Opportunities for summer fun abound in Black Mountain

On Friday, June 9, Buncombe County Schools will dismiss students for the final time this school year.

While children may celebrate the arrival of summer, parents are tasked with scrambling to find activities to fill the void left by the end of the school year, as well as the extracurricular activities it includes.

Programs available through the Black Mountain Recreation and Parks department provide some options.

Competitive swimming has gained popularity among children in the Swannanoa Valley in recent years. The Black Mountain Stingrays, a swim team that practices and hosts meets at the Lakeview Pool, has around 114 swimmers on its roster for the upcoming season.

That’s nearly 100 more than the 23 swimmers head coach Beth DuBrock three years ago when she revived the local swimming program.

The Stingrays compete against teams from throughout Western North Carolina and host four meets this season, which runs through July 27.

Children ages 6-18, who can swim the entire length of the pool once without assistance can join for $60 each. There are evening and morning practices each week.

For less experienced swimmers, the recreation and parks department offers lessons based on ability level.

There are also half day soccer, basketball and tennis camps for children offered by the department, all of which still have openings.

The full day Black Mountain Summer Adventure Camps for first-sixth grade students are full, but parents can still join a waiting list.

A co ed youth NFL flag football league for children ages 5-12 begins July 1.

Activities through recreation and parks aren’t limited to children.

Karate classes for all ages are held in the auditorium at the Carver Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at $85 per person. Monday evening Zumba classes are available as well.

The 22nd season of Park Rhythms begins on June 22 when the Ryan Perry Band comes to the stage at Lake Tomahawk. The 2017 series runs through Aug. 10.

Adult co ed dodgeball will get underway in the coming weeks, with a manager meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 1 at the Grey Eagle Arena. Anyone interested in assembling a team should call 669-2052.

For those interested in gardening, the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden is looking for harvest help on Tuesday mornings from 8-11 a.m.

For more information on programs and activities offered through Black Mountain Recreation & Parks visit blackmountainrec.com.