Parks. and Rec. programming for late-April and May

By Reader Staff

Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces will be offering the following programming in late April and May 2023.

• Travers Park Skatepark expansion project meeting. The Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department will host a public meeting, April 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., to share the latest Travers Park “Concrete Lake” skatepark expansion design by the consultants from Dreamland Skateparks, LLC. Meet the project team, see ideas and provide feedback. The public is welcome to attend in-person at the Sandpoint City Hall Council Chambers (1123 Lake St.) or by virtual meeting link: sandpointidaho.gov/ your-government/meetings.

• Sandpoint waterfront clean-up. In celebration of Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, the public is invited to join city of Sandpoint staff and the Idaho Conservation League at a waterfront clean-up and park improvement event from 9 a.m. to noon. ICL will be spearheading waterfront clean up at City Beach and Lower Sand Creek. Park staff will provide the lead for park improvement projects, such as trash pick-up, weeding, raking, painting tables and other light duty jobs. Volunteers are asked to RSVP at: surveymonkey.com/r/SLJH8BY and meet at the City Beach Pavilion. All ages are welcome. Tools, bags and gloves will be provided, as well as snacks and warm refreshments from Evans Brothers

Coffee. For more information contact Sandpoint Recreation Superintendent Jason Wiley at 208-263-3613.

May Programs

•Community track meet. Sandpoint Parks and Rec. and the SHS cross country and SHS track team, invites the community to participate in a free community track meet on Friday, May 5. The meet will take place at the SHS track from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and is open to all children ages K-eighth grade. Sandpoint coaching staff, track and cross-country athletes will teach the events and conduct the competitions. Each division will have limited participation based on the availability of coaches and volunteers.

Early registration ends Wednesday, May 3.Day of registration will be available.

•Unplug and Be Outside Program. Sandpoint Parks and Rec. and partners will host the annual Unplug and Be Outside Program Tuesday, May 9-Thursday, May 11.Unplug is a three-day series of free events to inspire and empower families to get physically active. A variety of physical activities are offered around town at various times, courtesy of local organizations. Each child that attends three or more events during the week, and has their passport signed, can be entered to win sports-related items in a prize drawing. Watch for an informational flier and passport to be distributed at local schools and around town the first week of May.

• Bike rodeo. Parks and Rec., LPOSD Safe Routes to School and the Pend Oreille Pedalers team up to offer a bike rodeo at Travers Park, Friday, May 12 from 3-5:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged to bring their bike or scooter and helmet. All ages are welcome. Activities will include a bike safety check with minor repairs, bike safety/practice course and participants can also enter a drawing to win a bike. A limited number of free helmets will also be available, while supplies last.

•Contra dance. Parks and Rec. has once again partnered with Emily Faulkner to present the 2023 Contra Dance Series, with dances held at Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S First Ave, Sandpoint) from 7-10 p.m., the second Friday of each month in 2023, except in August. Previous dancing experience is not necessary, all ages are welcome and attendees don’t have to bring a partner. Beginners are encouraged to arrive on time for introductory dancing at 7 p.m. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and bring non-marking shoes to change into for dancing. Please no outdoor shoes on the dance floor. A $5 donation is suggested for each dance (musicians need to eat, too).

•How to Survive Family Camping. This informative program offered Tuesday, May 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Park is designed to introduce participants to the basics of camping, with your family in tow. The event will feature tips on equipment, how to set up your campsite, tent, campground camping vs. primitive camping, etc. Fee is $12/person ($3 non-resident fee) $20/family. Participants must be 16 or older. Register by Thursday, May 11.

•Parks and Rec. doubles tennis league. For ages 16 and up. Register by Friday, May 12 for the league, which runs Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May 16-Sept. 20. Warm up begins at 5 p.m. and play begins at 5:30 p.m. Play will take place on Lakeview, City Beach and Travers tennis courts. Fee is $70, while Sandpoint Tennis Association members receive a $45 discount and there is a non-resident fee of $2 if you live outside the Sandpoint city limits. The STA membership fee must be paid before registering for the league to receive the discount promo code. Go to sandpointidaho.gov to reach the Parks and Rec. “Forms” page and download a 2023 STA membership application prior to registering for the class.

Work for Parks and Rec. Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is hiring the following positions: City Beach lifeguards; $14.50-$15.50/hr.; lifeguarding season is June 10-Sept. 4; City Beach concession workers; $11-$12/hr.; concession season is roughly June-September; seasonal parks maintenance workers; $16.63-$17.33/ hr.; positions started as early as mid-March with eight-month, seven-month and threemonth employment terms.

Visit the Parks and Rec. office (1123 Lake St.) or call 208-263-3613.

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

Last month, in Dublin, I stayed at The Merrion Hotel, a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse, where I had my first night’s rest in ages. I swear it was the most comfortable bed upon which I have ever laid my weary head (sorry Davenport Hotel, you’ve fallen to second place). It was tall and firm, yet super cozy and, by departure time, I was ready to lend my testimony to the Irish mattress company. Right then, I determined my first order of business when I returned home was a new mattress.

A lot has happened in the world of mattresses since my last purchase nearly 30 years ago. You can buy beds with adjustable settings, memory foam and pillow tops. There are hybrids to help side sleepers and those seeking pain relief. The number of options was surprising — and, I learned, so were the price tags. So, reluctantly, I would put off the large mattress purchase for now.

I left the mattress store determined to do more research and find some alternate remedies for my poor sleeping habits. I’ve always been an early riser, rising at about four every morning. It was a great schedule back in my professional baking days, and the plan still suits me well, as I work with travel suppliers in Europe before their day ends. Except now, I have developed a terrible habit of waking in the middle of the night.

It started two years ago, and I blame COVID for this disorder. I’ve tried every remedy I can think of to lull me back to sleep, including the Calm app, breathing exercises, meditating and counting proverbial flocks of Irish sheep.