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, call 865-599-0452 or email Pete Simmons at pete.simmons@charter.net

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.

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!

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.

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.

Monica Shimmin has been teaching ASL for over 35 years and is currently teaching and tutoring ASL all over the Knoxville and Maryville areas. She holds a BA degree in Communication Studies and an MS degree in Leisure Services Administration.

Let's get moving and have fun in this upbeat Line Dance Class! Perfect for beginners and experienced dancers. This class teaches easy-to-follow line dances set to a mix of country, pop, and classic favorites. No partner needed. Just bring your energy and get ready to dance, laugh, and break a sweat while learning steps you can use on any dance floor. Learn popular line dances step-by-step in a relaxed, supportive environment. We'll focus on basic footwork, rhythm, and confidence while having a great time. No experience required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a make and take class where you will be learning techniques to create your very own pair of botanical polymer clay earrings. All clay, tools, and hypoallergenic earring pieces will be provided. Different clay colors will be available and the colors of the earrings are dependent on maker preference.

This is a make and take class where you will be learning techniques to create your very own tiny clay cake. All clay and tools will be provided. Tiny cakes can be used for doll houses, fairy gardens, or even birthday gifts as a memento! Different clay colors will be available, and the cake can be made to makers preference.

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 (using kayaks and paddle boards) 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.

Have you been wanting to learn more about the game of pickleball?  Join us for this 3-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.‍

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). Weather appropriate athletic clothing and tennis shoes are required.

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 Reindeer Run on December 6th (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.

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.

This class combines the basic aspects of beginner-advanced yoga and adds strength training through core exercise and more.

This class is designed as a gentle outdoor yoga class where you move slowly beneath the open sky, letting the breeze guide your breath. Designed for beginners and seniors with each pose as an easy invitation to soften, settle, and feel supported by the earth beneath you.