-11:30am
Zoom
Seniors are "whisked" away to the country of the day when they cook international dishes along with the teacher. As we cook, we'll discuss as a group how the characteristics of the country seeps into the foods we are enjoying!
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Improve Your Retirement
Ages 50+
Thursday, Jan. 14
3:00-4:30pm
Zoom
62 or older? Learn how many financial planners and homeowners use home equity to extend retirement assets in this FREE class. Age in the comfort of your home and...
- Eliminate monthly mortgages, credit cards or other debt.
- Fund health care, in-home care, and home improvements.
- Downsizing or moving? Consider reverse purchase.
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Ukulele: Beginner & Intermediate
Thursdays, Jan. 7-Jan. 28
Time depends on class level
Zoom
Beginners: Gain a basic understanding of the ukulele: learn to strum chords with ease, play familiar tunes like Jambalaya and Blue Hawai'i!
Intermediate: Learn to read music for ukulele; pick melodies and riffs; and more advanced strums, chords and songs.
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Walk with Ease Outdoors
Tuesdays, Jan. 12- Mar. 16
10:00am-11:00am
Senior Center front lawn
Experience the Walk With Ease Program. Arthritis Foundation Certified. Doctor Recommended. Motivate yourself to get in great shape. Walk safely and comfortably. Improve your flexibility, strength and stamina. Reduce pain and feel great. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
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We're offering limited in-person classes, as permitted by the state and county health orders. Click on each class link for details and simple online registration!
Join us for arts and crafts, games, sports and more! Your child will make new friends, socialize, and have fun in small cohorts supervised by highly trained staff.
Come explore what being a preschooler is all about! January's theme, Winter Wonderland, will keep 3-4 year olds busy with activities including crafts and play as they explore the wonder of Winter. Whether experiencing preschool for the first time or looking for something new, the fun and safe environment encourages children to socialize with others while maintaining a small stable group of children, as guided by the county health order. Meets at Centre Concord on Tuesday/Thursday, 9:30-11am.
This multi-sport program combines all your favorite Skyhawks sports (may include baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer and track and field. All kids will remain socially distanced and have their own private set of equipment to use during the class. All classes, from preschool-school year, meet at Concord Community Park.
The program emphasizes proper fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and proper tennis etiquette in a fun, lightly competitive safe environment. Children must wear face covering and sunscreen.
Come trek with Lindsay Wildlife Staff on a short walk in Lime Ridge Open Space developed specifically for the little ones. We'll learn about plants and animals of Lime Ridge and engage in some fun activities along the way.
This outdoor fitness class is designed for first-time players or anyone interested in learning what this funny-named sport is all about. Modified to adhere to current health orders, you will learn every aspect of the game including basic shot techniques, rules, court positioning, equipment and strategy. Start your lifelong enjoyment of the game now!
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stay cozy at home with these classes |
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For those who prefer to stay close to home for fitness and enrichment, click on each class link for details and simple online registration!
Muscle toning for the young at heart. It's the dance fitness party that moves at your pace-and more! Shake and sculpt your way to a healthy body for active lifestyle.
Continue to go deeper into your yoga practice in this lyengar style class. The benefits are too numerous to list. Bare feet are essential. Prerequisite: One year of yoga experience is a must.
This class promotes strength building and body conditioning, as well as self confidence, body awareness, social interaction, expressiveness, and a great sense of meaning.
Keep fit, sharpen your memory, release endorphins, laugh, and smile! Learn absolute (if you have never danced before) beginner to slightly higher beginner line dances. It doesn't feel like exercise, but you're moving and strengthening your muscles all the same.
Learn to draw with our fun and engaging step-by-step method! Each lesson will be fun filled learning experience in which students will develop their observation skills, increase fine motor skills and handwriting readiness.
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Stay in touch with us on Facebook!
We post interesting and timely content daily about Parks and Recreation programs and events. Like us on Facebook today!!! City of Concord, CA, Parks & Recreation.
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Stay in the know...
Check out our new page, What's Happening!, on the Parks & Recreation website. Stay on top of new recreation programs, park updates, reopening logistics, community blood drives and more can be found here.
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While our facilities remain closed for rentals and regular business hours, some facilities are open for specific programs as permitted by Contra Costa Health Services (for example, pool for lap swim, Centre Concord for preschool, etc). Even with our physical doors closed, Parks & Recreation Department staff is open and available to assist you over the phone so please contact us at:
Centre Concord: (925) 671-3382
Concord Senior Center: (925) 671-3320
Willow Pass Center: (925) 671-3423
Concord Community Pool: (925) 671-3480
Concord Registration: (925) 671-3404
The Parks & Recreation Department will continually update the City web page dedicated to the COVID-19 issue as it relates to City programs, events, activities, and facilities so please check back often.
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