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Youth Programs

Pre-Registration is Required for Most Programs. 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.

GYMNASTICS, MOVEMENT, MUSIC & MORE

(Ages 3-5)
Children will learn gross motor skills needed for Kindergarten readiness and beginner gymnastics skills. Gymnastic skills are taught in proper progressions on bright, colorful preschool equipment, with all equipment designed and sized for young hands and feet.  Participants will learn beginner through intermediate skills on bars, beams, trampolines, and vaulting.
Dates
Session 1: Tuesdays, January 17 – February 21, 2023
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 28 – May 2, 2023
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Time
4:00-4:30 PM
Cost
$75.00 for 6-week session
Instructor
Micah McCarter


TUMBLING GYMNASTICS

(Ages 5-10)
This class will teach and enhance skills involving handstands, cartwheels, one-arm cartwheels and bridges for both the very beginner and intermediate student. Intermediate students will also work on round-offs, backbend kick-overs, and front and back handsprings. Classes are taught with proper skill progression for the safety of the child and with enthusiasm and motivation – never intimidation. Children that are 5 years old must have started Kindergarten.
Dates
Session 1: Mondays, January 16 – February 20, 2023
Session 2: Tuesdays, January 17 – February 21, 2023
Session 3: Tuesdays, March 28 – May 2, 2023
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Times
5:00-5:45 PM or
6:00-6:45 PM
Cost
$85.00 for 6-week session
Instructor
Micah McCarter

ADVANCED TUMBLING/ BACK HANDSPRINGS

(Ages 6-12)
This class is designed to teach children Ages 6-12 the more advanced skills of the back handspring, round-off back handsprings, and standing back tuck.  Students in this class should have a good round-off and be able to do a back walk-over with a spot.  Drills such as handstands, bridge kick-overs and jump backs will be repeated in this class to help students become a stronger tumbler.
Dates
Session 1: Tuesdays, January 17 – February 21, 2023
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 28 – May 2, 2023
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Time
7:00-7:45 PM        
Cost
$85.00 for 6-week session
Instructor
Micah McCarter

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 18, 2023
Session 2:
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Session 3:
Saturday, May 13, 2023
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

make a scene (Ages 10-12)

We will review the basics of acting and use some theater games to loosen up, get our creative juices flowing, and begin to learn how to act as an ensemble. Since children at this age are more comfortable with reading, we will work from actual scenes taken from children's stories like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Anne of Green Gables. Some memorization will be necessary. These scenes will be presented for family and friends on the last night of class.
Dates
Thursdays, March 23 – April 27, 2023
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 21
Location
5:40-6:40 PM
Time
Everett Recreation Center
Cost
$95.00 for 6-week session
Instructor
Ron Solomon

Karate

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
Ages 7-12
Dates
Wednesdays - Classes on-going, new students accepted at any time.
Location
Springbrook Recreation Center
1537 Dalton Street, Alcoa, TN 37701
Time
6:00-7:30 PM
Cost
$60.00 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, Pete Simmons, Bill McCarter, Adam Budnar
Ages 12 & Up
Dates
Mondays & Thursdays - Classes on-going, 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

kids in clay pottery classes (Ages 6-10)

Students will create fun projects as well as learn hand-building techniques such as coiling, pinching and slab work. Each class is unique and small in size. Students receive personal attention from instructor through the step-by-step process of making a pot, decorating, glazing and firing. Each class is project based and students will make a variety of bowls, dishes and sculptural art pieces. 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. Class includes clay and all firing and glaze materials.
Dates
Session 1: Mondays, February 6-27, 2023
Session 2: Mondays, April 3-24, 2023
Location
Studio 212, 934 East Broadway Avenue, Maryville, TN 37804
Time
5:00-6:00 PM
Cost
$75.00 for 4-week session (includes all materials)
Instructor
Leanne Moe McQueen and Staff

Watch for new programs throughout the year!

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

Tennis Instruction

(Ages 5-16)
Items needed for all tennis classes: Tennis racquet, comfortable athletic clothing & tennis shoes, water bottle

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR ALL CLASSES!

