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.

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.

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

Watch for new programs throughout the year!

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

*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.
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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.

*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!

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!