CARD Spring 2018 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 10, 2018 – Collinsville, Illinois – Summer is right around the corner and the Collinsville Area Recreation District has plenty of fun and exciting ways to make a splash in your summer.

CARD’s Giant Yard Sale is scheduled for Sunday, May 6 from 9AM to 3 PM at the CARD Activity Center at 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. The event is free to attend. Those interested in selling items at the event can reserve a 10’x10’ booth
for $10. Visit the website at http://www.CollinsvilleRec.com, call 618-346-7529 or stop by the Activity Center to sign up for a booth.
The newest event for CARD is the Mother Son Superhero Ball scheduled for Friday, May 11 from 6 PM to 9PM at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. This event will give mom and son the opportunity to dress up as their favorite superheroes and test their skills with fun games, dancing as well as getting to enjoy a delicious meal. CARD is looking for activity booth sponsors and table sponsors for this event. For those businesses and organizations interested in supporting this event, contact the CARD Activity Center.

Summer would not be summer without summer camps. CARD has nine different weeks of summer camp to choose from for 7-13 year olds. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM with before and after care. Register early for just $85. Campers will spend part of the day doing fun camp activities and part of the day at Splash City Waterpark. For the businesses interested in staying active in the community, CARD offers Day Camp camper and activity sponsorships.
Visit the website or call 618-346-7529 to learn more. The nine weeks of Day Camp are:
1. All About Sports 5/29/18-06/01/15
2. TEAM 06/04/18-06/08/18
3. Artful Antics 06/11/18-06/15/18
4. Camp World Records 06/18/18-06/22/18
5. Backyard Bash 06/25/18-06/29/18
6. Master Builders 07/09/18-07/13/18
7. Time Travelers 07/16/18-07/20/18
8. Olympics 07/22/18-07/27/18
9. Game Show Mania 07/30/18-08/03/18
CARD has a variety of classes for a variety of ages. For the tiny dancer in your life, try Intro to Dance for 3-6 year olds. This six week class focuses on the fundamentals of tap and ballet dancing. Tumbling is available for 4-8 year old. This class focuses on basic tumbling movements and allows students to gain strength, flexibility and self-confidence.

For those looking to learn yoga poses, meditation and teamwork, CARD has Kid’s Yoga for 7-13 year olds. For those wanting to start the practice of Karate, Mighty Mites is perfect for the 5-7 year old and is a six week course. For those 8 years and above, Karate I is offered up to twice a week. Those with brown and black belts are invited to our
Karate II offered up to twice a week as well. Enrollment for Karate I and Karate II is on a monthly basis for one to two times per week.
Tai Chi and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are offered on a drop in basis. Tai Chi is offered for those 16 and older on Tuesday evenings and Jiu Jitsu is offered for those 14 and older on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. You can pay as you go or save by enrolling on a monthly basis.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, CARD offers Hatha Yoga for those 16 and older for just $5 per session. For those looking for an extra cardiovascular workout, CARD will start offering Power Yoga on Saturday, May 5 from 9AM-10AM for $8 per session.
Opening day for the 2018 season at Splash City is Saturday, May 26. Season passes can be purchased through May 12 for 10% off the overall purchase price. Swim lessons are available as well as water aerobics and junior lifeguarding. Please visit SplashCity.org for additional information or to sign up for swim classes. Starting June 8, Parent Tot Time is back on Fridays from 9AM-10AM. Parents and children, age 7 and under, can enter the park for half price and stay the entire day.

Saver Wednesdays are back as well. Every Wednesday from 11AM-4PM, arrive with non-perishable food items or school supplies to receive $1 off per item up to $2 per person. All food donations will go to the Collinsville Food Pantry and all school supplies will be distributed to local school children.
Both the CARD Activity Center and Splash City Waterpark have a variety of options for your next family or business gatherings. The Activity Center has rooms available that are ideal for your next birthday party, baby shower or business meeting. Splash City Waterpark offers birthday party packages, cabana rentals, before and after hour park rentals as well as group rates. Call 618-346-7529, visit our websites at CollinsvilleRec.com or SplashCity.org or stop by the office at 10 Gateway Drive in Collinsville to learn more.

Winter Updates

The last Totally Tots session will take place Thursday, Dec 14th.  Totally Tots will start back up again on Jan 8th, 2018

The last Open Volleyball session at DHS takes place on Monday, Dec 18th. Open Volleyball will start back up again on Jan 8th, 2018.

Sign-ups are open for Mason Jar Cooking!  Sign up for this class and take home different delicious and easily portable recipes that are perfect for any meal on-the-go!