These programs provide instruction on skills that students will learn the life-long sport of tennis. Players will learn how to keep score and the basic strokes of forehand, backhand, volley, and serve. We learn to rally with one another as our skills improve and learn strategy.   Games are part of our program for the players to learn while having fun.  We modify the game according to the age of the student so all players should feel success while learning.  For Ages 7-17 at Sandy Springs, groups will be split based on age and/or ability.  Come have fun with us!  
Classes at John Sevier Park
Dates
Session 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, May 1, 3, 8, 10 & 15 2023
(Rain Date: May 17)
Session 2: Mondays & Wednesdays, June 5, 7, 12, 14 & 19 2023
(Rain Date: June 21)
Session 3: Mondays & Wednesdays, June 26, 28, July3, 5 & 10 2023 (Rain Date: July 12)
Location
John Sevier Tennis Courts
May Session Times

June Session Times
4:00-5:00 PM  Ages 6-10 (Beginner)      
5:00-6:00 PM  Ages 11-14 (Beginner & Intermediate)

9:00-10:00 AM  Ages 6-10 (Beginner)
10:00-11:00 AM  Ages11-14 (Beginner & Intermediate)
Cost
$80.00 for 5-hour session
Instructor
LuAnne Zelasko
Classes at Sandy Springs Park
Dates
Session 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, April 10, 12, 17, 19, 2023
(Rain Date: April 24)

Session 2A:
Mondays & Wednesdays, May 1, 3, 8, 10, 2023
(Rain Date: May 15)
Session 2B: Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 2, 4, 9, 11, 2023
(Rain Date: May 16)

Location
Sandy Springs Park Tennis Courts
Time
Session 1
Session 2A
Session 2B

6:30-8:00 PM For Ages 7-17
4:30-6:00 PM For Ages 7-12
4:30-6:00 PM For Ages 13-17
Cost
$90.00 for 6-hour session
Instructor
Maryville College Tennis Coach Doug Corbett and Staff/Experienced Players

SUMMER JUNIOR INTERCLUB
TENNIS PROGRAM

Parks & Rec is offering a summer interclub tennis program for Ages 8-18.  Summer Interclub offers opportunities for all levels of kids to play.  Even newer players have opportunities as an experienced beginner and can later work towards possibly moving up to intermediate and even advanced levels with daily practice at clinics and weekly matches during the week.  

Parental input to Coach Corbett is encouraged to maximize each child’s experience and growth.  Teams will be organized according to age and ability levels. Players may be able to play on more than one team.  Practices and home matches will be held at Sandy Springs Park Tennis Courts in Maryville.  Away matches will be held in the GKTA area against other participating teams.  Matches are generally held one time per week per team on Tuesday/Thursdays early afternoons.  The State Tournament weekend is in July, and is a great opportunity for many, if players qualify to participate.  There is an additional cost for the state tournament.  Maryville College tennis staff and players, as well as current/former interclub players and other experienced players assist Coach Corbett with instruction to maximize individual attention for participants. Interclub registration fee includes GKTA membership fees, a team shirt for matches, balls, league fees, coaching and league administration fees, and an end of season pool party. There are ADDITIONAL charges for optional weekly PRACTICE clinics.   All participants must be a USTA member for the year as well by visiting www.usta.com BEFORE match play begins. 

Anticipated teams are as follows: 10 & Under Beginner, 12 & Under Beginner, 14 & Under Intermediate, 18 & Under Intermediate, 18 & Under Advanced.

Parents MUST review, print, and sign the following forms:   GKTA Player Information & Consent Form  AND Sudden Cardiac Arrest/Concussion Information & Waiver.  Forms are available above on the "Required Forms" button or contact Parks & Rec for forms if you do not have access to a printer. Forms can be brought to the Parks & Rec office weekdays between 8 AM – 5 PM or faxed to 865-983-8831 no later than May 5, 2023.
Dates
League Play Dates:  June and July
Friday, May 5, 2023 Deadline is a must to meet regulations!
Location
Sandy Springs Park Tennis Courts
Cost
$150.00*  SEE REQUIRED FORMS INFORMATION ABOVE (available at a later date).
*Does not include cost of coached practice time clinics –See below.
Instructor
Maryville College Tennis Coach Doug Corbett and Staff/Experienced Players
Teams*
10 & Under Beginner
12 & Under Beginner
14 & Under intermediate
18 & Under Intermediate
18 & Under Advanced
*SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW FOR MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION.

