By MADDY VITALE
Sea Isle City swells with tourists in the spring and summer, but during the offseason there is still a lot to do for residents and those who head to the island to take in its beauty during the quieter time.
Year-round recreational activities and programs keep residents engaged and entertained and also attract residents of neighboring communities and vacationers looking to take in the shore in the offseason.
And with a lineup of things to do at open gym in the former school at 4501 Park Road and the Community Lodge, 300 JFK Boulevard, sports enthusiasts can play pickleball, basketball, volleyball, sign up for some fitness classes or slow it down with some yoga.
Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer, who is also the Director of Community Services, said they are busy planning a host of spring and summer sports and programs, many of which include perennial favorites, and some are new additions.
“This is our planning time of year,” Custer said. “We already have a large number of camps and clinics lined up for the spring and summer, as well as our ever popular summer basketball league and playground camp for kids.”
But a new addition available now involves the popular sport of pickleball, she said.
“Open pickleball will be offered in our municipal gymnasium. This opportunity to play pickleball is intended for beginners and those transitioning to the intermediate skill level,” Custer noted.
She continued, “Pickleball is so popular that we felt it was important to give more opportunities to play the game. Since so many people are eager to learn how to play pickleball, this is a great opportunity, especially for beginners.”
There are two courts for pickleball in the gym. Hours for pickleball are noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“It is free. There are no fees attached,” Custer said. “We provide the nets, and everyone brings their own balls and rackets and of course the intention to have fun.”
She added that like the other programs offered by Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation, pickleball is a way to meet new people.
“Because it is a rotating sport, it is a great way to interact with others and make new friends,” Custer said. “There are no sign-ups. You just show up and get ready to have fun.”
There are many other activities geared to all ages with year-round fun and fitness in mind.
There are weekly yoga classes, Total Body Fitness, Sit-Fit-Seniors and chair yoga classes, which are popular attractions throughout the year, Custer said.
There are also after-school programs at the Park Road community building in the offseason.
The municipal gym is open during the day throughout the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours in the summer, giving sports enthusiasts an inside venue to enjoy their favorite activities.
Custer pointed out that people can always call the recreation office or visit the Sea Isle City Recreation Office Facebook page to check schedules for after-school programs and other activities.
For more information, go to www.visitsicnj.com or call Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation at (609) 263-0050.