Effective Wednesday, December 13th 2017, official management of Pleasant Ridge Park will transfer to the Village of Maryville Parks Department.  If you’d like to reserve a pavilion there please visit the Village of Maryville website online or call their main office line.

Effective Monday, January 1st 2018, official management of the following parks: Glidden , Morris Hills, Woodland, & Schnuck’s Memorial, along with the Jaycee Sports Complex, will transfer to the City of Collinsville Parks Dept.  Information will be available soon about where to go for pavilion and athletic field reservations.  We thank you for your patience during this transition.

Season Passes are 20% off for Splash City Waterpark thru Dec 31st.  Call (618)346-7529 to get yours today!  Details available on the Splash City Admissions Information page.

Winter Programs Schedule

Here’s what’s coming up this Winter at CARD.  If you’d like to sign up you can always give us a call at (618)346-7529 or register online at http://www.collinsvillerec.com.

Christmas Events:

Parent’s Time Out: Winter Wonderland on December 2nd, 2017

Christmas at Willoughby on December 3rd, 2017

Breakfast with Santa on December 9th, 2017

Other Upcoming Events:

Daddy Daughter Date Night on February 23rd, 2018

Breakfast with the Bunny on March 24th, 2018

Rec Program Start Dates:

Karate Classes available every month

Karate Mighty Mites on January 8th & March 19th, 2018

Intro to Dance on January 18th & March 8th, 2018

Beginning Tumbling on January 18th & March 8th, 2018

Kid’s Yoga on January 8th & March 19th, 2018

Mason Jar Meal Prep Classes on January 17th, 24th, & 31st and again on March 14th, 21st, & 28th.

Drop In Class Schedule Changes:

Totally Tots runs every Monday & Thursday from now until December 14th and starts back up again on January 8th.

Open Volleyball at DHS runs every Monday from now until December 18th and starts back up on January 8th.

 

No Classes will be held on November 23rd, 24th for Thanksgiving.

Questions or concerns? Call (618)346-7529, send us an email, or find us on Facebook.

 

NOMINATE COLLINSVILLE TO WIN $20,000 DURING “MEET ME AT THE PARK”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – NOMINATE COLLINSVILLE TO WIN $20,000 DURING “MEET ME AT THE PARK”

(Collinsville, IL, 03/27/2017) – This Earth Month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN, to revitalize parks across the U.S. for a third year. The city receiving the most nominations will receive a $20,000 grant to improve a local park.

Local parks make Collinsville a better place to live and shape many of our lives. Parks are essential to our community’s health and wellbeing. They provide safe places to be active and enjoy nature – and they help preserve the environment while bringing people together. That is why from April 1 to April 30, community residents will have the opportunity to nominate Collinsville to receive $20,000 in grant funding to make improvements at a local park. Collinsville parks include Glidden Park, Morris Hills Park, Schnuck’s Memorial Park, the Sports Complex and Woodland Park and are maintained by the Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD).

By visiting NRPA.org/belnspired, park supporters can nominate the city of Collinsville. At the end of April, the city with the most nominations will receive the grant funding. This year, everyone who nominates a city, will be entered into a drawing for a tablet outfitted for the outdoors.

During April, a public service announcement supporting the Meet Me at the Park campaign will be shared with audiences across Disney, including ABC Television Network, ABC-owned and affiliate stations, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, the ABC app and other digital platforms. The PSA will also be available to view on the voting site at www.nrpa.org/beinspired. Additionally, Radio Disney will support the campaign with an on-air radio spot.

This Earth Month, show what parks mean to our community by nominating Collinsville. Encourage your friends to nominate Collinsville by taking a selfie in your favorite park and using the hashtags #MeetMeAtThePark, #Parkies and #BeInspired.

Need to reconnect with nature? Visit www.CollinsvilleRec.com to see which park is best for you to visit. From trails to playgrounds and fishing to picnics, Collinsville has a spot for you and your family to get in touch with nature. For more information and to nominate CARD, visit www.NRPA.org/BeInspired.

Class Cancellation Notice: Drop-In Archery

Drop-in Archery is cancelled for this coming Saturday, March 11th due to storm damage to the range.  We’re working to get it fixed now and will have it ready for the following session.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

Pic Related: It’s how we feel about not being able to shoot arrows.  We don’t care how much you smile at us, Robin Hood.

Winter Press Release 2017

November 18, 2016 – Collinsville, Illinois – With 2017 right around the corner, the Collinsville Area Recreation District is in full swing with planning a very eventful year.

