If you are a Milwaukee Bucks fan, then mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 3rd as the Bucks take on division rivals Chicago Bulls at 7:00pm.  The Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department is selling upper level seats for $18 per ticket.  That's a savings of $11 off the gate price of $29.  Two dollars from each ticket will benefit the Greenfield Parks & Recreation Partners group.  Up to 20 participants under age 14 can take part in the "Hi-Five" fan tunnel for the Bucks and their opponent as they enter the court for the 2nd half.  For further information and to purchase tickets, stop by the Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department office in City Hall or call (414) 329-5370.

The Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department now gives you another option for payment of programs and services we provide.  In addition to Mastercard and Visa as acceptable forms of credit card payment, the Parks & Recreation Department now accepts Discover cards.  When paying for programs and services in our office, or registering for programs by mail or fax, you now have the option of paying with one of three credit cards.

Make some healthy choices this fall with activities and events that are 100% good for you.  View our fall program offerings online at the Parks & Recreation Dept's website.  Although the online version is now available, the print version will not be back from the printers until about the end of next week.  The print version will be mailed to all City of Greenfield residents after Labor Day and additional copies will also be available at Greenfield City Hall and Greenfield Public Library. 

Registrations are now being accepted for fall programs through our online active.com service, or by printing and filling out the program registration form from our department's website and send it to us by mail, by fax, or drop it off in our office in Greenfield City Hall.

Here are some new programs that are being offered this fall....

Fitness classes - a toned-down zumba class and a gentle yoga course for seniors (age 55+), and a weight training clinic for those 55 and older offered in cooperation with Southridge Athletic Club.  For those 16 and older, the Department is offering a fitness class that uses gliding discs.  We are also offering a spin class and a parent/child yoga class in cooperation with Southridge Athletic Club.

Enrichment and safety courses - A workshop on how to use the new Iphone 3G is being offered in October and a Babysitter's Training Instructor course will be held.

Arts & Crafts - New courses include a candy making party hosted by The Chocolate House staff, learn how to dress up your home and sell it quicker by attending a home staging workshop, make a holiday basket by attending a basket weaving class, all new art projects scheduled for the one-day make it and take it classes for those 16 and older, and for youth, act in a drama class or learn how to speak Deutsch in our brand new German classes.

Community Events being offered include a return of past events, including the Walk In The Park event, movie in the park, The BIG Boo, Brunch With Santa, and the City Tree Lighting Ceremony.

As always, if you have questions, please contact our Department at (414) 329-5370 or send us an e-mail.

If you plan on visiting Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor between now and Sunday, you can still get in on the special admission rate as part of Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association week.  The Parks & Recreation Department is selling adult admission tickets for this special week for $29.  That's a savings of just over $27 off the gate price!  In addition, a complimentary parking pass is also available.  Take advantage of the savings this week by stopping in the Parks & Recreation Department office through Friday 6pm.  Otherwise, the Department sells discounted Six Flags tickets for $36 per ticket through the end of the season (Labor Day weekend).  We do not sell child tickets....adult tickets only.

Shred-It document destruction, in cooperation with the Greenfield Department of Parks and Recreation, is excited to offer the first annual Community Shred Day.  Please join us on Saturday, June 28th (rain date Sunday the 29th) from 11:00am-2:00pm.  The event will offer Greenfield residents the opportunity to securely destroy and discard your old confidential files.

Shred-It will be at the Greenfield City Hall parking lot with their mobile shredding unit.  They will be accepting up to 5 boxes or bags of files that you wish to have securely destroyed, all while you watch.

Reasons To Shred Your Old Files

Time:  Shred-it's unique mobile shredding trucks can destroy up to 2,500 pounds per hour (paper clips and staples).

Convenient:  The event is conveniently scheduled at a central location.

Efficient:  Simply hand over your files and watch them be shredded.

Security:  You confidential files are never out of your control.  All Shred-it employees are insured and bonded.

Recycling:  All shredded material is recycled into new paper products.

Risk Reduction:  With nearly 10 million cases of identity theft each year, reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Space Savings:  Save space in your basement, attic, or storage facility.

Cost:  It's FREE!

For more information, please contact the Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department by e-mail or call (414) 329-5370.

By now, you should have received your copy of the 2008 Summer Recreator if you live in the City of Greenfield.  Do you have the right formula for summer fun?  All you need is four parts of sun, plus five parts of fun.  Add a whole lot of smiles, clean air, fresh water, and a dash of exercise and pinch of play.  You will find all of the necessary ingredients inside the 60-page Recreator program and activity guide.  In addition, the second edition of the GREENfield SHEET, the City's official newsletter, is located in the middle of the guide.  Here are some of the program highlights the Department is offering for this summer:

Summer Playgrounds
This summer, the popular summer playground program will be held at four sites:  Maple Grove Elementary, Elm Dale Elementary, Edgerton Elementary (Whitnall), and a teen site at Greenfield Middle School.  Kamp Konkel is also returning this summer for two weeks in August.  See pages 21-24 for registration details.

