2022 Summer Fun

City staff seek to ‘re-energize’ recreation offerings

Diaz said that this a “re-energizing” period for the Recreation Department after COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions that began in March 2020 required facility and program closures. He said recreation programs across the nation were able to take that time to rethink and retool their operations and the classes, leagues, events and activities offered to the public.

“We are trying to re-energize the community and bring people in for swim lessons, aquatic classes, youth classes, adult classes — the whole circle of what recreation is,” Diaz said.

its games outdoors. The city’s soccer games also will be livestreamed for the first time.

“So if grandma and grandpa don’t live in town or can’t watch the game in person, they will be able to livestream through the app,” Diaz said. He added that the city intends to offer that for all its youth leagues going forward.

By Lisa DunLap RosweLL DaiLy RecoRD

The city of Roswell wants to improve its recreational offerings for all ages, according to Recreation Manager Alex Diaz, and has introduced some new programs and aspects to programs this summer.

That includes a partnership with a company that will livestream youth sports league games, starting with the indoor soccer league this summer.

“We are trying to take all of our programs to the next level,” said Diaz, who joined the city in January. “We are trying to find unique ways to take what is already existing and make them better. I think that leads to high-quality programming.”

The city offers both youth and adult programs. Many of the youth camps or sports activities occur at

the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center at 1402 W. College Blvd., while adult fitness, crafts, arts and informational programs are held at the Roswell Adult Center, 807 N. Missouri Ave.

Other venues in the city for activities and events include the Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River at 1612 W. Eighth Street, which is open for golf and plans an event in conjunction with the UFO Festival in early July; the Roswell Museum at 1011 N. Richardson Avenue, which has arts and crafts classes as well as yoga courses, special programs and planetarium shows; the Roswell Public Library at 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave., which has reading programs and special events this summer; and the Spring River Zoo at 1306 E. College Blvd., which in addition to its regular visiting hours has some kid camps and special events planned for the summer.

They city produced a schedule of 2022 summer activities earlier and a supplement is due out in a few weeks, he said. The first publication is posted on the city’s website. More information and online registration is available on the Parks and Recreation page.

Youth activities include weekly all-day camps for kids 5-12. Diaz said most of the camps, which start June 6 and run until July 28, are already full. But he said this year the camps have a different theme for each week, including Camp Atlantis about rivers, lakes and other water areas; Sports of All Sorts Camp to teach the basics of many different types of sports; and Crafty Camp for arts and crafts.

The city is also offering various “intro to” sports program this summer and is registering kids 4 to 12 for the indoor soccer league, to be held in the basketball court area of the Recreation and Aquatic Center starting June 13.

Diaz said the city’s indoor league is intended to augment the Roswell Youth Soccer League, which holds

For adults, many group fitness classes are offered at the Roswell Adult Center as well as numerous arts and crafts programs, including crochet, stained glass, ceramics, origami, sewing and reading. There are also a book club, special events such as trivia nights and movie nights, and informational programs on safety and legal topics.

“We definitely have a lot going on this summer and the plan is to improve on what we are doing — learn from what we are doing well and try to fix what we aren’t doing as well,” Diaz said. “And we are only going to know that by going through and evaluating after each program.”

He said staff look at participation numbers, surveys and other information to determine how to improve what they provide to area residents.

“A lot of time the challenges we have are not seen by the public,” Diaz said. “They happen behind the scenes. But we don’t want to replicate the challenges if we can mitigate them when we run the program again.”

Lisa Dunlap can be reached at 575-622-7710, ext. 351, or at reporter02@rdrnews.com.

Lisa Dunlap Photo Alex Diaz, the new recreation manager for the city of Roswell, says that the city’s goal is to offer improved programs, activities and classes for all age groups and a wide variety of interests.

Spring River Trail rehabilitation project to continue

By Juno ogLe RosweLL DaiLy RecoRD

The second phase of a rehabilitation project for one of Roswell’s recreation trails is getting set to begin as the city continues plans to connect it to another trail.

The second phase of the Spring River Trail project will likely begin after summer, City Engineer Louis Najar said.

The project will fix pavement failures and apply a pavement overlay on the trail from MIA/POW Park at 912 N. Pennsylvania Ave. to Union Avenue. Access ramps will also be checked to ensure they meet current standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act or need repairs, Najar said.

