Plenty of things to do in Spindle City
COHOES, N.Y.» Adults and children living in the Spindle City have plenty of opportunities to stay busy while enjoying some free recreational activities.
“I think what’s exciting about what’s going on in the city of Cohoes is that our recreation programs for kids and adults alike is really second to none,” said Mayor Shawn Morse. “We’ve worked really hard to make sure that as we try to become an All-America City and as we continue to live the ‘Cohoes Proud’ way of life that you have to give families an opportunity to have recreation.”
Starting this Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Canal Square Park on Remsen Street, residents and visitors of the city can enjoy the start of the annual weekly Rock the Block Summer Concert series.
Another program being offered for adults, which started last week, is a free tennis clinic, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Van Schaick Island Tennis Courts.
Adults and kids can also enjoy free outdoor yoga classes, which will run on Sundays in June, July and August at 10 a.m. at Van Schaick Island Pond.
This weekend, kids can be part of the Cohoes on the Move Bike/ Walking event in partnership with Albany County at Lansing Park, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include things like bike skill obstacles courses, bike safety training, bike and walking routes, and free helmets.
Then there’s the Albany County Karate program on Friday nights from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cohoes Middle School. Youth can also participate in free soccer clinics on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting June 26 through Aug. 4 at Lansing Park from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for ages 6-17.
Morse said the city’s pool at Lansing Park is expected to open to the public on June 25 and will stay open until mid-August from noon until 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Morse said the pool is free for Cohoes residents to use with a valid proof of residency and non-residents are charged $5 per day to use the facility.
From July 5 through July 13 children five and older can participate in free swimming lessons being offered by Red Cross certified instructors.
On July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Santa Claus will visit city parks bringing candy and gifts for children in attendance as part of an annual Christmas in July event hosted by the city.
Morse went on mention how the city’s Summer Parks Program will begin on July 9 at Lansing Park, Heartt Park and Craner Park and will be offered from noon until 3:30 p.m. daily. During the parks program kids will participate in various sporting events and games along with arts and crafts.
Children will also have the chance to participate in the city’s Summer Sports Academy beginning July 9 through August 17 at Lansing Park. The academy will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and is free to all Cohoes youth ages 7 to 13 years old.
On Wednesdays at 10:30 a. m. during the Sports Academy program, kids will also have the opportunity to participate in the city’s Education through Recreation program at Lansing Park. Kids in the Education through Recreation program will hear lectures on crosswalk safety with the state Department of Transportation along with Cohoes Police and Fire Departments.
Morse also said that the Cohoes Public Library will host a summer reading pro- gram on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. from July 12 through Aug. 9.
“I’m excited about everything that we have going on and what’s more exciting is that we continue to do this without asking the taxpayers for more money and it’s a direct result of all of the other positive things that we have in the city,” said Morse.
For more information about the programs offered visit http://www.ci.cohoes.ny.us/ or contact City Hall at 518-233-2121.