SUMMER TENNIS CLINICS

For Interclub or Any Experienced Player

Clinics are designed to improve the level of play for experienced beginners to advanced tennis players. Those in interclub or those who just want to improve their game are welcome to sign-up.  Summer clinics offer opportunities for all levels of kids to play.  Even newer tennis players have opportunities as experienced beginners to work towards possibly moving up to intermediate and even advanced levels over time with daily practice at clinics.

Clinics are held Monday through Thursday with Fridays being a make-up date in the event of rain.
Dates
Week 1: May 22-25, 2023
Week 2: May 30 – June 2, 2023 (Tues-Fri due to Memorial Day)
Week 3: June 5-8, 2023
Week 4: June 12-15, 2023
Week 5: June 19-22, 2023
Week 6: June 26-29, 2023
Times
9:00-10:30 AM Ages 12 & Under
10:30 AM - Noon  Ages 13-18
Cost
$60.00 per week for 6 hrs instruction or $310 for all 6 weeks
*Discount for Interclub participants: $45.00 per week or $270 for all 6 weeks. Participants must be registered for Interclub first before receiving discount.
Registration Deadline
Payment must be received at Parks & Rec or on-line at least one business day before each clinic session begins.  No payments accepted at courts.
Location
Sandy Springs Park Tennis Courts
Instructor
Maryville College Tennis Coach Doug Corbett and Staff/Experienced Players

YOUTH T-BALL, BASEBALL, & SOFTBALL

Parks & Rec. does not offer T-ball, baseball, or softball for youth, these sports are offered through area little leagues. Contacts and phone numbers for those organizations are listed below. Please watch for advertisements regarding registration in the Sports Section of The Daily Times.

Alcoa Youth Baseball for Boys and Girls Ages 4-12.  For more information, contact Dyran Bledsoe at 865-806-7091 or visit their website at https://www.alcoayouthsports.com/

Maryville Little League for Boys and Girls Ages 4-16.  For more information, visit their web site at https://www.maryvillelittleleague.com/

Outward Baseball and Softball for Boys and Girls Ages 4-13.  Click here for more information or call 865-982-4960 (day) or 984-9712 (evening).

Policy for Reserving Practice Fields

This policy pertains to Little League teams and all other teams not participating in the Parks & Rec Adult Softball League. Click here for Parks & Rec teams' policy.

Reservations for practice fields are taken every Thursday, beginning March 16 through late August. Otherwise, fields are first come, first served unless being used by Parks & Rec programs such as football and soccer.

⚬ Teams should call 865-983-9244 at 10:00 a.m. so that everyone has the same opportunity. If you call before 10:00 a.m., you will be asked to call back, so please synchronize your watch with Parks & Rec's! Please note that field reservations are taken by phone only. No walk-ins please.

⚬ Our phone lines will be very busy, so if you don't get through, please try again. When you call on Thursday, you will be reserving times for the following week (beginning the next day Friday through the following Thursday).

⚬ Teams can reserve one field per week for 1 1/2 hours (M-F) or 2 hours (Sat & Sun) according to availability.

⚬ Reservations are taken for the following fields: two at Everett Park, three at Sandy Springs Park (one being a small baseball field), one at Springbrook Park, and two at Pearson Springs Park (available week-ends only) for Ages 12 & under.

⚬ Teams are encouraged to pick-up a Field Permit from the Parks & Rec Admin. Office to take with you to practice which shows you have the field reserved. Without your permit, you have no proof you have the field reserved!

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: March 22, 2023
Session 2:
March 29, 2023
Session 3:
April 5. 2023
Session 4:
April 12, 2023
Session 5:
April 19, 2023
Location
Maryville College
Time
3:30-6:00 PM
Cost
$10.00 per person

BeginnER Guitar (Ages 9-15)

*Instructor Chris Solomon is a retired music specialist and choir director from Texas. She and her husband Ron have directed many junior musicals together and operated their own children's theater in Texas before moving to East Tennessee. Both have also staffed our summer Performing Arts Camp.

