Get active with park programs
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has plenty to offer residents during the winter season that begins next week.

From new aquatics programs to new classes- including horseback riding lessons and bowling - the park district hopes there is something for everyone.

"We're trying to offer activities to get people off the couch and (playing) video games and create a healthier environment for themselves," said Colleen Janssen, marketing and community outreach specialist for RSRPD.

Two new swim programs for kids- Aqua Fit for children ages 6 to 13 and a water activities course for homeschooled students- will be available.

Aqua Fit, held at the Rancho Simi Community Park pool, features exercises "disguised as fun," Janssen said.

The six-week program for the homeschooled serves as a physical education period for those students. Participants ages 6 to 17 can enjoy games in the community pool and learn how to play water polo.

Zumba, an international Latin dance that's been gaining popularity since the district first featured it in the fall, will again be offered. Zumba is for ages 17 and older, and classes are held at Houghton Schreiber Park and Rancho Santa Susana Community Center.

Build a Better Body is a brandnew class.

"(Instructor) Arn Noah focuses on more low- to no-impact exercise, like martial arts, yoga, stretching and calisthenics," said Laura Ballantoni, recreation coordinator. She'll oversee the implementation of 80 to 90 courses during the winter season.

Horseback riding lessons, offered for the first time ever through the district, will be held at Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center. A bowling course for ages 3 and older will be held at Harley's Simi Bowl.

When it comes to league sports, boys' and girls' basketball dominates the scene.

About 800 kids are signed up to play basketball this winter. Players from third grade to high school are eligible. The high school division is coed, and games are played at Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, Royal High and at Sinaloa and Valley middle schools.

"It's kind of weird; we get pretty much the same amount of kids every year. We don't really see changes in numbers," said Dale Long, recreation supervisor for Rancho Simi.

Play Ball is a new, noncompetitive program at Rancho Simi where children ages 2 to 5 learn life lessons through sports. Parents of children ages 2 to 3 work with the instructor.

Golf, ice skating, surfing. skateboarding, roller skating, fencing, T-ball, soccer and water polo are also available.

The district also offers affordable sports classes for youngsters age 6 and under that can help parents see which sport their child enjoys most.

For more information, call (805) 584-4400 or visit www.rsrpd.org.