December 1, 2021
warm wishes
As 2021 draws to an end and you start to look towards what 2022 may hold for you, your Parks & Recreation Department extends our deepest appreciation for experiencing life with us this past year.

We all know it’s been another “interesting” year and many of us long to be back to normal in 2022. Our goal is to continue offering relevant and challenging classes to all ages, opportunities to try new sports or visit a park, enjoy lunch with other 50 and older community members, or provide the perfect summer camp to engage your child.

We hope you will take time to reflect on this past year, the highs and the lows, and commit to joining us in 2022 to experience something new. May the holiday season be full of rest, time with friends and family, and giving back to your community.
mark your calendar
Concord's Holiday Event Returns Dec. 3
Concord's Annual Tree Lighting and Mayor's Sing-Along is back! The City will host this family- favorite event on Friday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Todos Santos Plaza.
 
Families can take pictures with Santa in a Snow Globe, sponsored by Henley’s Custom Cabinets, and kids will have a chance to feed Santa's reindeer. Children are also welcome to write and mail letters to Santa, which will all receive a response from the jolly good fellow. For those who want to create a festive decoration, the Concord Art Association will be hosting a free, make-your-own holiday craft booth.
 
The event, which will be emceed by local TV personality and musician Dan Ashley, will also feature live performances by the Concord High Jazz Band, D’Ann’s Dance Academy, Concord Parks & Recreation Ballet, the Westwood Elementary 3rd Grade Choir, and a concert by Music & Market favorite, The 925 Band! Following the performances, the Mayor will lead the crowd in a sing-along and light the tree at 7:30 p.m.
 
In addition to the fun, the Todos Santos Business Association will be sponsoring carriage rides for $5 a person, and hosting a Sip 'n' Stroll! Local restaurants will provide tasty bites and drinks from 5 to 8 p.m. for $15. A map of participating businesses and a menu of what they'll be sampling will be available soon.
Letters to Santa
Holiday elves have delivered a very special mailbox for children to drop off their letters to Santa! Make sure to drop off your letters between November 30-December 8 so that Santa can respond!

Mailbox will be located in Centre Concord’s lobby (5298 Clayton Rd) weekdays from 9:00am-4:00pm. Letters can also be mailed at the City of Concord’s Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along at Todos Santos Plaza on December 3 from 5:30-8:00 pm.
Vitalant Blood Drive
The City of Concord is sponsoring a mobile blood drive on Wednesday, December 15. You can help rebuild the blood supply to adequate levels as we continue to provide lifesaving blood to patients across Northern California. Please click below to schedule an appointment!
  • Wednesday, December 15, 2021
  • 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
  • Centre Concord parking lot, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord
Holiday Hours
The City of Concord will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 27 and 31. Recreation office hours will be modified December 28-30 as follows:
  • Centre Concord: 10am-3pm
  • Concord Senior Center: 9am-1pm
  • Willow Pass Center: 10am-3pm

what's happening
Check your mail box
Keep an eye out for the delivery of the Winter/Spring 2022 Activity Guide and City News to your mailbox any day now! As always, you can find articles about your City government, future classes and programs for all ages, and ways to be active in 2022.

If a digital version is more your style, you can flip through the guide here.

Registration for Winter/Spring 2022 classes opens December 1.
It's back--Inclusive Recreation Programming!
After an extended break during the pandemic, we are happy to announce that the Inclusive Recreation Bowling program will be offered once again! Join us at Clayton Valley Bowl for an opportunity to meet new people or hang out with old friends. Bowling shoes are included for players. This program is designed for adults (18+) with disabilities. Please call 925-671-3320 for more information.

Inclusive Bowling
Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Jan 11- Mar 29
Clayton Valley Bowl
Resident:$71, Non-Resident:$78
programs & classes starting in 2022
The City of Concord will continue to follow state and county guidelines regarding COVID-19 restrictions, safety precautions and the use of face coverings. Click on the bolded class title in the spotlighted classes below.