CARD is offering the following events and programs during the spring 2017:

• Daddy Daughter Date Night will be February 24 from 6PM-9PM at the Gateway Center in Collinsville.  The theme for the annual Daddy Daughter Date Night is Beauty and the Beast.  This special evening presents fathers with the perfect opportunity to add an extra twinkle to their daughter’s eye.
• Breakfast with the Bunny on April 1 from 9AM-10:30AM at Ravanelli’s in Collinsville. The annual Breakfast with the Bunny lets kids of all ages enjoy the hot breakfast and little ones get a picture with the bunny as well as a special gift.  This event fills up quickly, so sign up now.
• Pleasant Ridge Park is home to the new six-lane archery range.  The range is available to rent and rentals includes recurve bows and arrows as well as an instructor.  Drop-in archery will be available on Saturdays starting on March 4 from 9AM-11AM and on Tuesdays starting on April 4 from 5:30PM-7:30PM.
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu starts in January.  Participants can enroll on a monthly basis for just $65.  Classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and participants can attend unlimited classes each month.  Those unsure about Jiu Jitsu can sign up for the Demo Day on December 17 and try it for free.

Collinsville Unit #10 is partnering with CARD to promote literacy in the community.  Starting January 7, there will be three Little Free Libraries located throughout the park district.  Children (K-6^thgrade) are encouraged to take a book, read it and return it to the Little Free Library.  The little libraries will be located at the CARD Activity Center, Willoughby Farm and Pleasant Ridge Park.  To learn more about this program, please visit littlefreelibrary.org.

For those planning gatherings, CARD offers a variety of options.  The Activity Center at 10 Gateway Drive has rooms available to rent that are ideal for smaller parties as well as classes and business meetings.  For those preferring the fresh air, pavilions are available for rent starting January 3.  Pleasant Ridge is now offering after hour rentals.  For those planning a larger gathering or festival, Woodland Park is available for full park rentals.  Facilities are also available for rent at Willoughby Farm, Arlington Greens Golf Course and Splash City Waterpark.

Willoughby Farm is offering the following programs during the spring of 2017.  All classes are free, but registration is required.  Classes open to all ages.

• Making Maple Syrup will be held on January 7 at 1PM with a rainout date of January 14.
• Getting Started with Honey Bees will be held on February 4 at 1PM.
• Beginning Vegetable Gardening will be held on March 3 at 1PM

The Farm would not be what it is today without the volunteers.  Those interested in becoming a volunteer can come to The Farm on Wednesdays from 9AM-3PM.  All ages are welcome.  For those not interested in getting their hands dirty, sponsoring a farm animal is the best option.  Visit The Farm to see how to help and meet some of the farm animals.

The 2017 season at Arlington Greens Golf Course is getting filled with tournaments, clinics and leagues.   Mark Marcuzzo, the Golf Course Manager and PGA Pro, has been busy organizing more than 30 tournaments and other events.  From six weeks of V.A. clinics to 40 weeks of V.A. golf leagues, Arlington is making a positive impression in the community.  Cuzzo’s Annual 2 Person Scramble is scheduled for March 18 and the Annual Boots on the Green is scheduled for May 5.  For those interested in clinics or leagues, call the course at 618-931-5232, visit them online at ArlingtonGreens.com or stop by the course at 200 Arlington Drive, Granite City, Illinois.

CARD is constantly adding new opportunities for the community to get involved and stay active.  To learn more about any of CARD’s facilities, please visit CollinsvilleRec.com, call 618-346-7529 or stop by the CARD office at 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, Illinois.

Splash City News for Nov 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2016 – Collinsville, Illinois – It may only be November, but now is the ideal time to start thinking about the summer of 2017.  Season passes for Splash City Waterpark are currently being sold at 40% off the regular price.  Those looking for the ideal Christmas Gift can head to the Collinsville Area Recreation District Activity center to purchase passes.  Sale prices are as follows:

• Individual
  • Regular $120
  • W/Benefit ID $96
• Family (up to 2)
  • Regular $186
  • W/Benefit ID $162
• Each additional family member
  • Regular $48
  • W/Benefit ID $36

This deal is valid until December 29, 2016.  Call the CARD office at 618-346-7529 or stop by at 10 Gateway Drive to get passes today.  For those not wanting to make the season long commitment, day pass rates will be making a change as well.  Day pass rates fro 2017 are as follows:

• Child (age 3-16)
  • Regular $12
  • W/Benefit ID $8
• Adult (17+)
  • Regular $15
  • W/Benefit ID $10
• Senior (55+)
  • Regular $10
  • W/Benefit ID $8

Unfortunately, FlowRider, the wave stimulation attraction allowing guests to ride the waves in the Midwest, will no longer be an attraction at Splash City.  While the attraction will be missed, the District is now able to offer those in the community decreased rates.  The Splash City team is working hard to find an enjoyable attraction for people of all ages to enjoy.  

