Arts, Dance Highlights Summer Programs
By Leslie Rott

With the summer in full swing, the Mackinac Island Recreation Department has many events planned for all ages and for residents and visitors alike.

At its meeting Monday, June 13, Recreation Director Leanne Brodeur updated board members on the activities that the Recreation Department has planned throughout the summer.

“Arts & Nature-In-the-Park” began Wednesday, June 15, and will run every Wednesday through July 20. All sessions of the program will be held at Great Turtle Park at no charge. Children ages five to 13 are welcome to take part. The sessions are as follows:

Wednesday, June 15, Nature Hike Program and Project.

Wednesday, June 22, Froggy Face Program and Paper Flower Project.

Wednesday, June 29, Tree-mendous Activity Program and Project.

Wednesday, July 6, Busy Honey Bees Program and Project.

Wednesday, July 13, Gemstones Program and Project.

Wednesday, July 20, Solo graphics and Project.

A youth soccer camp, for children in grades seven through 12 will be held on Monday, June 27, through Wednesday, June 29, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The camp will be run by former professional soccer player Drago Dumbovic and the soccer team from Saginaw Valley State University. Special and extra instruction will be available as needed. The camp will be held at Great Turtle Park for a cost of $50. Each participant will receive a soccer ball and T-shirt. Contact Ken Straight at (906) 847-0217 or Mackinac Island Public School at (906) 847-3376 for more information.

John Knuth, famed Marysville High School head volleyball coach and National Volleyball Coach of the Year, will be holding a volleyball camp at Mackinac Island Public School Monday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 20, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Students who will be in grades six through 12 in the fall are invited to participate. The cost is $75 for the full three days, or $30 per day.

A basketball camp with Coach Sam Cornett from South Haven Public Schools will be held Tuesday, August 9, through Thursday, August 11, at Mackinac Island Public School. Cost for the camp is $75.

Horseback riding lessons will be given once a week Wednesday, June 22, through Wednesday, August 31. Lessons take place on either Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning and are available to Mackinac 4-H Horse Club members.

Darlene Olson began teaching youth gymnastics classes on June 7. Classes take place every Tuesday at Mackinac Island Public School. Although classes have already begun, a six week session is still available. For more information, contact Darlene Olson at (231) 627-6458.

The Recreation Department also has plans for youth softball and youth archery, which will take place at Great Turtle Park. The dates have yet to be determined.

A rafting and canoeing field trip will also be held during the summer, details to be announced by the Recreation Department as soon as possible.

Adult activities for the summer includes ballroom dancing every Thursday night at Community Hall and the potential for softball, soccer, and volleyball challenge nights.

In addition to the long list of exciting events, Great Turtle Park will be opened daily throughout the summer, equipped with swings, slides, a picnic area, and rest rooms, offering free fun for the whole family. The skate park at Great Turtle Park, equipped with two ramps, a jump box, and grind rails, is also open daily throughout the summer. Burough Lot Park at Mackinac Island Public School will also be opened daily, offering swings, slides, and a picturesque lake side view.

In other business at the meeting, members discussed plans to paint the storage sheds and concession stand at Great Turtle Park. Board Member Barb Fisher said that the Lutheran District Gathering 2005 that will be coming to the Island at the end of this month will be on hand to help with the painting. The board also has plans to seal from moisture the score board and deck at Great Turtle Park hope to run a power and phone line to the concession stand.

The Recreation Department board approved lending two sets of portable benches from the soccer field to the Tourism Bureau for use at the Dog and Pony Show.

For additional information about programs through the Recreation Department, contact Leanne Brodeur by phone at (906) 847-3853 or send an e-mail to info@mackinachorses.com.