Because the holiday season tends to get busy, we're listing a sampling of classes that begin in January 2022 so you can cross registration off your to-do list early! 
Ballet
Dancers will learn the fundamentals of classical ballet focusing on technique, body placement, vocabulary and musicality. Perform to inspiring graceful movements and creativity. Advanced classes will focus on barre and center work. 

Tennis
Beginner tennis classes emphasize proper fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and proper tennis etiquette in a fun, lightly competitive safe environment. At the intermediate level, students are learning to deal with faster shots using more advanced footwork and quicker preparation.
POUND Fitness at Home
A full-body cardio jam session inspired by drumming utilizing light weighted drumsticks. In a 45-minute class, you'll burn up to 900+ calories, strengthen and sculpt infrequently used muscles, and drum your way to a leaner, stronger physique all while rocking out to your favorite music.
Drawing with Color Pencils & Watercolors
Beginner and advanced students can learn simple techniques to create floral images, animals, portraits or landscapes. The instructor will provide demonstrations, individual help and critiques. You may work in the style of your choice. 
instructor spotlight
Meet Leana Abulencia-Shapli!
She is a certified health and life coach, former elementary school educator, and mother of two. Her triumphs and struggles, both personal and professional, inspired her to take a leap and pursue her lifelong passion to help others reclaim their health, lives, and happiness. Check out one of Leana's new classes, 21-Day Healthy Eating Reset or Vision Board Workshop, both starting in January 2022.
50+ update
UPCOMING CLASSES 
Revocable Living Trusts can help avoid probate. There are different kinds of Revocable Living Trusts. On death, a Trust can be expensive and complicated or simple and economical to administer, depending on which kind you choose. Have your questions answered by an experienced attorney who will explain why and how Trusts/Wills work in a way that is easy to understand.

Smartphone Training: begins Jan. 3
Let the expert trainers at California Phones help you make the most of your Smartphone. Android and iPhone webinar trainings are offered free from the comfort of your own home. Learn how to:
  • Operate the basic functions of your Smartphone
  • Send text messages
  • Make text larger
  • Connect Bluetooth devices
  • Make your Smartphone louder and easier to hear, and more.

Chair Yoga & Movement: begins Jan. 11
This class introduces yoga exercises that will help strengthen your muscles particularly the core, arms, legs, shoulders, back, neck and increase joint mobility as well as enhance your overall blood circulation. This class will focus on movements to promote wellness such as bending, stretching and breathing exercises.
a few reminders...
COVID-19 Update
The City of Concord continues to follow state and county guidelines regarding COVID-19 restrictions and safety precautions. Recent Contra Costa Health Services health orders directly impact our City recreation programs and services as follows:
  • Entry into any City facility requires a face covering
  • All classes, programs and events held at indoor City facilities require wearing a face covering unless actively eating or drinking
  • All recreation classes and programs in which participants engage in an activity with elevated breathing will require every participant (age 12 and older) to show proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test result before entering the facility
  • For all indoor event rentals serving food/drink, the individual renting the facility is required to verify that guests (age 12 and older) shows proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test result before entering the facility

If required to show proof of vaccination or negative test results, please have have your vaccination card, copy or photo of card or negative test results ready upon request. The California Department of Public Health has a quick and easy way to show your vaccination record--go to myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov to get your digital card today!
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.
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.
contact us
We are here for you! The Parks & Recreation team is delighted to reach a point where we can safely activate more quality of life enhancing programs, facilities and services. The Parks & Recreation Department's business offices and community centers are open as listed below.

Centre Concord
Facility hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
In-person registration available from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm (or anytime online at concordreg.org)

Concord Senior Center
Facility hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm

Willow Pass Center
Facility hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
In-person registration available from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm (or anytime online at concordreg.org)

Concord Community Pool
Lap Swim
  • Short and long course available
  • Visit website for specific days and hours

You can also reach out to us by phone:

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.