Adult Programs

Pre-Registration is Required for Most Programs. As always recommended, please consult with your physician before starting any exercise program.
Watch for new programs and events throughout the year!
Refer to our
refund policy for information on class withdrawals and cancellations.

News AND IMPORTANT UPDATES

Look here for news and important updates regarding programs, etc.

ADULT KARATE INSTRUCTION

(Ages 12 & Up)
Parks & Rec has partnered with Maryville Isshin-Ryu Karate School to offer the following classes to both youth and adults. MIKS was established in 1967, and is the oldest martial arts school in Blount County. It is accredited by the International Isshin-Ryu Karate Association. There are no contracts or hidden fees. Participants will learn effective self-defense, street fighting techniques, traditional kata, and much more.  Benefits include great workouts, stress management techniques, increased concentration, boosted confidence, flexibility, balance, discipline and respect. For more information, visit the school’s website at maryvilleisshinryu.com
Dates
Mondays & Thursdays - Classes ongoing, new students accepted at anytime.
Location
Springbrook Recreation Center
1537 Dalton Street, Alcoa, TN 37701
Time
7:00-8:30 PM
Cost
$120.00 per quarter (3 months) - family rates available
Registration
For more information, call 865-599-0452 or email Pete Simmons at pete.simmons@charter.net
Instructors
Bruce Guillaume, Mike Lewis, Angie Bragg, Shane Lenoir, Bill McCarter, Pete Simmons, Adam Budnar
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BASIC FLY ROD CASTING

(Ages 12 & Up)
This class will include instruction on fly fishing rods and equipment, fly rod casting, line management, and casting techniques for the Smoky Mountains area. Fly rods provided.
Dates
Session 1: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Session 2:
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Session 3:
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time
9:00 AM - Noon
Location
Greenbelt Amphitheater located on Lamar Alexander Parkway/ U.S. Hwy 321 near the Blount County Courthouse
Cost
$10.00 per session with all equipment included
Instructor
Members from the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

PICKLEBALL FOR BEGINNERS

(Ages 18 & Up)
Have you been wanting to learn more about the game of pickleball?  Join us for this 6-week class and learn the game from a certified instructor, practice some drills to improve your skills, then play against others that have signed up for the class.
Dates
Tuesdays, March 26 – April 30, 2024 (Rain Date: May 7)
Time
6:30-8:00 PM
Location
Pickleball Courts at John Sevier Park
Cost
$75.00 for 6-week session
Equipment
Bring your own pickleball paddle and water bottle.  Balls will be provided and each person will take a ball home at the end of the session. (If you have no access to a paddle, please contact us).
Attire
Weather appropriate athletic clothing and tennis shoes.
Instructors
Norman Weathersby, Avie & Melissa Ownby, Certified Pickleball Instructors

Alpine Tower Climb (Ages 10 & up)

Ready for a fun new challenge? Join us and the folks with Maryville College’s Mountain Challenge program and conquer their Alpine Tower! The 60-foot tower provides climbers multiple challenges to overcome as they scale its heights. Come step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself mentally and physically as you work your way to the top!
Dates
Session 1: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Session 2: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Session 3: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Session 4: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Session 5: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time
3:30-5:30 PM
Location
Maryville College Campus
Crawford House, 713 Howee Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
Cost
$10.00 per person per session

ADULT POTTERY CLASSES:
INtroduction to Throwing

This class is a fun and total hands-on foundation course on throwing on the wheel.  Students are guided in a step-by-step process and will learn how to center, pull a pot, and trim.  Students will learn to throw various shapes leading to successful bowls, mugs, cups, vessels, etc. to take home to their families to enjoy.  All work goes through two kiln firings; the second firing will make the pottery safe for food and drink, as well as use in the microwave and dishwasher.  We use only health-approved clays and glaze-materials.
Dates
Session: Mondays, February 5-26, 2024
Session: Mondays, April 1-22, 2024
Location
Studio 212, 934 East Broadway Avenue, Maryville 37804
Time
6:00-7:30 PM
Cost
$90.00 per 4-week session (includes all materials)
Instructor
Leanne Moe McQueen and Staff

RUN 4 FUN RUNNING PROGRAM

For Ages 18 & up, and youth Ages 12 & up are welcome as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the course. Participants should dress weather appropriate and bring a water bottle. Class includes running education, running, core work, stretching, and cool down.

