Winter Recreation

The Gunnison Parks & Recreation WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMS will be starting SOON!
Classes strarting next week, the week of January 6th, include FUNducation, recreation cross country skiing, adult ice sakting, youth ice skating, Tae-Kwon-Do, Kid's Cooking Afterschool Culinary Club with Mountain Roots, and aerial classes!
Classes starting the week of January 13th include, gymnastics, rock climbing, Kingston Swim Club, swimming lessons, Mite and Pee Wee basketball, 4th - 6th grade boys and girls basketball, 3rd - 6th grade youth volleyball, Pee Wee freestyle Duster wrestling, play 60 and cheerleading.

There is something for everyone!  Try something new!  Spaces are filling up so sign up soon to reserve your spot.  To register call 641-8060, stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer, or visit the website at www.gunnisonrec.com  Get out and enjoy the winter! 

It may be fall but...\

The mornings are crisper, the skies are bluer, and "fall" is definitly in the air. 

Golen Gunnison River
Gregg Morin photo

Our abundant early autumn rains put a slight damper on the glorious golden 

Biking Hartman Rocks
Gregg Morin photo

and red aspen leaves we typically enjoy but it is still more than worthwhile to get out and enjoy the Gunnison Valley. 
Walking, hiking and biking are superb on the VanTuyl Ranch trails or at Hartman Rocks south of town.  The cool fall air is invigorating as you pedal your way through the granite boulders lining the bike and hiking trails.  And those pesky summer mosquitos are but a vague memory.   
Although the seasonal low water levels in the Gunnison River make kayaking and rafting more challenging at this time of year, fishing is still in full swing.  There's nothing like casting a hand-tied fly out over the riffles in pursuit of the whily rainbow trout.  Or just dangle your feel in the cool water, find your zen-center, and watch the golden leaves raft their way down river to Blue Meas Reservoir. 
You can hike, road bike, mountain bike, rock climb or just enjoy the great outdoors in a serene moment.  When evening stars to fall, head indoors at the Gunnison Community Center for swimming, sliding down the water slides, climbing on the indoor wall, play basketball in the gym or challenge the kids or friends to a game of pool in the game room. 
If you can't wait for winter, get acclimatized by strapping on your ice skates and playing hockey or practice your sitz spins at the indoor Jorgensen Ice Rink. 
Bottom line, there's lots to do in the fall in Gunnison - your Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains!

Gunni High Tri is here!

That's right!  The much anticipated first annual GUNNI HIGH TRI take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 7th, 2013, starting at 9:30am, at the Gunnison Community Cener, 200 E. Spencer Avenue in Gunnison. 
Participants wil compete as an individual or as a team. 

The athletes will SWIM 500 yards (.28 mile) in the pool, then BIKE 13 miles and finish up with an invigorating 3.2 mile RUN on the trails above the WSCU Bowl.  The finish line is at the Community Center. 

Come out and cheer on your favorite Gunni Triathlete.  Good luck to you ALL! 

Are You Training?

Are you in training yet?  If not, you should be!  The first annual Gunni High Tri sprint triathlon is rapidly approaching!
On Saturday, September 7th, starting at 9:30am,  participants will swim 500 years in the Community Center Pool, bike 13 miles around the beautiful Gunnison Valley, and then run 3.2 miles on the near-by Signal Peak trails and Western State Colorado University campus. 
Registration is $50.00 per participant or $50.00 for up to three-person team with each participant doing one leg of the "Tri". 
Following the timed events, there will be a fun-filled awards festival and after event party at the Community Center. Get registered by calling 970-641-8060 or stopping by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison. 
Get registered for this inagural event and Start Training TODAY! 

Even the kids can compete.  Starting off the event weekend will be a Healthy Kids Triathlon on Friday, September 6th starting at 5:30pm.  This event has two divisions:  the younger division for 3 to 7 year olds and the older division for 8+ year old kids.  Two routes will be available for varying skill levels.  For details and to register call the Recreation Department at 641-8060 or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer in Gunnison. 

Help Break a WORLD RECORD!

Gunnison Parks & Recreation is teaming up the nation's top water safety and training organizations to present "The World's Largest Swimming Lesson!"  This lesson is aimed at setting the Guiness World Record and will help build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim and be water safe! 


Gunnison Community Center - 200 E. Spencer Avenue

 We want YOU to join us to break this world record.  Everyone ages 3 to 100+ is invited to register, this Tuesday, June 28th, starting at 8:30am at the Gunnison Community Center.  Everyone needs to be by the pool at 8:50am.  The World's Largest Swim Lesson will be held simultaneously at aquatic facilities around the globe.  This is 9am Gunnison Time. 
For more information, call 641-8425 or 641-8427.  See you there to BREAK THAT RECORD!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Gunnison Parks & Recreation is offering a FAMILY FUN NIGHT this Friday, May 3rd, starting at 5:30pm at the Gunnison Community Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue. 
There will be fun for the entire family.  Come out and enjoy games, snacks and a movie in the pool - YES, in the pool!   There will be chairs and inner tubes to watch the  movie in the pool.  The bouncy house will also be in the pool for some slip-n-sliding fun into the lap pool.  This event is free for community center members and non-members pay the drop-in fee of $4 for youth and $6 for adults.  For more information, call 641-8060.  See you there!