Learn To Swim Program
Swim lessons will only be held at the Whitnall High School Pool this summer due to the pool being closed at Greenfield High School.  Because of routine summer maintenance in June, swim lessons will be offered in July and August at Whitnall.  In addition, the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training program will also be offered beginning in late June.  See pages 16-20 for details.

Challenger British Soccer Camp
The number one soccer camp in the United States is coming to Greenfield!  The Challenger British Soccer Camps have selected qualified and talented coaches from Britain who are specifically trained.  Challenger has developed one of the most innovative methods of coaching by focusing on key techniques and technical components of soccer, but are also committed to developing the whole child.  This soccer camp is open to boys and girls ages 3-14.  See page 7 for complete details.

Safety City
This year's Safety City program is being offered in cooperation with the Greenfield School District Summer School program.  Children enrolled in the K5 summer school program will spend 1 hour each day at the Safety City.  Registrations are also being accepted for those not in summer school.  See page 26 for details.

It's A Fiesta - Older Adult Anniversary Picnic
The 15th annual picnic for those in the Department's Older Adult Membership program will be held this summer on Tuesday, July 8th at Konkel Park.  This year's theme is a Mexican fiesta.  Lunch will be served while being entertained by live mariachi music.  Layton Terrace will also be returning to sponsor bingo.  Door prizes will also be given away.  Don't miss your chance at attending this year's picnic.  Tickets for members go on sale on Monday, June 2nd at the Parks & Recreation Department office.

Community Programs & Events
Here are some of the community-wide events being offered this summer by the Parks & Recreation Department.

• Health & Fitness Challenge (14-week rewards program) - Co-sponsored by the Greenfield Health Department, this program is designed to help step-up your fitness activity in a fun and rewarding way.  See page 41 for details and registration form.
• Concerts at Konkel - Back for its second year, the free concerts at Konkel Park will feature a wide variety of talented musicians.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair, some munchies, and enjoy a great night of musical entertainment.  Playing on Tuesday, June 17th is The Memory Exchange, The Stanley's are the attraction for Tuesday, July 19th, and the Rhythm Kings return on Tuesday, August 19th.  All concerts begin at 7:00pm.  See page 57 for details.
• 5th Annual Greenfield Family Camp-Out - Family fun under the stars.  Pack your bags, stake out your spot, and set-up your tent for an overnight campout at Konkel Park.  This year's event will be held rain or shine on Friday-Saturday, August 1 & 2.  See page 57 for details.
• Movies In The Park - Family-friendly films will be shown at the Konkel Park gazebo on Saturdays June 21st, July 26th, and August 16th.  All movies begin at sundown and are free.  PyraMax Bank will once again be sponsoring this event by offering free popcorn and a visit from Moola Moose.  See page 57 for details.

Summer Medallion Quest
The ever growing popular medallion quest held for the past few summers is once again returning.  The symbol needed to complete the equation for summer fun is located on a medallion hidden somewhere in a Greenfield city park.  The first clue in this year's quest will be published on Thursday, May 29th and continue for four weeks or until the medallion is redeemed.  This year's prize package includes resort accommodations for two nights at the Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort in Wisconsin Dells, four admissions to Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor, and a $20 dinner gift certificate, plus the opportunity to participate in the Greenfield Fourth of July parade.  Contest is open only to City of Greenfield residents.  For complete contest details, see page 5 of the Summer Recreator.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SUMMER 2008 RECREATOR ONLINE.  Program guide is split into three parts and opens as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department in person in room 200 at Greenfield City Hall or by phone at (414) 329-5370.  Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm.  You can also contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by e-mail or check out our website for complete program information.

The Greenfield Dept of Parks & Recreation will be holding its 42^nd Annual Spring Review on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in the Whitnall High School Auditorium

The City of Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department has been receiving several inquiries already for summer park rentals at Konkel Park.  As of today, the forms needed to reserve facilities at Konkel Park are now available online for those interested to download.  These forms include:

• Park & Special Use Request Guidelines
• Park Policies, Procedures & Guidelines
• Park Rental Fees & Charges
• Park Rental Application

Konkel Park is the only park currently with rental capabilities.  If you have a date in mind already to reserve the park, please contact the department first to check if your date and time are available before you make your reservation and fill out the paperwork needed.  You can contact the Department during normal business hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, or at anytime by sending an e-mail to parksrec@greenfieldwi.us.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PARK & FACILITY RENTAL FORMS

While we are on the topics of parks, here are some other commonly asked questions about the City's parks and rentals.

