Parks and Rec. programming for March

By Reader Staff

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

• Contra dance series. Dance your heart out to live music and meet your neighbors. Previous dancing experience is not necessary, all ages are welcome and you don’t have to bring a partner. Taught by Emily Faulkner, in partnership with Parks and Rec., dances will be held at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S. First Ave.) from 7-10 p.m., the second Friday of each month in 2023, except in August. Beginners are encouraged to arrive on time for an introductory lesson at 7 p.m. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and non-marking shoes in which to dance. A $5 donation is suggested for each session (musicians need to eat, too).

• Youth track and field. Kindergarten-sixth grade. Sandpoint Track Team athletes and coaching staff will lead the events and conduct the competitions at the Sandpoint High School track. Each division will have limited participation based on availability of coaches and volunteers. Program dates are Monday, March 20-Friday, May 5. Participants choose either Mondays or Wednesdays for a once-a-week practice from 6-7 p.m. Track meets will be held on Fridays: April 14, April 28 and May 5. Times are TBA. Registration deadline is Sunday, March 5.Participation fee is $45/person. Scholarships are available. Contact Parks and Rec. for more information.

• Boater education introductory course. Paddlesports America offers this class to meet the boater education needs for operating a paddlecraft, specifically: a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. The course will cover general information about paddlecraft and maintenance, information to make your paddlecraft experience safer and more comfortable, tips on how to be a courteous paddlecraft operator, and laws and regulations. All skill levels are welcome. Class will be held Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Sandpoint City Hall Council Chambers (1123 Lake St.). Registration deadline is Sunday, March 12. Program is FREE, but pre-registration is required.

• Open gym basketball for adults and youth. Open gym is held on Sundays at Sandpoint High School (410 S. Division Ave.), continues through Sunday, March 12. Adults play 4:30-6 p.m. and pay a $2/player fee at the door. Youth (grades 3-12) play 3-4:30 p.m. for FREE.

• Schweitzer Twilight skiing. Final dates for the Own the Night Twilight Ski Program are Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4 from 3-7 p.m. Fee: $20 at schweitzer.com. Tickets are valid for the date specified during purchase. Half the proceeds from online ticket sales, made under the option to support Sandpoint Parks and Rec., will benefit the department’s youth scholarship program.

Bring your eTicket QR code to a Schweitzer pick-up box located on the ticket window or Ski and Ride Center decks to redeem your ticket for the day. After your order is complete, there will be a link to your eTicket(s) on the confirmation email. Download the eTicket on your phone for paperless redemption at the pick-up boxes. If you will not have your phone, print the eTicket voucher(s) with the QR code and bring to the pick-up box for redemption.

• Community Garden plots available. Last year’s plot tenants in good standing received first right of refusal on their plot for the upcoming 2023 season. Online reservations for remaining Community Garden plots are currently available for a limited number of 4-foot by 8-foot and 7-foot by 7-foot plots. The Community Garden is located at U.S. Highway 2 and Lake Street. Plot fees are $26 for a 4-foot by 8-foot and $31.50 for a 7-foot by 7-foot plot.

• Lou Domanski Chess Festival registration. Join fellow chess enthusiasts for a one-day tournament on Saturday April 8 at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S. First Ave.). Divisions include Elementary (first- through sixth-grade) for $5, Middle/High School (sevenththrough 12th-grade) for $7 and Open division for $10. Register by Thursday, March 30. The tournament uses the Swiss system and is coordinated by James Stripes. Trophies awarded for each division.

• Work for Parks and Rec. Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is hiring seasonal parks maintenance workers. Positions pay $16.63-$17.33 per hour, starting as early as mid-March. Eight-month, seven-month and threemonth positions available. Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/sandpoint. For more information, call 208-263-3613.

The Sandpoint Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department also acts as a clearinghouse to connect the public with other recreational opportunities in the community. Visit the online activity catalog to view listings in this category. Outside organizations and individuals wishing to list their activities are encouraged to contact Parks and Rec. with their program information at recreation@ sandpointidaho.gov.

For questions about Parks and Rec. programming, go to sandpointidaho.gov/ parksrecreation, visit the office at Sandpoint City Hall (1123 Lake St.) or call 208-263-3613.