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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... TALENT New rec program targets park events Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted May. 26, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 1, 2015 at 3:27 PM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted May. 26, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 1, 2015 at 3:27 PM » Social News TALENT — Family events in parks will replace summer recreation classes that have seen dwindling attendance in recent years. The City Council approved a Parks Commission recommendation for the program, which is funded in part by a $3 monthly fee on utility bills. “We weren’t putting people in parks or offering things specifically to people in Talent,” said City Manager Tom Corrigan. A swimming program was the most popular class, but that saw children transported from Talent to Ashland. Many of the participants were not Talent residents, Corrigan said. Smoky skies from wildfires sometimes led to cancellation of registrations. “We felt the cost wasn’t effective enough to keep the program going. We wanted to change the focus,” said Parks Commission chairwoman Janet Chose. “We didn’t feel the community was using the classes. We wanted to bring families into the parks.” Events are scheduled in Chuck Roberts Park from June through August. There will be no charge for participation. Event plans are still being developed, but include: June 20 — A Saturday evening splash pad grand opening. The $26,000 splash pad was the top item city residents said they wanted to see in parks improvements when a survey was taken. Other activities including games are under consideration. Events may also be held at the nearby Bark Park for dogs and their owners. July 25 — A Saturday morning family bike ride that will begin and end in the park. The ride is held in conjunction with Siskiyou Velo bike club and Rogue Valley Transportation District. The ride will be over a three-mile course, and parents must accompany children. There will be prizes and bike safety classes. Aug. 21 — Saturday evening movie in the park. The event will be held at the Little League field, which already has bleachers, in the upper park. Talent has arranged to borrow an outdoor movie screen from Medford, Corrigan said. The Little League concession stand will be open. Arts and crafts sessions and games are also under consideration. In 2009, the council approved spending up to $25,000 on recreation programs after 226 participants signed up for 2008 classes when a program coordinator was hired. Last year, $10,000 was allocated with fees covering additional costs. Money from the parks utility bill fee also supports maintenance, supplies and improvements at the city’s parks. For more information, check the city's website at www.cityoftalent.org . Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted May. 26, 2015 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 1, 2015 at 3:27 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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