The 1976-77 Division of Recreation’s Fall, Winter, Spring Programs officially began on Monday, October 11, 1976 with the opening of 13 Recreation Centers, 7 swimming sites, and approximately 25 outposts.
The program will include a variety of activities for all ages from pre-school youngsters to senior citizens. Many of the Recreation Centers will be open daily including Saturday and Sunday with programs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The following Recreation Centers officially opened Monday, October 11, 1976:
Cherokee Recreation Center* 3200 South Jefferson-664-0582
Dunn-Marquette Center 4025 Minnesota-353-1250
Buder Center* 2900 Hickory-772-1760
Soulard Center 1614 S. 8th-621-1286
Desoto Center* 1301 N. 20th-421-0254
Gamble Center 2907 Gamble-531-0505
Vashon Center 3145 Market-652-6112
Visitation Center 836 Belt-367-4424
West End Center* 724 N. Union-367-4141
*Swimming sites
Tandy Center* 4206 Kennerly-652-5131
Wohl Center* 1515 N. Kingshighway-367-2292
Capri Center 19th &Cole-241-0254
12th & Park Center* 1410 S. 12th-436-2691
Swimming programs will be offered at Cherokee, Buder,
12th & Park, Desoto, Tandy, West End, and
Wohl Center Pools.
The programs include; Learn to Swim, Water Safety, Lifesaving and Recreational swimming sessions. Pools are also available to groups on a permit basis. Program information is available by calling the Center Director.
The competitive sports program includes an active adult and children’s league program in volleyball (men, women, co-ed, children) basketball, flag football, and soccer.
The Recreation Division’s “Learn To” programs, includes instruction in basketball, boxing, volleyball, roller and ice skating, tennis, swimming, tap, ballet, and modern dance. Opportunities for tumbling, trampoline, and various exercise classes will be available.
The boxing program, which led to the development of Olympians, Michael and Leon Spinks, will be offered at eight training sites. The program is highlighted by the annual Diamond Gloves Boxing Tournament which attracted 8,000 spectators last season.
Arrangements may be made through the Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry for the use of public parks, athletic fields and facilities.
The craft program for adults includes ceramics, needlepoint, general crafts, oil painting, sewing and water coloring. The children’s classes will offer design and assembly of special craft items, woodwork, paper mache, handwork, and special projects. Displaying highlighting these projects will be shown at Kiener Park, City Hall Rotunda, and the Jewel Box.
Tiny Tot programs for youngsters 3 to 5 years of age are being offered at each Center and selected outposts. The program of activities includes crafts, games, storytelling, use of special equipment, trampoline, tumbling, singing rhythms, dancing and pre-kindergarten academies. Special activities for this group includes visits from Santa, special teeny-tiny track meets, formal graduation exercises, traditional holiday celebrations and field trips.
Originally published in The Paper, November 1976.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1976_11.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 8.