Beginner Level: This 10-week training program is structured to help you cross the finish line of your first 5K at the Scholars Run on July 27th (which is totally optional).  The program focuses on beginners, but all levels of walkers and runners are welcome.  Along the way, we’ll provide you with motivation to keep you moving, guidance and advice, weekly group training runs or walks, and educational clinics on topics such as proper nutrition, choosing the right gear, and avoiding injury.  Plus, you’ll have the camaraderie of others just like you.

Intermediate Level:
This program is designed for graduates of our Beginner program or those who are looking to increase their run pace and/or mileage.  This 10-week training program is designed to teach you more advanced running techniques and to help you continue on your running journey in a supportive environment.  In Run 4 Fun, we want to help you beat your previous personal records and set new goals for yourself, while providing guidance, motivation, weekly group training runs, and more advanced educational clinics.  We’ll also cover topics designed to help you improve your 5K time such as proper pacing and good form, as well as building on previous topics like nutrition, choosing the right gear, and injury prevention.
Dates
Tuesdays, May 21 – July 23, 2024
Time
7:00-8:00 PM
Location
Pearson Springs Park Pavilion and Maryville Greenway
Cost
$75.00 for the 10-week session
Each participant receives:
$5 Discount off entry fee for the Scholars Run 5K
○ Detailed weekly training schedule
○ Weekly email with a focus topic and handouts
○ Guidance and advice from an experienced coach
○ Shirt
○ Great feeling of accomplishment and team spirit
Instructors
Lisa Edwards & Running Coaches

ADULT TENNIS INSTRUCTION & LEAGUES

Items needed for all tennis classes: Tennis racquet, comfortable athletic clothing & tennis shoes, water bottle
Tennis in No Time
This class is designed for new players.  Bring a friend and learn the basics in four classes.
Dates
Session 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, May 6-15, 2024
Rain Date: May 20)
Session 2: Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 4-13, 2024
(Rain Date: June 18)
Session 3: Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 9-18, 2024
(Rain Date: July 23)
Session 4: Mondays & Wednesdays, July 29 – August 7, 2024
(Rain Date: August 12)
Location
John Sevier Tennis Courts
Times:
6:00-7:00 PM
Cost
$70.00 a session
Instructor
LuAnne Zelasko
Adult Co-ed Tennis Group
A group of tennis players meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings throughout the year. Players are welcome to join in at anytime by showing up at the courts for some fun and relaxed games of tennis.  For more information, contact Bonnie Mark at 865-209-3087 or email at bkmark0917@aol.com.
Experience
Any level
Dates
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Location
John Sevier Tennis Courts
Time
9:00-11:00 AM March-June and September-November  
8:00-10:00 AM July-August
10:00 AM - Noon December-February
*Start times based on season
Equipment
Participants must provide their own racquet and 1 can of balls.
Cost
Free! Just show up.
Coordinator
Bonnie Mark

YOGA CLASSES

A series of on-going Vinyasa style Yoga classes for Ages 18 & up are offered with emphasis on poses designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance.  Attention is also placed on breathing and how to better use our lungs, as well as creating a mental calmness, and cultivating a quiet and peaceful mind. Supplies needed for all Yoga classes: Yoga mat, blanket, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.
Gentle Flow for All Levels
Dates
Session: Wednesdays, December 20, 2023 – February 7, 2024
(No class Dec. 27 & Jan. 3)
Session: Wednesdays, February 14 – March 20, 2024
Session: Wednesdays, March 27 – May 1, 2024
Session: Wednesdays, May 8 – June 19, 2024 (No class May 29)
Session: Wednesdays, June 26 – July 31, 2024

New participants may join class at any time during a session - cost prorated.

