Don’t miss these Parks and Recreation Dep’t programs

No matter what time of year, local parks and recreation departments offer an abundance of activities athletes of all ages will enjoy.

You’ll find brief descriptions of such programs most weeks in our “Sports Scene” listings, but we figured it was time to spotlight a few classes worth checking out.

• Adults can hit the rapids by signing up for a whitewater rafting school offered through Lynnwood Parks and Rec (425-771-4030). Guides from Federal Way-based Wildwater River Tours (www.wildwater-river.com) will take rafters on a 10-day adventure this April on the Nisqually, Skagit and Wenatchee rivers.

The course costs $399 and is designed to teach rafters how to become professional-grade rafting guides. River safety, rigging rafts, paddle and rowing techniques, commanding a crew and equipment maintenance are among the topics that are covered.

“The expectation is that upon completion of the course, you’ll be able to lead a guide boat,” said Joel Faber, with Lynnwood Parks and Rec. “If you’re an outdoorsy person looking for an adventure, this is a great way to go.”

• Those who prefer to steer clear of rough waters can sign up for an Arabic/American-style belly dancing class through Edmonds Parks and Rec (425-771-0230). Dancers ages 12-and-up are taught basic moves, isolations, shimmies and combination steps, plus veil, finger cymbals, choreographies, cane and ethnic dances.

The next series of classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers starts in early March. Prices vary and classes meet weekly at a local studio.

“Our instructor has been teaching belly dancing for a long time,” said Renée McRae, with Edmonds Parks and Rec. “Her students really love her.”

• Prospective dancers can also shake their hips at a hula class offered by Edmonds Parks and Rec beginning the first week of April. Participants will learn basic steps as well as the language and history of the Hawaiian art form. Visit www.ci.edmonds.wa.us to sign up for kids and adult classes.

• For two weekends in March, the Pacific Lutheran University men’s and women’s basketball teams will put on youth clinics at Columbia Athletic Club in Mill Creek for players ages 6-17.

The boys clinic is set for March 20-21 and the girls will take the court March 27-28. Campers receive a T-shirt with their registration fee ($70 for Mill Creek residents, $80 for non-residents) and a chance to win additional prizes. For more information, call 425-745-1891 or visit www.cityofmillcreek.com.

• As part of its “Silver Sneakers” program, Mountlake Terrace Parks and Rec (425-640-3101) offers strength and conditioning fitness classes designed for seniors who are Medicare eligible individuals. Classes are easy on the joints and appropriate for those who exercise regularly as well as those who haven’t been to the gym in years. Water and land classes are available and meet three times a week. There is no cost for Group Health members and non-members pay $3.50. Drop-ins are welcome.

• A step-by-step juggling class for children ages 6-12 is offered by Shoreline Parks and Rec (206-546-2741) at Ridgecrest Elementary School. Students will learn the tricks to juggling bags, balls, rings and clubs while developing their hand-eye coordination. The class costs $30 and meets from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through the end of March. Register online at www.cityofshoreline.com.

• Seniors 50-and-up can test out their top spin by heading to Spartan Gym at Shoreline Center for drop-in pickle ball every Wednesday from 4:14-5:15 p.m. Balls are provided, but remember to BYOP, or bring your own paddle.Charlie Laughtland and David Pan cover sports for the Enterprise Newspapers. Questions and comments may be sent by e-mail to entsports@heraldnet.com, by fax to 425-774-8622 or by mail to Sports editor, The Enterprise, 4303 198th St. SW., Lynnwood, WA 98036.