March 29, 2021
what a year...
Earlier this month, we acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A year of trying to wrap our heads around sheltering in place, and learning new terms like “social distancing” and “new normal”.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, even if we don’t know how long that tunnel is. However, the hope brought on by vaccines, reduction in cases and warmer weather on the horizon doesn’t eliminate the mental health burdens and burnout many are facing.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 4 in 10 U.S. adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from 1 in 10 adults pre-pandemic. The foundation also reports that many adults are experiencing negative impacts to their mental health and wellbeing through difficulties sleeping or eating, increases in alcohol consumption and substance use, as well as worsening chronic conditions.

Our bodies aren’t used to such prolonged periods of chronic stress. And the extenuating circumstances of a pandemic, such as not being able to visit with friends and family, worries over economic pressures and the changes to our day-to-day lives, all add up. While there is not one solution that works for all, everyone can benefit from trying one of the following activities (many of which Concord Parks & Recreation provides--search on www.concordreg.org):

1.      Take a time-out (stroll through your local park)
2.      Eat well-balanced meals (check out a future cooking class)
3.      Limit alcohol and caffeine
4.      Get enough sleep
5.      Exercise daily (we offer Zumba, Walking, Pilates and Walking)
6.      Take deep breaths (experience in one of our Yoga and Tai Chi classes)
7.      Try something new (check out Concord Live below) 
mark your calendar
CONCORD LIVE!
Join us on Facebook at 6pm each Thursday for these upcoming free events!

April 15: Zumba with D!
"Concord Live!," is very excited to feature Zumba instructor Diana on the City of Concord, California Facebook Page! Burn fat, strengthen your core and improve flexibility while dancing to Latin inspired dance. This high intensity class can burn up to 400 calories while grooving to salsa, merengue, and even belly dance. The best part? You’ll have so much fun, you’ll forget you’re working out!

April 29: Virtual art class
"Concord Live!," in partnership with the Concord Art Association will be going live on the City of Concord Facebook page, for a fun beginner-friendly virtual art class! Let’s get creative, Concord!

If you aren't already following our Facebook page, join us today so you can participate in free lessons, view upcoming event and class notifications, and connect with your community. Find us at City of Concord, CA, Parks & Recreation.
2021-2022 School Year Preschool Registration
Our preschool program has been serving the community for over 30 years with classes encouraging children to play, learn and grow in an age-appropriate setting. For program availability and registration, contact Raquel Diaz (925) 671-3324 or preschool@cityofconcord.org

Due to the pandemic, we are unable to offer in-person tours of our preschool sites. Take a few minutes to check out our virtual tour of the preschool program.

If you are interested in trying a short-term preschool class to get your feet wet, try our April session of Preschool Explorers! Play and socialize with other preschoolers twice a week for 3 weeks. Next session begins April 13.
Vote for us!
Now's your chance to vote for your favorite camps at the Parent's Press Best of 2021 for Contra Costa County! We'd love your support so click through the link to enter in Camp Concord for Best Overnight Summer Camp, or write-in any of our other day camps (Backyard Explorers, East Bay Explorers, Lil' Explorers) in the appropriate category.
Upcoming Blood Drive
The City of Concord is partnering with Vitalant to offer monthly blood drives at various locations around town. Sign-up for the April drive by scheduling an appointment Vitalant.

April 9 10am-3pm at Centre Concord
plan your summer fun!
OPEN: Summer camp registration
Summer is right around the corner, and registration for all summer camps is open! Register for some old favorites including Backyard Explorers & East Bay Explorers, or try a new specialized camp like sports, cooking or art. Here is what you need to know…

  • Peruse our camps and register at www.concordreg.org
  • All camps will follow a cohort format with a maximum of 14 participants and 2 staff, as well as take special precautions to sanitize, clean, and socially distance participants when possible.
  • Masks are required for all participants over the age of 2 years.
  • Due to a cohort format, space is limited in each camp, so make sure to register early to guarantee your spot!

View camp themes, dates and other important information on our camp webpages.
Summer camp spotlight
Sports Camps
We are excited to partner with National Academy of Athletics for many new sports camps this summer. NAoA works with Parks & Recreation agencies all over California, and will be offering youth sports camps and physical education programs including volleyball, soccer, cheer & dance, basketball, and all sorts of sports!
Counselor in Training
Gain leadership skills, work with a team, and learn what it takes to be a summer day camp counselor! CIT participants will learn valuable job skills, including leading a group, public speaking, planning, and organization. Work side by side with experienced Backyard Explorer's day camp counselors to teach art, games, and plan a special event! You'll also learn the basics of CPR and First Aid.
East Bay Explorers
Your teen will participate in a variety of sports, painting, tie dye, and many STEAM projects that trained and experienced counselors provide. Twice a week, take a dip at Concord Community Pool, and once a week go on a walking field trip including Todos Santos Plaza and local parks and restaurants.
Aquatic Staff Recognized
Aquatics International, an industry publication for aquatic professionals nationwide, recently recognized Concord Parks & Recreation Coordinator, Matthew Galindo (and two other aquatics professionals), for their dedication and successful development of a framework and protocols for aquatic facility operation during the pandemic. The General COVID-19 Guidelines for Aquatic Venues and Programs are being utilized throughout California and the nation as a base for reopening aquatic facilities safely.

