SOLON, IA — Park and Recreation Director Brodie Bohlen says that there are a lot of interesting events and activities this upcoming spring for the Solon area community.
Preschool through third grade kicked off their youth soccer program Tuesday, April 8, at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA). Fourth through sixth graders began their program on Thursday the 10th.
Soccer isn’t the only youth sport that has started this week, with Monday being the first day of eight and under cheerleading. Cheerleading is a four-week long program, and soccer a five-week long program Most Solon programs are all held in-house, but Bohlen says that the soccer teams will also travel to neighboring Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Tumbling and cheerleading are also unique location wise.
“Tumbling and cheerleading is at our old fire station, which is right next to City Hall,” said Bohlen. Bohlen said that the soccer program alone has over 200 kids signed up across grades levels, making up sixteen different teams.
“We have a ton of volunteer coaches for every team,” said Bohlen. “So the league wouldn’t run without parents helping.”
Besides coaching, the Solon programs are heavily reliant on volunteers to keep operations flowing smoothly.
“We paint the fields, we get all the goals ready, we help make schedules and all that, and our public works team in town here helps with mowing,” said Bohlen. “So it’s kind of a joint effort by a lot of people in town.”
Baseball, softball and t-ball all start in late April or early May, and parents can register their children through Parks and Rec. Starting later in the summer, parents can also register their children for swimming lessons. Participants will be bussed over to the Mount Vernon pool with Bohlen and Ethan Esgate, Solon’s Recreation Coordinator.
As far as adult activities go, there will be two sessions of sand volleyball held beginning May 13, and June 24, respectively. Bohlen said that Solon Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department works hand in hand, especially during preparation for many community events.
“Our public works team is in the process of putting in two brand new sand volleyball courts,” said Bohlen. “They’re on a really nice spot on flat level ground next to the Timber Dome [Lodge] and right next to the splash pad and bathrooms.”
Bohlen said that Public Works has also worked with Parks and Rec on building dugouts for fields, mowing upkeep, and park bathroom maintenance. Although Bohlen says that fall is the most busy season for Parks and Rec, the spring is very much a close second, and that the staff enjoys being able to work outdoors.
“This is probably the next busiest time just with all the field prep and outdoor stuff we’re doing,” said Bohlen.
“Because we’re dragging fields and chalking lines and doing stuff outside of the park, which is fun.”
As far as what an average day looks like for Bohlen this spring, he says there isn’t one. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Bohlen is up at the Solon Community Center for Tot Time.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays Bohlen and Esgate are focused mainly on the soccer program.
“We go to the games, make sure all the refs know what’s going on, make sure the games are running smoothly, things of that nature,” said Bohlen.
Besides volunteering for programs, Bohlen said the best way for the community to get involved is simply through word of mouth.
“If we get that word out as soon as possible you get everyone signed up on time and we don’t have to worry about late sign-ups, finding coaches last minute, all that kind of stuff,” said Bohlen.
Solon Parks and Recreation
Address – Solon Community Center, 313 S. Iowa St.
Phone – 319-624-2499
Rainout information – 316-624-0400
Email – [email protected]
Website – solon-iowa.com/151/Parks-Recreation