Shafter Recreation serving community, young and old

The Shafter Recreation and Parks District has been busy this summer with a variety of programs, whether if you are 8 years old or 80.

The Rec has just finished their summer baseball season, crowning champions in several divisions. Next up for the district is their fall baseball and softball seasons, with over 20 players signed up to participate so far.

For the seniors in the community, the district offers Zumba classes to keep them active, as well as other exercise classes.

Senior Fitness takes place at the Walker Center, 505 Sunset Ave., from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. These sessions are led by Maru Martinez, who loves to keep the aging active and limber. Chair fitness is one of the many exercise activities she leads.

They also are keeping the seniors cool with these scorching days reaching well into triple digits. The Shafter Cooling Center has been open for the majority of the days during the summer, providing a place for seniors to congregate, while letting them catch up with friends, as well as playing games, reading and relaxing out of the heat.

The district also is in the middle of a popular Summer Tennis Camp, with over 25 players of all levels participating. The camp teaches the basics of the game, including forehand, backhand, serve and footwork.

The district had almost 100 kids participate in their summer camp throughout the summer, giving them a number of options during the day, including origami, cooking, keyboarding, sewing, art, and crafts.

The program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving the kids a full day of activities.

According to Director Philip Jimenez, the district is also excited to be moving forward on their new complex, including several fields, courts, meeting centers and buildings that will serve as activity rooms for children, adults and seniors.