WRPD has more fun in store

The Wasco Recreation and Parks District has opened up registration for their youth basketball league for ages 3 to 14. The deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The season starts on Feb. 4 and runs until March 25. Through a partnership with Thomas Jefferson Middle School, the team members will play on Saturdays at the school gym.

The players will also practice there.

Program coordinator Juan Bernal said that players will learn the fundamentals of basketball, teamwork, sportsmanship and interacting with each other.

"Kids are actively moving, running, jumping, and there is a lot of conditioning, so it's good for their overall physical health," Bernal said.

He stated that the players will take away important life skills as an added bonus.

"We teach them responsibility, dedication, commitment to their goals, how to overcome challenges and, in some cases, bouncing back from defeat."

The league is open to all skill levels, and there are no tryouts.

"Everybody makes the team," Bernal said.

There are co-ed teams for ages 3 to 10 and a boys and girls division for ages 11-14. With the maximum age of 14, a player cannot be in high school during the season.

Teams are composed of eight to 10 players.

It is an intradistrict league, and teams of their own age will play against each other.

The early bird registration runs through Saturday, Nov.19. Fees for 7 and younger are $55 and $65 for kids over 7 years. If you miss early registration, the fees will increase by $10. Uniforms are provided with the fee.

Bernal said it is a physically athletic sport but has social benefits.

"Kids get to see each other at school and sometimes compete against their friends," he said.

The league is more than just about winning with the end all goal to have fun and enjoy themselves.

Every player receives an award for participating in the season. The older team members play in a tournament, and the winners get trophies.

Coaches are composed of community volunteers.

"Some of them are parents of the players. Others want to participate and give back to the community through coaching." Bernal said.

Several other WRPD programs promote the importance of staying active, including their Wasco Fit Club, which meets every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. at Barker Park, 1202 Poplar Ave.

A fee of $25 covers all of the classes for the month.

It is co-ed, and sessions consist of a combination of different workouts, with weights, cardio and step, varying from day to day. The club takes place year-round.

Also back on the calendar is the free community "Fun Ride" bike event that was previously scheduled for Oct. 15. It has now been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5, at Barker Park.

In partnership with the City of Wasco and Bike Bakersfield, it is intended to bring awareness around bike safety.

It is for all ages and skill levels; anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. The ride will follow a 2-mile route.

There will be a limited number of free helmets as long as supplies last, compliments of the city.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the bike ride from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

To register for the youth basketball league, visit wascoparks.recdesk.com or call 661-758-3081. You also can visit the office at 1280 Poplar Ave. in Barker Park.