A few other things to look forward to at Splash City this summer are as follows:

• Parent Tot Time
  • On Fridays from June 2 through August 9, parents and guardians can bring children, 7 and under, to the waterpark and receive $5 off regular admission.  Guests must be in the park between 9AM and 10AM to receive the discount.
• Canned Good & School Supply Drive
  • Every Wednesday from May 31 through August 9, guests bringing donations will receive $1 off regular admission with each donated item.  There is a max of two items per person.  Offer is good between 11AM and 4PM.  Not to be combined with other offers.  All food donations will go to the Collinsville Food Pantry and all school donations will be distributed to school age children at back to school events.
• Rentals and Groups
  • Reservations for group visits, birthday parties and park rentals start in January.  

For further information, call the Collinsville Area Recreation District at 618-346-7529, visit them at 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, Illinois or visit the websites at CollinsvilleRec.com or SplashCity.org.

Winter 2016 Press Release

September 6, 2016 – Collinsville, Illinois – fall and winter are upon those at the Collinsville Area Recreation District with events and programs to keep those of all ages active and entertained.

Gather at Willoughby Farm for Fall Farm Day on Saturday, October 1 from 10am-3pm.  This annual event is open to the entire family.  For just $2 per person, guests can enjoy hayrides and all things fall.

Halloween on the Farm is on Saturday, October 22 from 5pm-8pm.  At just $10 or $8 with a Benefit ID Card, this spooktacular event is for ages 8-14 and requires early registration.

On Thursday, October 27 from 5:30pm-7:30pm, fall lovers of all ages can enjoy Bonfire & Hayrides.  Guests are welcome to bring their own food to roast over the large bonfire in the fire pit and beverages to enjoy.  With Halloween just days away, guests are encouraged to come in their best Halloween attire.  While there is no cost to attend this event, the farm always appreciates donations.

Following the beautiful array of a colorful fall, Christmas programs will be abound in the District.  On December 4 from 1pm-4pm Willoughby Farm will be host to Christmas at the Farm.  This annual event is open to everyone for just $3 per person.  Come bundled up for this festive outdoor event.

CARD’s annual Breakfast with Santa will be Saturday, December 10 from 9am-10:30am at Ravanelli’s in Collinsville.  This event, open to all ages, sells out quickly, so register early.

For those parents needing a little extra time without their 3-6 year old, CARD is offering Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 17 from 9am-2pm at the CARD Activity Center.  This festive program will be filled with winter themed activities from crafts to movies and singalongs to keep your little one busy while you are away.  Early registration is required with this event.

For those with some extra energy to burn, CARD offers drop in classes.  For ages 16 and up, Open Volleyball is every Monday through December 12 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Dorris Intermediate School for just $3 per person.  Tuesdays at the Glidden Park Tennis Courts, Pickleball players of all levels can gather from 6pm-8pm through September 27 for just $2 per person.  Tuesdays and Thursdays at the CARD Activity Center from 6pm-7pm the soothing effects of Hatha Yoga are offered to participants of all levels for $3 per session.  Registration is not required for Drop-In classes.

For the 1 to 4 year old in your life, Totally Tots Playtime meets Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am-11am for just $2 per child.  This playtime provides a great opportunity for tots to work on social interaction and motor skill development.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes so you can keep up.

Regular six week programs such as dance, tumbling and karate are available throughout the week as well and can be registered for at www.CollinsvilleRec.com.

CARD’s newest class is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Not sure if you have what it takes?  Demo Days will be held on October 8 at 10am and October 24 at 7pm.  Just call 618-346-7529 or email you name, age and number to info@collinsvillerec.com.  This addition is for all levels age 13 and up.  Classes will meet Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for  just $65 per month.

For those looking to have a celebration or gathering of their own, CARD offers plenty of opportunities.  From rentals at Willoughby Farm to room rentals at the CARD Activity Center, there are plenty of choices for that family celebration or business gathering.  For those looking for a bit more activity, ball fields are available for rent at the Jaycee Sports Complex and Woodland Park.

The newest rental opportunity is located at CARD’s Pleasant Ridge Park Archery Range.  The six lane range is available to rent year round, weather permitting, for $60 per hour or $50 per hour with a Benefit ID card.  Rental includes recurve bows and arrows as well as an instructor.

Arlington Greens Golf Course is currently offering Twilight Rates starting at 1pm for just $25 on weekdays and $27 on weekends.  Super Twilight Rates start at 2:30pm for $20 seven days a week.