The city has received a Recreation Trails Program grant of $236,000 from New Mexico Department of Transportation for the project.

Once the city receives the official award letter, it will have to be approved by the city council and then the project advertised for contractor bids.

“We’re probably still 90 days out,” Najar said of the start date.

The project should take about three weeks to complete, he said, with access to that portion of the trail closed off for the duration.

The project is similar to the first phase of the project, which was completed last year from Atkinson to Virginia avenues. Similar work was conducted on the Hondo River Trail this year as well.

NMDOT opens applications for the trails program every other year, Najar said, and he plans to continue to apply for funds.

“I want to continue on Spring

River until I get to the end of the trail in Enchanted Hills,” he said.

In the coming year, the city will also focus on connecting the Spring River Trail to the trail at Cielo Grande Recreation Area. This spring, NMDOT also selected that project for the Recreation Trails Program, funding it at $225,000.

As of yet, however, a plan for connecting the trails has not yet been selected. Several options have been discussed, with one being a trail from the southwest portion of the Cielo Grande trail to Sycamore Avenue and looping south to the J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary. That option is favored by the Roswell Parks and Recreation Commission and the Spring River Trail Foundation.

Building a trail on the south side of Eighth Street adjacent to the Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River to the bird sanctuary is also a possibility, but the foundation has concerns about the safety for pedestrians and cyclists on that option, President Sally Toles said.

“Unless they move the golf fence way back to give you a wide swath there, I don’t want cyclists and people walking to be that close to that road. It’s a narrow road, and there are no houses there, so they (drivers) like to go from stop sign to stop sign as fast as they can,” she said.

She said the foundation is also concerned about pedestrians and cyclists getting hit by golf balls. The foundation has asked the city if an 8-foot fence could be installed on that side of the golf course if that is the route chosen.

The foundation is also continuing plans to install more artwork along the Spring River Trail, including a tribute to Haynes Dream Park,

which was located at the presentday Cahoon Park during Roswell’s early days.

Charles Haynes was a cattleman and real estate developer in the early 20th century, when the Spring River had much more water flowing through it than today.

“They had a little steamboat that would hold 10 people, and there was a waterfall right there,” Toles

said.

The foundation is wanting to create a memorial of sculptures depicting those features as well as a gazebo that was part of Haynes Dream, she said.

“I think it’d be a great tribute because no one can imagine that here was a huge waterfall in that area and a lake with river boats on it,” she said.

5 benefits of game play for children

become more challenging, the chances for learning increase.

Parents walk a fine line when trying to determine how much time to allow their kids to engage in game play. Game play has traditionally had a bad reputation, but parents can rest assured that by letting their children get involved in entertaining games of all types, including video games, they’re actually helping their youngsters in various ways.

1. Board games present chances for learning.

Board games are some of the first games young children get to play, and they can serve as introductions to lessons kids will ultimately learn in school. Simple games help children follow directions, learn colors, numbers, and develop hand-eye coordination, according to Scholastic. As kids age and games

2. Games help with physical development

Parenting magazine reports that outdoor play entices children to be active and can boost fitness and physical stamina. All types of games work the body by strengthening muscles and bones. Being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine is good for the body and mind. When a child is physically fit, he or she also may have a strong immune system that reduces the risk of developing diseases like obesity or diabetes later in life.

3. Games can boost creativity

Whether they’re following the rules or finding ways to circumvent them, games offer opportunities for children to delve into their creative sides and utilize their imaginations. Video games can immerse

them in different worlds where they can ponder the what-ifs of role play.

4. Boost interest in school subjects

Certain video games depict historical settings or events that drive the play. Players may want to learn more about these situations and events. In addition, sparking an interest in various subjects and keeping the mind active can improve basic cognitive functions, states the pregnancy and childcare resource Maternity Glow.

5. Games allow for broadened social activity

Much in the way that game nights can help adults bond and make new friends, children who play games together may be able to meet others and engage with kids their age due to this shared interest.

Children can benefit from game play in ways that might surprise their parents.

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How to plan a perfect game night

game night.

Shared experiences are ideal ways to make new friends or solidify established relationships. Bonds can be strengthened even further when those shared experiences include entertaining activities. This is a great reason for adults to incorporate routine game nights into their social calendars.

