The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation department provides offerings for every member of the community. The staff continues to broaden programs to tempt young and old to join in the fun. The department’s winter guide is now finalized and printed and has been offered in each of the schools in the county.

There are always sports leagues to join including indoor soccer, basketball and more.

New this year will be a girl’s volleyball league for those between the ages of 10 and 12. The eight-week session begins in May and is a recreational league aimed at teaching fundamental skills and teamwork while having fun. Registration is already beginning for the newly formed league and it sure to fill up fast.

One repeat winner for the department is the continued offering of dance lessons. Sessions beginning this week include Tiny Tots Ballet, Ballet I/II, Pre-Ballet and another favorite, Jazz and Hip Hop. Classes for varying age groups are available.

Once the dancers have learned some of the skills, the young ladies participating can try out their moves at the annual Daddy Daughter Dance scheduled for Feb. 21 at the Jefferson County Community Center. The dance runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at a cost of $20 per couple with an additional $8 per sibling. A spaghetti dinner is included in the evening and photo opportunities will be available.

Another popular selection is gymnastics and cheer courses offered. These range from beginners to advanced with all descriptions available online at www.jcprc.org.

Moms looking for some energy-releasing fun for their 1-5 year olds can head over to the community center for indoor playground on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For just $5 for the first child and $3 for each additional child, the youngsters can explore various obstacles on their on including any number of toys and moon bounces.

Martial Arts instruction is another offering available to all ages through the park’s programming. Mommy and Me Karate covers those ages 1-5 while other offerings include Little Dragons, Little Ninjas, Ninjas, Teen Ninjas and Homeschool Karate. An adult self defense class is also offered. Check out each of the descriptions of these courses online at www.jcprc.org.

A new craze that has people out and moving is pickleball. This game is a mix between tennis, badminton and table tennis. The widely popular game is sweeping the nation and is now offered Fridays, beginning today, from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a “drop in” activity so no pre-registration is required. Cost is only $3.

Perhaps Animal Adventures will catch the eye of local residents. This class, offered Fridays from Jan. 17-Feb. 28, offers the ability for participants to learn about real exotic animals during each class. Animals may include but not be limited to birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and tarantulas. Students will learn all about these animals as well as observe them up close.

The Parks and Recreation department also provides a variety of bus trips throughout the year. The next planned outing will take place on Saturday, Apr. 5 with a trip to Washington, D.C. to observe the Cherry Blossom Festival. Cost for the trip covers transportation only at $30. Departure from the Jefferson County Community Center is at 8 a.m. with a return departure time leaving Washington at 8 p.m.

These and many more opportunities await those looking for recreational activities. Visit the website at www.jcprc.org and determine what other activities may be of interest. Registration can be done quickly and easily online. For more information on any program, call the park offices at 304-728-3207.