Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Town of Payson, Parks, Recreation and Tourism athletic coordinator Mary Wolf has helped design a youth and adult spring program that features activities for all ages and abilities.

The upcoming programs include:

• Biddy and Start Smart Basketball – Session Two

Introduce your child to basketball with these four clinics. The clinic will focus on very basic fundamentals. The classes are designed for young children.

Biddy and Start Smart Basketball will be held on four Saturdays at Julia Randall Elementary Gym: Jan. 21 and Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11.

Registration: Now until Jan. 18 

Age: Three years to second-graders.

Fee: $20 per child

• Third- and Fourth-Grade Basketball League 

Area youngsters are invited to join the Youth Basketball League for all boys and girls in the third- and fourth-grades. It is an opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals of basketball and get the opportunity to play in games every Saturday.

Registration: continues through Jan. 25

Dates: Feb. 11 through March 10

Ages: Third- and Fourth-grade boys and girls

Place: Rim Country Middle School Gym

Cost: $30 per child

• Adult Men’s Basketball League

This league will be held weekday nights at the Rim Country Middle School Gym. The league includes an end of the year, double elimination championship tournament and awards. Rosters are limited to 10 players.

Registration: continues through Jan. 30

Game Dates: Feb. 6 through April 19

Ages: 18 years and older and out of high school

Place: Rim Country Middle School Gym

Fee: $300 per team 

• Watchable Wildlife

Want to increase the chances of having a positive wildlife viewing experience? Joe Yarchin, from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will teach participants the five steps for successful wildlife viewing.

Registration: Jan. 20 - March 16

Date: Saturday, March 24, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Age: All ages

Place: Parks Office, Green Valley Park

Fee: $5 per person

• Equestrian Classes and Clinics

 The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, in partnership with Lani Hall, Jessy Wedell, Charlie Hall and Dr. Drew Justice, DVM, is offering exciting equine classes. Enjoy developing your skills and knowledge on a variety of topics surrounding the equestrian lifestyle. Sign up for one class or sign up for the series. Space is limited.

Registration: Online or at the Parks Office, Green Valley Park

Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Place: Ag Building, Payson High School

Fee: $8 per person per class or $40 for all 8 classes

Classes:

Jan. 31 - Goat Tying, Session 1 (You must sign up for both sessions of the goat tying clinic.)

Feb. 1 - Goat Tying, Session 2

Feb. 8 - Emergency First Aid for horses

Feb. 15 - Dummy roping

Feb. 22 - Horse grooming

Feb. 29 - Showmanship Halter

March 7 - 4H Showmanship

March 14 - Ease your horse back into shape. Get ready for spring and summer equestrian events. This class will be held at the Parks Office in Green Valley Park.

For details about any of these and other upcoming events presented by the parks department, call (928) 474-5242, ext. 7.