Read the full article on page 11. Say “hey” to Matthew next time you are at Concord Community Pool for lap swim or our popular learn to swim program this summer.

Swim Lessons are back!
Swim lessons return to Concord Community Pool on June 7 for the 2021 Summer swim season. Class sizes and registrations will be limited for the health and safety of our swimmers so don’t wait to reserve your spot.
Jobs Available
Brush up those resumes, because Parks & Rec is ready to hire positions for this summer and beyond!

We are currently hiring for:
  • Day camp counselors
  • Lifeguards
  • Swim instructors
  • Preschool teacher aides for summer and school year
  • Substitute preschool teachers and aides

Apply online today--see full job descriptions when you visit City job openings.
Why work for Parks & Recreation?
featured park
Bud Hansen Wisteria Arbor
Located in beautiful Markham Nature Park, the arbor is surrounded by lush grass, a babbling creek and gorgeous flowers, providing an idyllic setting for an outdoor wedding. Rentals are available on Saturdays and Sundays only, May to mid-October. All rentals will follow county health requirements for outdoor events.
programs starting soon + NEW guide!
Register NOW for April classes and programs
You can view all our classes on the Activity e-Guide, located on the City website. It's as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Scroll through by age group (Youth, Adult, 50 & Better) and then by subject (Health & Fitness, Arts & Crafts, etc).
  2. Peruse our listingsWhen you see something of interest, simply click on the class number link (in blue) and go directly to that class on our registration site.
  3. Here you will find all the activity details and can complete your registration online.

**NEW GUIDE**
Keep an eye out for our digital summer activity guide! Our updated guide contains all the information you need for summer classes, camps, swim lessons and senior resources…and so much more! Check our webpage around April 15 to flip through the guide. 

In the meantime, you can always search through (and register for)our summer offerings, activities taking place May-August, at www.concordreg.org
get active--in person!
We're offering in-person classes, as permitted by the state and county health orders.

Click on each class link for details and simple online registration!

YOUTH

Explore n' More: Begins Apr. 12
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.
 
Junior Tennis: Begins week of Apr. 12 (days and time vary by class)
With three progressive class levels, your child is sure to find the perfect fit in one of our popular tennis classes at Willow Pass Park. Click on a class links below:

Zumbini: Begins Apr. 13
This parent and me class is created by Zumba and BabyFirst for kids, combining music, dance, and educational tools for 45 minutes of can’t stop, won't stop, bonding and fun. This bilingual class will help you and your child learn Spanish! Located at Markham Nature Park.

Preschool Explorers: Begins Apr. 13
Springtime is a great time for preschoolers to explore the changing world around them. In this 3-week class, children will engage in hands-on activities centered on favorite and familiar children’s story books. 

Sewing Machine Fun: Begins Apr. 13
Build self-confidence and make new friends with Sewing Machine Fun! You’ll be able to wear and share the projects you make with friends and family. Projects include masks, small blankets, skirts, shorts, and so much more! Computerized machines and all small materials provided.


ADULT
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. Located at Baldwin Park.

Pickleball Learn to Play: Begins Apr. 5
This outdoor fitness class is designed for first-time players or anyone interested in learning what this funny-named sport is all about. You will learn every aspect of the game including basic shot techniques, rules, court positioning, equipment and strategy.

Exercise, stay fit and improve your Pickleball game at the same time. This class will take you 'beyond the basics' and help sharpen your skills. Learn more effective dinking, volleying, serving, lobbing, the 3rd shot drop, and more. Experience fun and helpful practice drills to take your game to the next level.

Zumba with D in the Park: Begins Apr. 7
This high intensity class will help you burn fat, strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and burn up to 400 calories per session! Groove to salsa, merengue, and even belly dance. Located at Willow Pass Park.
calling all 50+ better
Improve Your Retirement
Thursday, April 8
3-4:30pm
Zoom
60 or older? Learn how financial planners and homeowners use home equity to extend retirement assets. 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.

Simple Self-Care Practices During Stressful Times
Tuesday, April 20
10:30-11:30am
Don’t take life so seriously! Learn more about how to...
  • Take control of managing the everyday stress in your life
  • Make small changes in your daily routine that can make a big difference
  • Develop a positive attitude and healthy coping practices
  • Stay healthy and practice relaxation exercises
  • Manage your health at home with the help of remote monitoring  
Presented by: Lorna Van Ackeren & Tricia Macilwaine, RN, from Hillendale Home Care
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
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.