Award honorees pictured from left to right.  Front row:  Maureen Eaton and Mike Doonan of Dan Jansen Family Fest, Michelle Heinze, daughter of Joan Stevens, Beverly Myers, and Jim Patterson and sister of Solid Gold McDonald's.  Back row:  Kathy Doonan of Dan Jansen Family Fest, Kyle Malin, Steve Krukowski, Rick Eaton of Dan Jansen Family Fest, Stephanie Wolfgang, Mark Hochschild of Greenfield DPW, Jennifer Dykes, Jim Lubner of U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary, and Marceile Mueller.

The Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department hosted the 17th annual Staff Recognition and Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, February 9th at Carl's Catering.  About 60 people braved the cold and blowing snow to be in attendance to celebrate with those being recognized for their contributions to the Department.  The theme to this year's banquet is the "Road To Success."  Those staff members, volunteers, and organizations included in "the winner's circle" are listed below. 

Youth Sports Coach of the Year:  Kyle Malin

Program Instructors of the Year:  Stephanie Wolfgang and Evan Weishan

Adult Sports Official of the Year:  Steve Kurkowski

Volunteers of the Year:  Marceile Mueller and Beverly Myers

Special Recognition Awards:  Dan Jansen Family Fest, Inc., Greenfield DPW, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Jim Lubner), Solid Gold McDonald's, River Falls Recreation Center

Special Announcements:  Jim Smrz, Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association Award

Employee of the Year:  Jennifer Dykes

Hall of Fame Inductee:  Joan Stevens, Greenfield Beautification Committee

The Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department will be participating in the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association's discount ticket program to provide great "Family Fun" opportunities at affordable prices.  Besides receiving tickets at an excellent savings, you will be contributing to Parks & Recreation in Greenfield as a percentage of each ticket sold will be placed in the Program Scholarship Fund.

Currently the Department is selling tickets to four statewide attractions:  Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee County Zoo, Rick Wilcox Magical Theater (Grand Illusion show only) in Wisconsin Dells, and Country Springs Water Park in Pewaukee/Waukesha.

Visit the Discount Theme Parks ticket page on the new and improved Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department website for further information on each attraction and for discount ticket prices.

Tickets are only available for purchase in the Parks & Recreation Department office (Room 200 in Greenfield City Hall) Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm.  You may purchase tickets with cash or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).  Sorry, the Department does not accept checks for ticket payment.

Once purchased, your tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged.  Tickets may only be used during valid dates noted.  Any other discount offers will not be applicable.  Admission prices subject to change.

Summer is now not the only time of the year to purchase discount theme park tickets.  We hope that you and your family will be able to take advantage of this new opportunity to enjoy some of the state's year-round attractions.

The Greenfield Parks & Recreation Department received a new look today, but it's not in our office.  Instead it's on our website.  The City of Greenfield this morning launched its new website for the upcoming new year.  Same address.....different look.  Check it out!

 www.greenfieldwi.us - City of Greenfield main address

www.greenfieldwi.us/parksrec - Takes you directly to the Parks & Recreation Dept.'s website.

We hope you enjoy the new look to the website while finding the information you need.  On our department's section of the new website, you will be able to download the current program activity guide, as well as register online for programs.  You can also look at photos and site plans for our current park projects located in the Mitchell Highlands neighborhood and 72nd/Van Norman area.  There is also a new contact form to contact our department, or you are simply welcome to e-mail us directly at parksrec@greenfieldwi.us.  If you have a question for us, be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions link found in the upper right corner of each screen.  You may be able to find your answer there before contacting us.

If there's something you'd like to see on our new website, or have general comments, please contact us and let us know.

Some of you have been calling or e-mailing and asking, and now it's finally here (at least the online version).  View all program offerings for the upcoming season on the Parks & Recreation Department's website, or if you need a shortcut, just click here to download and view the Winter/Spring 2008 Recreator. 

NEW - Beginning with the winter/spring Recreator, you will find an insert containing the GREENFIELD SHEET, which is the new and official City of Greenfield community newsletter.  This newsletter will be included twice a year with the winter/spring and summer Recreator activity guides, and the Fall activity guide will include the annual garbage/yard waste/leaf collection information brochure.

