In our first newsletter of 2021, we challenged you to "choose your own adventure" in 2021--hopefully you've had the opportunity to explore something new!
In the spirit of Valentine's Day (just 2 weeks away--you've been warned!), our February monthly challenge is to care for yourself. The past year, with all it's COVID restrictions, cancellations and disappointment, has tested each of us in ways we never imagined. For many, new stresses and changes have affected their ability to care for themselves. Self-care is vital for building resilience toward those stressors in life that you can't eliminate. When you've taken steps to care for your mind and body, you'll be better equipped to live your best life.
Our challenge to you is to take time out to care for yourself by...
- taking in some fresh air on a walk, hike or run
- stepping away from the computer screen
- drinking lots of water
- getting adequate sleep
- calling a friend to talk
- eating vegetables and fruit
- eating chocolate (my favorite!)
When you discover that you're neglecting a certain aspect of your life, create a plan for change. You don't have to tackle everything all at once. Identify one small step you can take to begin caring for yourself better.
Next, schedule time to focus on your needs, even when it feels like you don't have time to squeeze in one more thing, make self-care a priority. When you're caring for all aspects of yourself, you'll find that you are able to operate more effectively and efficiently.
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Free COVID and Antibody Testing
Over the past ten months, activities at Concord’s community centers have been significantly restricted by county and state health orders due to the pandemic. In an effort to play a positive role in the community and provide an additional local COVID-19 testing site, Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS) has rented Centre Concord to offer free testing every Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The testing is by appointment only and anyone in the community is welcome to sign-up via the online scheduler. For more details, directions to sign-up, and forms that contain important information for review prior to signing up for a testing appointment, click here.
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Why not donate?
The City of Concord partners with both the American Red Cross and Vitalant to offer monthly blood drives at various locations around town. Did you know that the average person has 10 pints of blood in their body? About 1 pint is given when you donate. Help care for someone else this February when you donate!
Sign up for one of the following upcoming drives by scheduling an appointment at each organization's website.
February 19 9am-3pm at the Willow Pass Community Center, in partnership with Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union (American Red Cross)
April 9 11am-4pm at Centre Concord (Vitalant)
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Fun for all at Ygnacio Valley Park
Located at Oak Grove Road and David Avenue, Ygnacio Valley Park is a favorite park destination for many from the surrounding neighborhoods. At nearly 10 acres, the park really does have something for everyone...ball fields, jogging path, large open turf area, two children's play structures and picnic and barbeque facilities. One user commented that it's a 'nice track to take a morning walk or run, with areas spacious enough for a little fun tossing a disk with your dog, having a picnic, or playing a ball game'.
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Play eSports!
Our free eSports leagues are open for registration! Join us for new leagues starting in February that are open for all ages. Sign up to play Mario Kart and Super Smash bros now!
Have ideas on other games you'd like to see offered? Let us know what you want to play here.
How to Register…
1. Download the Mission Control App
2. Create your profile
3. Join the City of Concord’s organization
4. Register for games!
Stay tuned for new Fortnite leagues starting in March. For information on how to register, click on the button below.
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Summer Jobs Available
Brush up those resumes, because Parks & Rec is ready to hire positions for this summer. Work as a camp counselor, lifeguard, facility attendant, or other position in a fun and dynamic work place. Gain leadership experience and work with a team to provide vital services to the Concord community.
Applications open on February 1. See full job descriptions when you visit City job openings. |
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Registration NOW open for February and March 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'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 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. February 2 theme is Tigers Underground and February 16 is Wet Winter.
Learn new sewing skills while making new friends and having fun too. Max of 6 students allows individual instruction with a certified sewing instructor. Computerized machines and all small materials provided.
This class promotes strength building and body conditioning, as well as self-confidence, body awareness, social interaction, expressiveness, and a great sense of meaning.
Join the Lindsay Wildlife Experience for our monthly nature club meetings. You can learn about wildlife conservation issues as we hike the trails of Lime Ridge Open space, and take part in some special activities. Caregiver attendance is required. Late registrations accepted!
TV networks celebrity chefs: Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Gordon Ramses, Dee Drummond, and Giada DeLaurentis all have their signature dishes. We will recreate these dishes and learn how these TV chefs became stars.
The program emphasizes proper fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and proper tennis etiquette in a fun, lightly competitive safe environment. At the intermediate level, students learn to deal with faster shots using more advanced footwork and quicker preparation.
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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!
Learn and practice Tai Chi and Qigong: gentle movement to improve balance, strengthen the body, quiet the mind and relieve stress. Each class includes: Standing Meditation, Qigong and Tai Chi movement from the Yang-style long form.
This class is for high beginners, and improvers. You must have mastered the steps from the Beginner I class to join. Enrollment is subject to instructor's approval.
Gain a basic understanding of the ukulele: learn to strum chords with ease, play familiar tunes like Jambalaya and Blue Hawai’i.
Have fun learning chess! With three class levels available, one is sure to fit your student! All you need is a working brain and a computer!
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.
Learn a variety of basic techniques to become more comfortable with watercolor painting on a small scale, in both representational and abstract styles. You don't need to be a master artist to enjoy the creative process-let's relax and have some fun!
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The Love 4 Music
Friday, Feb. 19
4:00-6:00pm
Zoom Special Event
Enjoy four musicians performing on Zoom. Each will play separately with the instrument they love. All ages welcome to enjoy, relax and leave satisfied.
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Cooking Matters
Thursday, Feb. 18
10:00-11:00am
Zoom
Free Online Cooking Class! Practice using recipe frameworks, discuss how to substitute ingredients, practice cooking health and affordable meals.
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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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