LPRD has a variety of instruction programs designed for those 50 years-old and older. Consider one of the following. Participation in any activity does present an element of risk.
BOCCE BALL FREE PLAY
LPRD has two bocce ball courts available for free play at Holcom Park. Equipment is available for check-out inside the recreation center.
PICKLEBALL
Pickleball courts are available for free play at Lyons Park, Holcom Park, Dad Perry Park East Lawrence Center and Sports Pavilion Lawrence®. Call to confirm availability of indoor courts.
TRAVEL
The Lifelong Recreation program offers day trips, overnight and regional travel. Travel with friends, both old and new, while we take care of the details. Trips are announced in the quarterly newsletter and at Travel Shows. If you would like to be on the mailing list, contact Gayle Sigurdson, Lifelong Recreation programmer at (785)832-7909 or gsigurdson@lawrenceks.org.
WINTER/SPRING PROGRAMS
ART IS A VERB
Join us for a series of classes based on the idea that art is something you do, not something you make. Set aside time each week to learn a technique for expression that nurtures social and emotional health, reinforces skills for relaxation and focus and reminds us that art is a form of play. Each class will introduce a different technique or medium. Note: This session’s techniques will differ from or expand on those in the previous series. Instructors: Jill Mickel and Kim McDaneld.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
ASEMIC WRITING/MINDFUL DRAWING WORKSHOP
Enrollment Min: 5 / Max: 15. In this workshop we will be exploring and abstracting our own handwriting. Along with using imagery, traditional letters, calligraphy, textures, and symbols creating free flowing gestural imagery. We’ll discover varied uses for Japanese rice paper, deli paper, tissue paper along with mixed media paper. Unique mark making tools will be encouraged. (kitchen tools, old worn brushes, toys, stencils etc.) Those who enroll will receive an email from the instructor before the workshop. This workshop meets two Sunday afternoons for a deeper dive into Asemic writing and mindful writing. Instructor: Kim McDaneld.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
BAROQUE RECORDER- A LIFELONG INSTRUMENT
Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument or did you participate in music during school? We will explore the Baroque recorder as a wonderful vehicle for making music as a lifelong learner. Playing an instrument is great for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. As you begin to play, you can create beautiful sounds on the recorder and enjoy an authentic musical experience. Beginning and experienced musicians are welcome. Instructor Jean Hein is a founding member, recorder soloist and executive director of Columbia Baroque, South Carolina’s professional chamber ensemble. Instructor: Jean Hein.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
COLLAGE WORKSHOP
In this workshop we will be exploring unique ways to layer imagery, the assemblage of found objects, and the use of different glues and matte mediums. Collage is a very creative way to explore your environment, another way of using mindful techniques to explore color, texture, and shape, along with drawing. A true form of Mixed Media. An email with a materials list and guidelines for a successful experience will be sent out ahead of the workshop. This workshop meets two Sunday afternoons for a deeper dive into Collage and Mixed Media expression. Instructor: Kim McDaneld.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
FENCING: MODERN OLYMPIC SPORT
Fencing is one of only four sports to be included in every modern Olympic Games since the first in 1896. This fencing class is for beginners as well as more experienced fencers in foil, epee, and saber, emphasizing technique, tactics, strategy, and psychology. Beginners learn the basics, and experienced fencers work on sharpening their skills. Get some good exercise and have fun learning this unique sport. Basic equipment provided. Instructor: John Dillard.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
BETTE DAVIS FILM CLASS
Considered one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses of all-time, Bette Davis worked on over 100 films, across six decades, which earned her ten Oscar nominations. She battled the studio system to garner better roles, when few actors had the guts or power to get away with it. With her “Bette Davis eyes” and distinctive diction and mannerisms, she dominated the screen in magnetic and strong-willed performances. Join us for an engaging discussion as we explore the silver-screen legend through her personal history and a sampling of her films.”
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
GELATIN PLATE PRINTING
Explore how to print without a press using a GelIi plate. Gelli plates are reusable printing plates made from a commercial gel that allows you to make monoprints without a large, expensive press and nontoxic. The Gelli plate gives the artist the freedom to experiment with fabric, paper, organic materials like flowers, leaves, to create textures and multiple color layers. The imagery and possibilities are endless. We will explore different types of imagery, mark making, experimenting with different printing papers using water-based inks and acrylic paints. This workshop meets two Sunday afternoons for a deeper dive into Gelli printing. Instructor: Kim McDaneld.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
JEWELRY DESIGN AND REPAIR
Learn basic beginning bead stringing techniques from Julie Kingsbury. We will explore design, spacing, and placement. You will create your own design with semi-precious stone beads and sterling silver and gold-filled beads and clasps. Learn about various stringing materials, clasps, and ear wire choices, and leave with a finished bracelet and a pair of earrings you can wear! Also, if you have beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that need repair, you will leave with the knowledge of being able to repair them yourself! Instructor: Julie Kingsbury.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
MOVING FOR LIFE
This fun, EASY dance class for those over 55, strengthens muscles and increases range of movement. Dance has been shown to improve brain function and build better balance. We will use modern dance warm-ups and build a dance phrase over the six weeks. Let’s dance, laugh and improve our health in this welcoming atmosphere. Taught by Susan Rieger, professional dancer, choreographer and artistic director of aha! dance theatre and the 940 Dance Company. Instructor: Susan Rieger.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
TREE TREASURES OF OLD LAWRENCE
This narrated bus tour started it all 11 years ago–an opportunity to learn about the big, historic trees of Lawrence. Our new version this spring will focus on North Lawrence and East Lawrence; emphasizing Oak Hill Cemetery, South Park, the East Bottoms, the railroads of Lawrence, and Bismarck Grove. Tour Guide: Jon Standing.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
BEGINNING UKULELE
This beginning ukulele course will cover tuning, basic chords and beginning strum patterns. Share the fun while learning to play commonly known songs. Students brand new to ukulele are welcome! Ukuleles are not provided. If you are considering buying one, please contact the instructor before class and she will guide you in buying a good starter one. Come share the joy of Aloha! No class 9/13. Instructor: Linda Tilton.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring
INTERMEDIATE UKULELE
Enrollment Min 5 / Max 10. This course is for ukulele players who already know basic chords and chord progressions. Focus is on fingerpicking, reading tablature and advanced chord shapes such as bar and diminished chord shapes. Ukuleles and tuners are not provided. Come share the joy of Aloha! Prerequisite: Minimum of two sessions Beginning Ukulele courses or prior consent from teacher. Instructor: Linda Tilton.
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this winter
Find out when it’s available and enroll online this spring