You are going to have "snow much fun" with some of the new offerings the Department has for you, as well as the return of the popular, seasonal programs.  Here are some of the highlights of the programs being offered to you as we head into a new year:

Holiday Break Fitness Classes - See our blog posting from December 4th for complete details and to register.  Also, free try-it days are being offered for land and water fitness class for you to sample the classes before you decide to commit to any of them.  These are being held in mid-January.  Check the Recreator for details.

Family Kickboxing - This new program is geared for adults and children ages 9 and up.  Geared towards families, this class will have participants practicing kickboxing drills, martial arts techniques, and flexibility training.  Separate winter and spring sessions are offered.  See page 8 of the Recreator for complete details.

Spring Review - The 41st Annual show will be held on Saturday, April 12th at the Whitnall High School Auditorium.  This spring's show will feature participants from the Adult Ballet & Tap, Baton Twirling, Middle Eastern Dance, and Kidnastics programs.  See page 13 for more information.

Learn To Swim program - Swimming lessons will only be held at the Whitnall High School Pool due to Greenfield High School's pool closing last spring.  Lessons will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings.  See pages 16-19 in the Recreator for details and complete schedule.

Scout Aquatic Badge Workshops - Having become an annual tradition for the past several years during the winter/spring season, the Department will once again be offering its popular aquatic badge workshops for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts.  See pages 20 & 21 for badges offered.

Computer Courses - New courses offered this season include digital photography, Windows XP, and FREE Microsoft Office suite software.

Staci Joers Cooking Demos - Always popular and refreshed with new ideas and recipes each season.  This winter/spring, Ms. Joers will be tempting your tastebuds with foods from spectacular soups, great American pies, and foods of the Pacific northwest, to simple Greek cooking and basic sushi for the home chef.  See page 26 for program descriptions.

Nature Rangers - Kids ages 6-12 will broaden their awareness of the environment in this new series of workshops through hands-on classroom and outdoor sessions involving trees, eco-awareness, and bugs.  See page 32 for more details.

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny - Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 15th, when your family can come to City Hall for an egg-citing morning of breakfast, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.  This community event will be held prior to the Easter Egg Scramble at Kulwicki Park sponsored by the Greenfield Jaycees.

Teen Activities & Trips - New this season is a series of Teen Alternative Sports nights held on Tuesday evenings.  A different sport will be offered each Tuesday, including dodge ball, wiffle ball, and ultimate frisbee.  See page 35 for more information.  When you're done checking that out, turn to page 42, where a tubing trip to Sunburst Ski Hill is being offered.  This trip for middle school students is being offered on Friday evening, January 18th.

Greenfield Night with the Milwaukee Admirals - Get discount tickets to the Admirals hockey game against the Rockford Ice Hogs on Friday, February 22.  Tickets can be reserved beginning January 2nd and the first 5,000 fans at the game will receive a bobblehead of Nashville star Ryan Suter.  Pictures on the ice with the Admirals players after the game will also be offered to our group.

Registrations are being taken NOW by mail, drop box, fax, and online.  In-person registrations will begin on Monday, January 7th for residents and Wednesday, January 9th for non-residents.  The Winter/Spring 2008 Recreator is only available online at this moment.  The print version is currently at the printers and will be mailed to all Greenfield residents after the Christmas holiday.

Don't delay........register today!

It's hard to believe, but yesterday (December 7th) marked the first anniversary of our Department's blog on GreenfieldNOW.com.  It was December 7, 2006 when we welcomed GreenfieldNOW readers to our first posting on this site.  Much has happened in the past year in Greenfield and the Parks & Recreation Department and some of it has been highlighted on the blog.

Are you a frequent reader of our blog?  What have you liked about our blog?  Is there something you would like to see featured in the future?  We'd like to hear from you.  Send us an e-mail to parksrec@greenfieldwi.us, or if registered with GreenfieldNOW, use the Add Comment feature.

Karen Malecki, the Parks & Recreation Department's Older Adult and Volunteer Services Supervisor, was honored last night at the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Awards and Recognition Banquet, held at Carl's Catering.  Karen was recognized as one of the Public Employees of the Year (Fire Chief Russ Spahn was also honored.).  Karen's responsibilities in the department include organizing and supervising the Older Adult programs, including the annual Older Adult picnic and holiday party, serves as the graphic designer for the Recreator program activity guide and various program flyers, and is involved with community events sponsored by the Department.  In addition, Karen's efforts were seen throughout 2007 as she played a lead role in organizing a committee and has spent countless hours behind-the-scenes implementing the "50 Fun Things To Do In Greenfield" for the City of Greenfield's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

If you would like to extend your congratulations to Karen, please send us an e-mail and your message will be forwarded to her, or use the Add Comment feature on this blog post.