Think Spring: Youth Sports Leagues Are Forming

Spring and summer fun-time activities are coming to St. Clair Shores throughout the upcoming months in the form of a variety of youth-oriented sporting groups.

“I always say that playing a sport is almost as important for kids as what they learn in school,” said Greg Esler, parks and recreation director for St. Clair Shores. “It’s good for kids to get outside and get some exercise during the summer months versus just sitting inside and playing video games or watching television.”

Kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy the spring and summer programs; their parents do as well.

“I always appreciate the effort the city puts out for us,” said Cathy Spencer, a mother of two children who lives in St. Clair Shores. “Last year my son played baseball and this year my daughter wants to play. I like that they have these (programs) so the kids can stay active. That’s the most important thing for me.”

• Baseball and softball leagues: Registration is now open for boys and girls baseball and softball teams, ages 5 to 18. The teams are run by the St. Clair Shores Baseball and Softball Association. Opening day is scheduled for May 22 at Kyte Monroe Field, located on Harper north of Masonic. For more information, call 586-435-5442 or visit www.scsbsa.com.

• Swimming: For little swimmers, a summer competitive swim team called the St. Clair Shores Sea Serpents is being formed for beginners and more advanced, competitive swimmers. For more information, call the municipal pool at (586) 445-5270 after Memorial Day. The cost of the program is $80.

• Summer Playground Program: This weekly program, which runs from mid-June to mid-August each summer, is offered to both resident and nonresident children ages 5 to 12. It runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is held at Veterans Memorial Park, located at Masonic and Jefferson. The cost is $110 per week for residents and $130 for nonresidents.
  Fees include two weekly field trips to the municipal pool, field trips, arts and crafts, sports and games. Space is limited to the first 100 children per week on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register, call (586) 445-5350.
• Special Needs Summer Playground Program: This is a weekly program that runs concurrent with the regular summer playground program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $95 per week, per child for residents and $110 for nonresidents.
  Children in this program go on field trips to places such as the Detroit Zoo, Cranbrook Institute of Science and horseback riding, among others. Participants also attend the public pool twice a week, play sports games and do arts and crafts projects.
• Tennis: Two 3-week sessions are offered for ages 6 to 17. The novice fee is $60 and intermediate is $65. The program runs from June to August. For more information, call 586-445-5350.
• Boat Safety Classes: The St. Clair Shores Sail and Power Squadron, along with the parks and recreation department, will offer boating classes for ages 12 and up. They are taught in five-week sessions from 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday February through June at the St. Clair Shores Civic Arena. The class is free to attend, but there is a $40 book fee. For more information or to sign up, call 586-445-5350.
  Advance registration is required and can be done in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 20000 Stephens. Registration by mail is encouraged by completing a program registration form online at scsparksrec.net and then mailing it to the civic center.