Underwater Egg Hunt!

Saturday, March 30th, is the City's Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt.  This family fun event takes place at the Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Facility, starting at 9:45am. 
The event is for all kids, 0 to 12 years old.  The pool will have desinated areas for specific age groups. 

There will also be the bounce house in the gym, a scavenger hunt in the building and breakfast snacks.  The egg hunt will take place in 2 waves - one at 10am and the second at 11am. 

After the Underwater Egg Hunt!

Sign up at the Community Center.  The cost is $4.00 for non-members and FREE for members.  Doors open at 9:45am.  For more information, call 641-8060.  Happy Easter. 

It's FREE

Gunnison Parks & Recreation is offering a FREE Aqua Zumba class on Wednesday, February 20th from 5:30 to 6:15 P.M. at the Community Center pool, 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.  If you've tried Zumba on land -  now try it in the "less stress on your joints" pool! 

They are looking for individuals to come try this FREE class and then give them feedback.  Call 641-8427 for more information. 

Swim Time Again!

The next session of Youth Swimming Lessons start on Monday, February 11th.  They are held Monday and Wednesday evenings.  Call 641-8060 to sign up. 

The Adult Swim Program will meet tonight, Wednesday, February 5th at 5:15 P.M. in the Community Center Pool.  This program meets once a month and is for beginning and intermediate swimmers who want to build confidence and endurance in their own swim workouts.  This program is FREE for facility members.  No need to sign up - just show up! 

See everyone in the pool! 

MLK Jr. Holiday City Closures

City of Guunison Offices will be CLOSED on Monday, January 21st in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday.  City offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Police, Fire and Dispatch/Communications will be working on Monday.

Refuse Schedule:  if your trash is normally picked up on Monday, it will be picked up on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Please contact the Public Works Department at 641-8020 if you have questions. 

Community Center Schedule:  The Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Faciltiy will be open o from 8am to 9pm on Monday, January 21st.  There will be NO Early morning swimming on Monday.  The Community Center climbing wall will be open from 12 noon to 7pm.  Please call 641-8060 if you have questions. 

"Peace is not merely a distanct goal that we seek;  but a means by which we arrive at that goal."  Martin Luther King Jr.

What's your health & fitness Resolution?

The Gunnison Recreation Department will help you acheive your health and fitness New Year's Resolution.  Come join in the ADULT SWIM PROGRAM!  Swimming can burn calories, boost metabolism and firm muscles without stressing your joints.  It's a great workout for all ages and abilities.

The adult swim program meets once per month starting on Wednesday, January 2nd at 5:15pm at the Gunnison Community Center.  It is for beginner and intermediate swimmers who want to build confidence and endurance in their swim workouts. 

The program is FREE for Community Center members.  No need to sign up - just show up!  For more information call 970-641-8425.  See you in the pool! 

WOW - FREE swim lessons!

That's right.  Adult Swim Lessons are FREE for holders of a current Gunnison Community Center facility membership.
These one-hour small group lessons offer a safe and non-threatening opportunity to learn the fundamentals of swimming for safety, fitness and enjoyment.  The highly qualified swimming instructors will work with you to overcome anxiety and apprehension about swimming.  Progress at your own pace.  Focus on the swim strokes you want to learn.  The program offers participants to opportunity to meet with instructors monthly while working on and practicing their swimming skills in their own time.
The FREE adult swim lessons are the first Wednesday of each month on November 7th and December 5th, from 5:15pm to 6:15 pm. 
For more information call 641-8425 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison. 

New Winter Hours

The daylight is getting shorter and winter is on its way. (do a snow dance everyone!)

So, starting Monday, November 5th, the Gunnison Community and Aquatics Center will have new winter hours. 
The facility hours are as follows:
Monday - Thursday  6am to 9pm
Friday  6am to 8pm
Saturday  10am to 8pm
Sunday 12 Noon to 8pm
The swimming pools will close 15 minutes before the building closes.  There's still plenty of time to enjoy all of the recreational opportunities available at the Center.  Try it out!

No Excuses!

There are NO excuses if you or your children can't find something to do!  The Gunnison Parks & Recreation Fall Programs are now starting. 
Listed below are some of the classes or programs and their start dates:

Intro into Aerial Arts - ages 6 and up; starts Friday, August 31st
Pre-K to 8th Grade Cheerleading - starts on Friday, August 31st
U6, U8, U10 Soccer - starts on Wednesday, September 5th
Rock Climbing Classes for all Ages - the majority of classes start the week of September 3rd
Youth Tennis ages 5 to 13 yrs - starts Tuesday, September 4th
Hula Hoop - starts Tuesday, September 4th
Tae-Kwon-Do - starts Monday, September 10th
Gymnastics - the majority of classes start the week of September 3rd
Diving Classes - start Monday, September 10th
Kingston Swim Club - starts Wednesday, September 5th
After School Swim Lessons - start Tuesday, September 4th
Saturday Swim Lessons - start Saturday, September 8th
Morning Swim Lessons - start Monday, September 10th
Evening Swim Lessons - start Tuesday, September 11th

Call 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue for more information or to register.

