Summer fun goes virtual: Patterson offers recreation online during coronavirus lockdown
Water aerobics and summer camp fans rejoice: you can still get your fix, albeit virtually, during the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting this week, Stanislaus County residents can register for online summer programs run by Patterson Recreation and Community Services staff, who kick off sessions in June.
The city is offering water aerobics for seniors and the general public, Camp Apricot for children ages 4 to 12 and a junior lifeguard class for ages 11 to 14.
By holding online meetings and producing activity videos, staff members aim to engage community members in a safe way, said Juliene Flanders, director of Patterson Recreation and Community Services. Normally the children’s camp has 150 participants, she said, a crowd size that violates social distancing guidelines from the California Department of Public Health.
“We knew that it would be challenging to run programs that could keep people at a distance,” Flanders said. “So that’s why we started to think seriously about can we manage this in June in July, or do we need to be prepared for something different?”
Inspired by state and national recreation training, city staff cut back the more than 35 summer programs it originally offered and began planning online interactive sessions. Staff will also put together supplies, Flanders said, such as camp activity packets for pick-up and water aerobics equipment kits that can be delivered.
How will Stanislaus County residents get virtual lessons?
Participants in the low-impact strength training program will watch weekly workout videos created by Kelly Nelson, recreation supervisor for aquatics and special events. Nelson said she will take questions on the water aerobics exercises over email, through videos participants record of themselves or in the Zoom class check-in meetings.
No pool is required, Nelson said, because she will create dry land versions in addition to lower intensity and standard workouts. Modifications for those without a pool may include wall push ups or kicks similar to exercises done against a pool wall, she said.
“It’s basically how we would run our class live,” Nelson said. “It’s just ‘Hey, we’re gonna do this, but if you’re struggling, try this instead.’ I’m going to try to recruit my mom to help me show examples.”
But instead of teaching at the closed Patterson Aquatic Recreation Center, Nelson said she will film demonstrations from her backyard pool. City recreation staff hope it will be safe to resume in-person classes around August or September, which Nelson said would help junior life guard students learn in-water requirements. In the meantime, she will ask the youth to take pictures of them surveying a scene in their gear or create commercials on how to apply sunscreen.
While the coronavirus doesn’t spread to people through properly maintained pool water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimmers can catch the virus on frequently touched surfaces such as handrails or through close contact with other swimmers. The state has not approved the reopening of county public pools, but CDC guidelines include encouraging visitors to wash hands and cover their mouths when sneezing.
How to sign up for Patterson programs, other virtual sports
Usually the city works with other organizations to find sport coaches, Flanders said, but this summer groups such as Skyhawks and Junior Giants are also going virtual. The city provides information on the programs, which range from soccer to baseball training from San Francisco Giants coaching staff, in a virtual recreation activity guide that also includes links to virtual garden tours.
Flanders said staff likely won’t know how popular the virtual programs are until next week. Even so, the Patterson City Council praised recreation staff’s creativity during its regular meeting Tuesday.
“I believe this will really work out for the community (and) the youth,” Council Member Joshua Naranjo said after a recreation presentation. “I can’t wait to see how some of these programs roll out.”
Camp Apricot begins June 1 and the aquatics programs kick off the week of June 8. Registration fees start at $25, but scholarships are available and the department is accepting applications online. The virtual sessions are not limited to Patterson residents; anyone who lives in Stanislaus County may take part.
To register for city programs, visit the Patterson Recreation and Community Services website. Questions can also be directed to staff at 209-895-8080.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 10:53 AM.