Game nights are nothing new. Perhaps your parents or grandparents gossiped over a few games of gin rummy or weekly poker gatherings? Before the widespread proliferation of digital video games, board games were a go-to way to have fun. Even now, game nights can provide the perfect way to slow down, have fun and get together with friends.

Hosting a game night can be an ideal way to have fun at home without turning on the television. The following are a few things to consider when planning a

The number of people dictates which games can be played

How many people are invited to game night will determine the games that can be played. Game nights tend to be more successful with between four and eight players. Keeping people engaged in a game can be more challenging if there are more than eight individuals, and most games are designed for a maximum of eight players.

Plan for finger foods

Game night etiquette typically dictates that hosts will provide refreshments. In lieu of a sit-down meal, offer finger foods, which are easier to manage while engaged in game play. Premade party platters are an option if you want to spend more time entertaining and less time preparing food. Guests also can

be encouraged to bring small dishes, such as sandwiches, chips and dips or other snacks.

Have a variety of games on hand

Let the course of the night be relatively fluid, even if you have a certain game in mind. If guests are not fans of a particular game, make sure you have others at the ready. Music or a sports game playing in the background also can be a way to keep guests entertained between turns. When deciding on games, consider these criteria, courtesy of Game Night Gods, an online game night resource

• The game should be easy to learn.

• The game should be relatively

fast-moving.

• The game should pique interest and be strategic.

Get out of your comfort zones

Acting zany and engaging in games that push people out of their comfort zones can help guests get to know one another and laugh along the way. Games also are a perfect way to learn something new with little to no pressure.

A game night can unite existing friends and help people interested in making new acquaintances find common ground. If in person game nights are not doable, gather virtually through video chat applications.

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Healthy hobbies families can enjoy together

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Hobbies can bring people together, which makes them an ideal outlet for families who want to spend more time with one another. Families on the lookout for hobbies they can enjoy together can consider the following activities.

• Hiking: Hiking is a family-friendly activity that’s free and ideal for individuals who also want to turn over a healthy leaf as the new year dawns. The cardiovascular benefits of hiking are well-documented and include lowering hikers’ risk for serious ailments, including heart disease. But the exposure to nature that hiking provides can benefit entire families. A 2015 study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning found that hiking can help to reduce feelings of anxiety. Hiking trails run the gamut from flat trails that are ideal for families that include

young children to more challenging trails that require a little climbing.

• Cycling: Cycling is another healthy, family-friendly hobby. The experts at MD Anderson Cancer Center note that cycling builds muscle, helps people maintain a healthy weight, releases endorphins that can make it easier to relieve and manage stress, and improves balance. Both adults and children can reap those rewards. When cycling with young children, parents can look for flat cycling paths that won’t discourage kids or require them to do more than their bodies can handle. Older children and teenagers can handle more challenging paths, and parents of children in these age groups can even consider incorporating mountain biking into their cycling routines.

• Cooking: There are plenty of family-friendly hobbies that can be enjoyed at home. Cooking is one such

hobby, and it can have some surprising benefits for youngsters. According to Nemours KidsHealth, cooking can be a great way for parents to reinforce basic math skills kids are learning at school. Older kids who don’t need such lessons can benefit from cooking with their parents by learning to prepare nutritious meals that can lay the foundation for healthy eating habits throughout adulthood.

• Painting: Painting together as a family can benefit both adults and children in unique ways. Harvard Medical School notes that studies have found that artistic expression can help people with depression and anxiety. Young children, including preschoolers, also can benefit from painting, which helps them develop both their fine and gross motor skills and improves handeye coordination. Parents of adolescents should know that painting has also

been found to be a productive outlet for teenagers to express themselves, and the process of seeing a painting project through from inception to completion can boost confidence and self-esteem.

Exercising safely after recovering from COVID-19

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The number of people who have been infected by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is difficult to determine, as millions of people may have had the virus but been asymptomatic. But as of April 2021, the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University reported that more than 31 million people in the United States have had confirmed coronavirus infections, and Canada reported 1,087,158 confirmed cases with 80,204 considered active at that time. Thousands of new cases are reported daily nationwide, and many others have occurred around the world.