Classes will continue every 6 weeks.
Location
Everett Senior Center
Time
6:00-7:00 PM
Cost
$60.00 for 6-week session
$110.00 for 6-week session if combined with Get Fit Yoga class
Instructor
Tammy Lindsay
Get Fit Yoga
This class combines the basic aspects of beginner-advanced yoga and adds strength training through core exercise and more.
Dates
Session: Mondays, December 18, 2023 – February 5, 2024
(No class Dec. 25 & Jan. 1)
Session: Mondays, February 12 – March 18, 2024
Session: Mondays, March 25 – April 29, 2024
Session: Mondays, May 6 – June 17, 2024 (No class May 27)
Session: Mondays, June 24 – July 29, 2024

New participants may join class at any time during a session - cost prorated.

Classes will continue every 6 weeks.

Location
Everett Senior Center
Time
6:00-7:00 PM
Cost
$60.00 for 6-week session
$110.00 for 6-week session if combined with Gentle Flow class
Instructor
Tammy Lindsay

SMALL GROUP BOOT CAMP FITNESS TRAINING

(Ages 15 & Up)
Need a change of routine, or a workout to take you to the next level?  Do you need to squeeze in a high energy class and don’t have a lot of time?  This class focuses on full body, functional strength, and cardio intervals utilizing a circuit format, coupled with the most progressive, innovative, and creative exercises in fitness. Workouts will include cardiovascular and strength training, speed and agility drills, medicine ball drills, plyometrics, etc. With a little bit of effort and commitment, you will see a toned, leaner body; increased strength, endurance, and self-confidence; gain a new appreciation for working out; and maybe some new fitness friends.  Workouts will be challenging, but fun with high energy.  Workouts can be modified, but this class is best suited for intermediate and advanced participants.
Dates
Mondays, April 8 – May 13, 2024  (Rain Date: May 20)
Time:
5:30-6:30 PM
Location
Greenbelt Pavilion and park area near Amphitheater
Cost
$75.00 for 6-week session
Instructors
Tammye Wright-Certified Personal Trainer, Masters in Exercise Science
Items Needed
Comfortable athletic clothing and tennis shoes, a water bottle, Yoga/stretching mat, and one set of medium weights

NEW! community PILATES (Ages 18 & Up)

Join in this FREE Pilates class for Ages 18 & up held on the first Saturday of each month (March through November) with certified instructor, Lara Gill.  Beginner to intermediate levels are welcome to attend.   You MUST pre-register online no later than 5PM the day before each class in order to participate with limited class space available.  Registration opens 1 month prior to each class date.
Date
First Saturday of each month (March through November)
Time
9:00-10:00 AM
Location
Everett Recreation Center (March, April, October & November classes) Springbrook Park Pavilion (May through September classes)
Cost
FREE, however You MUST pre-register online no later than 5PM the day before each class in order to participate with limited class space available.
REGISTRATION OPENS 1 MONTH PRIOR TO EACH CLASS DATE.
Instructor
Lara Gill, Certified Pilates Instructor
Items Needed
Pilates/Yoga mat and a water bottle.
Participants should wear athletic clothing and prepare as needed for outdoor conditions for the spring/summer months.

paddling

With all the beautiful lakes in Blount County and the surrounding areas, what better way to get out and explore these places than on a guided paddling trip led by leaders of the Maryville College Mountain Challenge program.  All paddle gear will be provided, so all you need to do is register and show up and our staff will do the rest. These trips are geared for all skill levels. Whether you are interested in a first time trip, are looking for an opportunity to learn new trip locations, or just looking for a group of people to explore with, you will be provided with an enriching and enjoyable experience. These guided trips will give you the chance to get out and explore some of the many beautiful waterways right here in our community.  So bring a lunch, and let our guides (with all the gear you’ll need) help you discover the beauty of our area.  For Ages 5 & up.  Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by a parent also registered for the trip. 
Trip Date
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Time
1:00-3:30 PM
Location
Louisville Point Park
Cost
$30.00 per person
Trip Date
Watch for additional trips in the fall!
Time
To be announced.
Location
To be announced.
Cost
To be announced.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES FoR Beginners (15 & up) DSLR and/or Advanced Digital Cameras

Would you like to take better pictures with your digital camera but don’t know where to start? In this class, you’ll learn how to get the most out of your camera and take great photos of your favorite people and places. 

