Climbing, swimming, cycling into summer

Menomonee Falls - Whether you want to keep it traditional or you crave something new, Germantown and Menomonee Falls' summer recreation programs are sure to satisfy.

Menomonee Falls summer recreation guides were put in the mail two weeks ago, giving residents a few weeks to peruse the activity lineup before registration kicks off online at 12:01 a.m. April 17. Swimming lessons are predicted to once again be among the most popular classes that fill up fast, said Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation Director Joan Erickson.

Safety Town, a preschool program and community favorite, is returning this year as is Kids, Inc., a daylong activity program for children.

"It's enhanced and upgraded," Erickson said.

Youth baseball and tennis programs will run throughout the summer.

Adults have a slew of fitness opportunities to choose from including yoga, Tai Chi, kickboxing, Zumba, indoor cycling, aerobics and deep water aerobics. New for adults this summer is a fitness program called cardio drumming.

Senior citizens will have opportunities to travel with a trip to Mineral Point in June, which includes a historic tour of the Gundry house and an orchard. In July, they can step back in time with a trip to Oshkosh where participants will visit Morgan House, a Victorian home built in 1884, dine at Roxy Supper Club and view the history of flight at the AirVenture Museum.

"Those fill up really fast," Erickson said.

School district programs

The community education and recreation department is once again teaming with the Menomonee Falls School District for the summer school program, which is open to all school district residents. For the first time, registration for middle school and high school courses will be done through the recreation department. These classes are free, except for minimal charges if materials are needed.

"They've really enhanced their offerings in enrichment and credit courses at the high school," Erickson said.

To register online at fallsrec.org, an account with a username and password must be set up. Erickson recommends setting up an account before registration begins. Registration is also available at the recreation office, W152N8645 Margaret Road, through a drop box that is available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those using the drop box will be placed in programs on a first-come first-served basis.

Nonresident registration opens April 20.

Germantown offers new programs

The Germantown Recreation Department is offering a long list of traditional summer programs mixed with a slew of new ones.

The recreation book was placed in the mail Tuesday, with resident registration slated to begin at 8 a.m. April 30.

Fifth- and sixth-graders have the opportunity to sign on for a new program, Adventure Kids Club, which runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. This club includes trips to pools, video games, miniature golf and activities targeted toward older children.

"Parents want something for them and they get bored at regular kids clubs and staff has responded with coming up with this," said Germantown Recreation Department Director Brett Altergott.

New summer workshops are added for both children and adults including the Silly, Stupendous World of Dr. Seuss for children and Baby Basics for expecting mothers. This class includes first aid, car safety, as well as baby proofing the home. Safety Town is returning for Germantown preschoolers. Belly dancing for women, volleyball and basketball programs, as well as rock climbing camps for ages 4 through adult are also on tap this summer.

New adult programs include Zumba, Zumba gold, a hip-hop club, an effective couponing workshop and how to choose the right child care. Altergott said the Recreation Department is partnering with the ITT Technical Institute of Wisconsin to offer workshops such as a college planning and developing a career plan.

There are also a host of events planned out of the senior center. These include gardening classes, a trip to the cranberry festival and a big band cruise.

"I encourage people to take a look at the book because there is something for all ages and sometimes it's specific for an age group and other times it's family-based events," Altergott said.

His hope is Germantown residents stay close to home and take advantage of the opportunities offered locally. The Recreation Department is also offering free movies in the park June 8, July 20 and Aug. 17.

Residents and school district residents can register for summer programs online beginning April 30 at www.village.germantown.wi.us. A username and password can be emailed to residents who have an active account. For those who don't have an account online, call the recreation office at (262) 250-4710 to set one up. Residents can also use the drop box to sign up for programs at N112W17001 Mequon Road, which will be processed by staff the morning registration opens.

GT Summer Registration

Resident registration: 8 a.m. April 30

Nonresident registration: May 2

Where to register: www.village.germantown.wi.us or office drop box, N112W17001 Mequon Road

Information: (262) 250-4710

MF Summer Registration

Resident registration: 12:01 a.m. April 17

Non-resident registration: April 20

Where to register: fallsrec.org or office drop box, W152 N8645 Margaret Road

Information: (262) 255-8460