Even though COVID-19 is widespread and highly contagious, the silver lining is that a very high percentage of people recover from the disease. WebMD says that recovery rates fluctuate between 97 and 99.75 percent. However, COVID-19 can affect various parts of the body and produce long-lasting side effects.

A study from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency found that 91 percent of people who recovered from COVID-19 reported at least one long-lasting symptom, and fatigue and trouble concentrating were the most common. With this in mind, individuals who have recovered from the illness and want to get back to their daily activities — including exercising — may need to be especially careful.

Health experts recommend a slow, phased approach to resuming exercise after recovering from COVID-19. It’s also worth noting that it may take some time to regain pre-illness fitness levels, so individuals are urged to go easy on themselves if they cannot meet certain milestones.

David Salman, Ph.D., a clinical fellow in primary care at the Imperial College London, was lead author of a report published in the British Medical Journal that aimed to answer questions about returning to exercise. One of his recommendations is to wait for

91% of people who recovered from COVID-19 reported at least one longlasting symptom, and fatigue and trouble concentrating were the most common.

seven days after major symptoms have stopped before beginning to slowly build up physical activity. One should start with light-intensity exercises, such as walking or yoga. Gradually, more challenging activities, including brisk walking, swimming or light resistance training, can be introduced. Each phase should be maintained for at least seven days.

People should be mindful of getting out of breath or feeling too fatigued by exercise. If this occurs, they should move back a phase until exercise feels comfortable. Pay attention to body cues while doing normal daily activities, as these can help determine if you need to rest.

The University of Colorado Boulder Health and Wellness Services says exercise should not continue if people experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeats, or lightheadedness. Individuals are urged to consult with their doctors if these symptoms appear.

Within a few weeks of infection, many people with mild cases of COVID19 can typically be back to their normal fitness routines, says Anthony S. Lubinsky, MD, clinical associate professor at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. But slow and steady is the key to getting there.

COVID-19 has affected millions of people. With time and guidance, most people who contracted COVID-19 can return to their pre-illness levels of physical activity.

3 strategies to protect mental health

Improving one’s overall health and maintaining that health over the long haul can have a profound impact on quality of life. For example, the Harvard Medical School notes that regular exercise can slow the natural decline in physical performance that occurs as people age. That means routine exercise can serve as something like a fountain of youth that allows people to keep their cardiovascular fitness, metabolism and muscle function on par with their younger counterparts.

When attempting to improve longterm health, it’s important that people emphasize mental health as much as they do their physical health. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America notes the importance and effectiveness of preventive efforts in relation to depression and anxiety. In regard to mental health, prevention efforts can function in much the same way that exercise serves physical health. Routine exercise helps people to maintain healthy weights, reducing their risk for various conditions and diseases. Preventive efforts designed to improve mental health can significantly reduce a person’s risk for anxiety and depression.

Various techniques and strategies can be utilized to promote mental health, and these three are simple and highly effective.

1. Get enough sleep.

According to the Primary Care Collab-

orative, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to advancing an effective and efficient health system, sleep and mental health are intimately related. Sleep loss can contribute to emotional instability. The amygdala i s the part of the brain responsible for humans’ emotional responses. When an i ndividual does not get enough sleep, his or her amygdala goes i nto overdrive, l eading to more intense emotional reactions. The pr efrontal cortex is another part of the brain that needs sufficient sleep to function properly. Without it, the prefrontal cortex, which is integral to impulse control, cannot function properly. Adults can speak w ith t heir physi cians about how much sleep they should be getting each night. Those needs change as individuals age.

2. Eat a balanced diet.

A bal anced, heal thy di et doesn’ t j ust benefit the waistline. According to the ADAA, a balanced diet that includes protein, healthy non-saturated fats, fiber, and some simple carbohydrates can reduce the likelihood that mental health issues like fatigue, difficulty concentrating and i rritability w ill ar ise dur ing t he day.

3. Volunteer in your community.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who volunteered in the past were more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as much better than people who didn’t volunteer. Perhaps the most noteworthy findi ng i n the study was that people who began volunteering with lower levels of well-being tended to get the biggest boost from volunteering. Volunteering provides opportunities to socialize, which can help ward off the loneliness that can sometimes contribute to anxiety and depression.

Mental health is important, and protecting it should be part of everyone’s health care regimen.

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