You’ll learn the answers to questions like:
• “What are all these buttons and settings on my camera and why should I use them?”
• “What is photo composition and why should I care?"
• “I took some great pictures! What’s the best way to put them online for everyone to see or print them and hang them on my wall?” 

Be sure to bring your camera to class. This isn’t a “listen to the teacher talk” class. We’ll be learning hands on. Class size is limited so sign up quickly!
Dates
Session 1: Mondays, April 1-22, 2024
Session 2: Tuesdays, April 2-23, 2024
Time
6:00-7:00 PM
Location
Springbrook Recreation Center, 1537 Dalton Street, Alcoa
Cost
$60.00 for 4-week session
Instructor
Brad Coulter

BEGINNER SIGN LANGUAGE cOURSE

(Ages 15 & Up)

Are you interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL) in order to communicate with a friend, family member or colleague who is deaf?  If so, this course is for you! American Sign Language is a visual language, incorporating facial grammar, and made up of specific hand shapes and movements. It is the dominant language of the Deaf community, provides meaningful communication between hearing parents and deaf children, and brings people who happen to be hearing and deaf together.  This beginner level ASL class will give you the opportunity to learn the manual alphabet, conversational signs, and develop communication skills. You will enjoy this fun and encouraging learning environment as you build your language skills.

This class is also open to those who have taken it before and would like a refresher. You can repeat it as many times as you like. The book we will use for this class is The American Sign Language Phrase Book, by Barbara Bernstein Fant. If you have this book from a previous class, or prefer to get it on your own, you can select that option upon registration.
Dates
Tuesdays, March 12 – April 16, 2024
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 8
Time
6:00-7:00 PM
Location
Everett Senior Center
Cost
$88.00 for 6-week session with all course materials included.
$60.00 if you are repeating the class and/or already have the book.
Instructor
Carol LaCava, Instructor with thirty years of experience teaching ASL and interpreting, at both UT and the community level.

MARYVILLE COLLEGE WALK IN THE WOODS SERIES

Fit.Green.Happy is now introducing an immersive 3-part woods walk series in Maryville College’s 140-acre protected forest with each walk lasting about an hour.  All 3 guided sessions will feature a different trail and topic. Read about the details of each walk below. Participants should meet at 2:30 PM at the McArthur Pavilion on Maryville College’s campus, entrance to the Maryville College Woods for all 3 walks.  Cost is $15.00 per person (Ages 6 & up) for each walk. Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by a parent also registered for the trip.  Ages 6 & up must register.

Sunday, May 5, 2024
The first session will feature a guided walk and introduction to the college woods led by one of our FGH staff. Learn about the partnerships between the college, RT Lodge, and Mountain Challenge while also getting a feel for the lay of the of the land. Also, learn how FGH/Mountain Challenge has committed to sustainability as a carbon neutral organization integrating environmentalism into its core principles.  

Sunday, May 12, 2024
The second walk in the series will emphasize a more scientific exploration of the woods. Learn about East Tennessee’s vast biodiversity and unique ecosystems through an introductory lens. We will cover basic ecology topics such as native tree/plant identification and a discussion of wildlife found in the area. This walk is perfect for those who are interested in learning more about nature but lack the traditional classroom background.  

Sunday, May 19, 2024
The last and final walk in the series will focus on practicing mindfulness in nature. Immerse yourself in a relaxing forest environment and learn about the numerous health benefits the woods have to offer. Gain a new appreciation for this wonderful community resource while experiencing how time spent in nature cultivates a happier and healthier you.
Trip Dates
Sunday, May 5, May 12, and May 19th
Time
2:30 PM
Location
McArthur Pavilion at Maryville College
Cost
$15.00 per person

WATCH FOR NEW PROGRAMS BEING ADDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
(Ages to be announced)

Watch for new programs being added throughout the year!
Dates
To be announced.
Time
To be announced.
Location
To be announced.
Cost
To be announced.
Instructor
To be announced.