Be sure to follow CARD on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and at www.CollinsvilleRec.com to stay on top of upcoming events, programs and ways to save.  All registration can be done online, over the phone at 618-346-7529 or in person at 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234.

Arlington Wetlands Gets Help From the Mississippi Valley Duck Association

COLLINSVILLE, IL- March 20, 2016

From Left to Right: Dave Koderhant, Gary Stevenson, Carol Frerker, Kip  Schnider, Keith Reineck, Don Bold

Arlington Wetlands is getting some help from the Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association, a non-profit organization of sportsmen that work with area conservationists to help bolster native water fowl populations.  The new partnership will bring new homes to several feathered natives at the Arlington Wetlands.

On Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 4:30P.M., the Mississippi Valley Duck Association, of Millstadt, Illinois, donated and installed two wren houses, two bluebird houses, four wood duck houses and two goose nesting boxes.

The partnership will present an opportunity to not only allow more opportunities for the community to become involved, but will improve our wetland and woodland wildlife habitats.

The Collinsville Area Recreation District partners with Madison County Planning and Development and Heartland Conservancy in managing Arlington Wetlands and hopes this partnership will help encourage other regional organization to join the efforts to bring more awareness to the benefits and importance of a wetland as well as the enjoyment of observing wildlife.  Through multiple partnerships, educational opportunities with outdoor programming can increase.

Arlington Wetlands is located at 84 Arlington Drive in Granite City, Illinois. To learn more about the location visit www.arlingtonwetlands.org or visit CARD’s website at www.collinsvillerec.com.

Donny Hall and Keith Reineck install a Wood Duck House in the trees at Arlington Wetlands with the help of Keith Renneck and Gary Stevenson

Thank you Mississippi Valley Duck Association!!!

Your passion and expertise in wetland ecology; along with your commitment to improving and preserving wetland habitats and youth education will truly help us in our mission of habitat conservation, education, and recreation for all ages.

-Carol Frerker, Supervisor for Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve

For more pictures of the install please visit our Facebook page.

Photos provided by Steve Rainbolt

Press Release for November

COLLINSVILLE, IL- NOVEMBER 29, 2015- It is business as usual for the employees of the Collinsville Area Recreation District.  Amid the discussions of a possible dissolving of the district, current employees are working diligently to ensure the annual events and regular programs go on without a hitch and the area parks are prepared for the winter ahead.

With Christmas right around the corner, CARD is partnering with The Collinsville Food Pantry to host a toy drive.  All individuals donating a new toy will receive 25% off class registration for upcoming January classes.  This discount is in addition to Early Bird discounts and Sibling discounts.  Donations will be accepted through December 14 at the CARD Activity Center.

Willoughby Farm is still going strong.  On December 5 from 9am-12pm, volunteers can come out for the Community Conservation Days and help to convert the surrounding invasive jungle into a native prairie and woodland area.  Participants will be identifying and removing unwanted invasive species and planting native seeds.  This is open to all ages and no experience is required.  The farm’s annual Christmas at Willoughby will be heldDecember 6 from 1pm-4pm.  This event is open to all ages and is just $3 per person.  Children age three and under are free.  Be sure to check online to learn about upcoming classes at the farm including Beginning Beekeeping, Book Binding, Garden Planning and Making Maple Syrup.

The CARD recreation department is keeping business going as usual with regular programs and events.  Parents in need of a time out on a Saturday can sign their little ones, between the age of three and six, up for Parent’s Time Out on December 5.  The event will run from 9am-2pm.  Children will have a day filled with holiday games and activities.  On December 12 the entire family can gather for Breakfast with Santa at the Collinsville Ravanelli’s.  The event takes place from 9am-10:30pm.  Registration is required for all events.

Drop-in classes are staying active to keep people busy during the winter months.  Open volleyball takes place on Mondays at Dorris Intermediate School from 6:30pm-8:30pm.  This activity is for those ages 16 and up.  For the toddlers in your life, Totally Tots Playtime takes place on Mondays and Thursday from 9:30am-11am.  This provides open play time for those between the age of one and four.  Thursday night’s Hatha Yoga is offered for those ages 16 and up.  Be sure to bring a towel or mat.  Registration is not required for these activities.  Small fees are taken upon arrival.

Be sure to take advantage of CARD’s Make a Wish Come True Toy Drive before December 14.  Bring in a new gift for a child up to the age of 15 and participants will receive 25% off of registration costs for any classes starting in January.  Those classes include Intro to Dance, Modern Dance, Karate I, Karate II and Tumbling.

To register or to learn more about any of CARD’s programs, events or facilities, visit the administrative office at 10 Gateway Drive, call 618-346-7529 or visit them online at collinsvillerec.com.