Did you get a guitar as a gift and want to learn how to play it, or have always wanted to learn this popular musical instrument? Bring your guitar and join us for this fun class.
Dates
Thursdays, March 23 – April 27, 2023
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 21
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Time
5:40-6:40 PM  
Cost
$95.00 for 6-week session
Instructor
Chris Solomon*

BASIC PUPPETRY (Ages 11-15)

Interested in learning how to be a puppeteer? Learn the basics of puppetry from a professional puppeteer in this fun class. We’ll discuss various forms, but will learn basic techniques for hand puppets – a popular style used in stage productions (and often on television). This is an active class where students learn the skills and work as a team toward a performance at the end. Puppets, staging and materials are provided – just show up ready to learn!
Dates
Wednesdays, March 22 – April 26, 2023
Registration Deadline: March 15
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Time
4:00–4:45 PM
Cost
$60.00 per 6-week session
Instructor
Missey Wright

Musical Theater (Ages 12-15)

*Instructor Ron Solomon has been a professional actor, director, and children's theater founder in several states before moving to East Tennessee. He can often be seen in (or directing) productions a the Creative Theater in Pigeon Forge, in addition to teaching at our Performing Arts Camp last year. His wife, Chris is a retired music specialist and choir director from Texas. Together they have taught creative performing arts classes to kids of all ages. Both have also staffed our summer Performing Arts Camp.

Musical comedies involve singing, acting, and movement. Come learn the basics as we stage several scenes that always end in a song (of course)! You may discover a song you can use in a future audition!
Dates
Thursdays, March 23 – April 27, 2023
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 21
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Time
6:45-7:45 PM
Cost
$95.00 for 6-week session
Instructors
Ron & Chris Solomon*

FAIRY TALE THEATER (Ages 6-9)

Learn how to act and move on stage! Explore becoming different characters. Play lots of drama games and practice several scenes from a fairy tale. Will you be Pooh or Cinderella, or a Pirate?
Dates
Thursdays, March 23 – April 27, 2023
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 21
Location
Everett Recreation Center
Time
4:30-5:30 PM
Cost
$95.00 for 6-week session
Instructors
Ron Solomon*

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 3-24, 2023
Session 2: Tuesdays, April 4-25, 2023
Time
6:00-7:00 PM
Location
Springbrook Recreation Center, 1537 Dalton Street, Alcoa
Cost
$57.00 for 4-week session
Instructor
Brad Coulter

DANCE STARS by Stretch-N-Grow (Ages 3-6)

With Dance Stars, our dancers learn the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and hip-hop while developing grace, coordination, balance, and poise. By inspiring a passion for dance, our imaginative and engaging classes will create twirling, self-expressive machines!

This is a great program to not only teach children dance, but to also help them continue to gain their confidence in a group setting with other children their age for 30 minutes while parents are not far away. It is also a great way for them to enhance their listening skills and to learn more about following instructions in a class setting.  Parents will drop off children for the class time, and then they are welcome to sit in the gym, walk the trail that is on-site, or relax in their car while the children are in class.

Class Attire: Leotard or comfortable athletic clothing, and ballet shoes
Optional purchase of shoes from the dance program is available.
Dates & Times
Morning Classes:  

Session 1:
Tuesdays, January 17 – February 21, 2023
(Snow Date: Feb. 28)
11:00-11:30 AM (6-week session)

Session 2
: Tuesdays, March 21 – April 25, 2023
11:00-11:30 AM (6-week session)

Evening Classes:
5:15-5:45 PM* (12-week session)

Wednesdays, January 18 – February 22 / March 22 – April 26, 2023

*This is a 12-week session with an optional off-site recital in May. An additional fee of $85 is required for the recital for costumes, props, and facility rental. This will be paid later in the session. There is also a 3-week break in the middle of the session. There will be no class March 1, 8, & 15. Second half of session resumes March 22. If participating in the recital in May, classes March 1 and 8 have been added if students are available at no extra charge.

6:00-6:30 PM (6-week sessions)*


Session 1:
Wednesdays, January 18 – February 22, 2023
(Snow Date: March 1)
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 22 – April 26, 2023

6:00-6:30 PM (4-week session)

Session 3: Wednesdays, July 5-26, 2023

Location
Everett Recreation Center
Cost
$75.00 for 6-week session (*If doing both January and March six-week sessions at 6 PM, there is an additional $85.00 recital option if interested.)
$50.00 for 4-week session
$150.00 for 12-week session + additional $85.00 for recital in Knoxville to be paid at a later date
Instructor
Christa Black