Winter break opportunities to skate and swim

As schools wind down for the upcoming winter break and visitors arrive, Bend Park and Recreation District has activities to delight all ages.

Winter Solstice Celebration

The Pavilion will celebrate the shortest day of the year with its annual Winter Solstice Celebration on Friday, Dec. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

With festivities to welcome winter’s delights, attendees who bring a canned food item to donate to NeighborImpact will receive a special $7 admission price including skate rental. BPRD has a goal to collect 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food and has collected 2,000 pounds to date. Collection bins are also located at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, Larkspur Community Center and the District Office.

The winter solstice evening open skate session includes free cocoa and cookies as well as other foods available for purchase. There is a special performance by Bend Ice Figure Skating Club at 7 p.m.

“Winter Solstice is a great way to mark the darkest day on the calendar while welcoming the longer days ahead,” said Clare Gordon, manager of The Pavilion. “Skaters of all ages and abilities are invited to enjoy some time on the ice and bring canned food to help others.”

Holiday Skate at The Pavilion

Holiday Skate sessions are available daily from Dec. 21 to Jan. 4, including Dec. 24, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The Pavilion will be closed Dec. 25. Learn more on The Pavilion webpage.

Recreation Swim offered at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center have numerous drop-in recreation swim times through the beginning of the year. Juniper and Larkspur are open daily except for Dec. 25.

Sessions include open recreation swim for all ages, parent-child swim (for ages 6 and younger with an adult), and family swim with an adult. Adults are $7 each when an adult accompanies a paid child. Good for all sessions above. Learn more on the recreation swim webpage.

“Holidays with family and friends can be active and fun, including at our recreation facilities,” said Julie Brown, community engagement director. “Spending time together to make memories is often the best way to celebrate the end of the calendar year.”

For more information, visit bendparksandrec.org.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.

This article appears in Source Weekly December 19, 2024.