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day from all City Council and employees.  Most City offices will be closed on Monday, September 3rd.  Police, Fire and Dispatch Services will be working to ensure everyone's safety. 

If your refuse and recycling is normally collected on Monday, it will be collected on Tuesday, September 4th.  Just place it in the normal pickup spot on Tuesday morning rather than Monday. 

The Gunnison Community/Aquatics Center will have limited hours on Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd.  The building will be open from 8am to 8pm.  The swimming pools will be open from 8am to 7:45pm.  There will be NO early morning swim on Monday.  Open swim and slides/sprays will start at 12pm. 

The climbing wall will be open from 1:30pm to 7pm.

Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday. 

Community Center Closures

The Gunnison Community Center and Aquatics Facility will be closed for Annual Cleaning and Maintenance this week.  The entire building will be closed from Monday, August 27th through Wednesday, August 29th.  Please note that the FUNducation program, and the Level 3, 4, and 5 gymnastics classes will still be having classes even though the facility is closed.  You can also still come to the front desk to register for fall programs. 

The swimming pools/aquatics facility will be closed from Sunday, August 26th through Friday, August 31st.  The pools and slides will re-open in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend on Satuday, September 1st.  For more information, call the Community Center at 641-8060.  Thanks for your patience.  It'll be clean and shiny when the facility reopens. 

FREE Swim Lessons

Thanks to a generous grant from Gunnison Energy Coroporation, the Gunnison Parks and Recreation Department is offering the final swim lessons of the season FREE! 


Swim Lessons

Lessons will be based on Red Cross instruction with an emphasis on local community water safety.  Swim instructors will focus on our local bodies of water:  ditches, rivers, lakes and our local pools; and teach swimming skills and safety. 
WHO:  swimmers of all levels - Ages 3+
WHEN:  Monday, August 13 thru Thursday, August 23rd;  Monday - Thursday classes with no class on August 22nd; from 9am to 11am at the Gunnison Community Center Aquatics Facility.
HOW:  Space is limited!  To register call 970-641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.

Colorado State Swim Meet

The Colorado State Swim Meet will be held in Gunnison at the Community/Aquatics Center from Friday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 5th. 
The facility will have limited hours open to the public during the meet.  The closures are as follows:

Friday, August 3rd:  Facility, including pools, is OPEN 6am to 8am.  Swimming Pools closed 8am to 5pm and open 5pm to 7:45pm; Gym closed 12 to 8pm.  The climbing wall & game room open from 12-7pm.

Saturday August 4th:  The entire facility, including the swimming pools, is CLOSED all day

Sunday, August 5th:  Entire facility including pools is closed from 6am to 5pm.  The swimming pools and facility will re-open from 5pm to 7:45pm, however the climbing wall is closed.

We are sorry for any inconveneience this may cause.  For more information please call 641-8060. 

Recreation NEWS!

There's LOTS going on in the City Recreation Department!
This Saturday, April 7th, starting at 11:30am, will be the Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, better known as "Eggquatics". There will be Easter games, a bouncy house, and 1500 sinking Easter eggs. Participants need to wear their swim suits to gather eggs in the pool.
There will be 3 waves of children with ONLY 75 kids per wave. The first wave is at 11:45am; the second wave is at 12:10pm and the last wave is at 12:35pm. Each wave will have a designated color wrist band. The cost is FREE to members or with a daily drop in fee.
To pre-register or for more information, email coryvanderveen@cityofgunnison-co.us or call 970-641-8060. Thanks to the event sponsors: Circus Train, Gunnison Kiwanis, Pizza Hut, and Boom-a-Rang. You're awesome!

The City of Gunnison Summer Adventure Camp for children ages 6 to 12 years, is starting planned for 2012! Session 1 is May 29th to June 29th; Session 2 is July 2nd to August 3rd and Session 3 is August 6th to August 24th. The sessions are held Monday through Fridays, and start at 8:30am each morning (drop-offs start at 7:30am) and sessions end at 4:45pm (with pickup by 5:30pm).
There will be hiking, rafting, fishing, basketball, kickball, rock climbing, swimming, baseball, arts & crafts, games, tennis, rollerblading, gardening, bowling, field trips and much more Whew!
For more information email gunnisonsummercamp@yahoo.com or call the Community Center at 970-641-8060.

Attention Swimmers!

The Gunnison Stingrays Swim Team will be using 4 of the 6 lap lanes during the following days:
April 2nd through April 26th
Mondays: 5:30-6:30pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 4:30-6:30pm
During these times only 2 lap lanes will be available to the public and that neither the diving board, rope swing or green slide will be available for anyone's use.
Please call the Community Center at 641-8060 for further information.