You can tell that it is our busy season; here is the list of the FREE events that will kick off our summer recreation activities the first week of June, as well as a few events accepting registration! 

Free Craft Club — Join the Parks Department every Monday, June 3-24, for a craft at the Roush Park Pavilion from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. This drop-in event is open to all ages, but adult supervision is required for children under seven. On June 3, the first 60 kids will receive a Clothespin Dinosaur Characters Craft.

Swim Lessons — We still have openings for students in K-12 grade to sign up for the June 3-14 lessons at either 10 or 11 a.m. The cost is only $20 for the two weeks. Call 824-6069 to register. 

Free Summer Tennis Lessons — are held at the Lion’s Park tennis courts (228 Midway), Monday through Friday, from June 3-July 19, weather permitting (closed June 25-July 5). Parents must fill out a registration form the first day the child attends, and we recommend bringing your racquet if you own one. Lessons canceled due to weather will be posted on Bluffton Parks’ Facebook page. Class times by grades entering or age five by June 1: 

• 11:30-12:30 p.m., 9th – 12th grade

• 12:30-1:30 p.m., 5th -8th grade

• 1:30-2:30 p.m., 5yrs-1st grade (Mondays only) 

• 1:30- 2:30 p.m., 2nd-4th grade (Tuesday-Friday)

Free Gaga Ball — Everyone is going gaga over Gaga Ball. Gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit. The more players, the better. Kids ages seven and up can bring their friends to this drop-in event at the Gaga Ball Pit at Roush Park on June 3rd, starting at 2:00 p.m. It is recommended that you bring gloves to help protect your hands.

Free Toddler Tuesdays and Thursdays — Children ages 2-5 are invited to join us at Roush Park for some fun in the sun from 9:00-9:30 a.m. This is a drop-in event and adults can plan to stay and play with their children. June 4 will be Bubble Day, and June 6 will be Lego Day. 

Free Crafting for a Cause — Come help make a difference in someone’s life by Crafting for a Cause. Kids ages seven and up are invited to drop in on Wednesdays from 11-11:45 a.m. at Roush Park. The craft on June 5 will be beaded bracelets, and all the items made will be donated in a Christmas box to those in need.

Free Egg Drop Challenge – This drop-in event is for youth ages 7-18yrs to build a contraption to protect their egg from a 2nd-floor drop. Meet in the Bluffton City Gym (128 E Market) from 2-3 pm on Wednesday, June 5th. Some building supplies are provided, but you can bring your own. Each participant must bring two raw eggs in Zip-lock bags to launch! 

Free Lego Play Day — Kids ages six and up are invited to Roush Park on June 6 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. to build their best Lego creations. Legos will be provided for this event; just bring your ingenuity and inventive minds. An adult must be present with their child.

Free Art in the Park — Join us every Friday from June 7-June 28 for a craft at Roush Park from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This drop-in event is open to all ages (an adult must stay with children under seven). The first 60 kids will receive a DIY foam glider craft. 

Free Intro to Pickleball — Adults and teens over 16 are invited to learn the fun and fast-paced game of Pickleball. Join volunteer instructor Rick King on Tuesdays and Thursdays through June and July at the Washington Park Courts, starting at 10 a.m.

Free Kehoe Concert — Join Bayou County on a musical journey celebrating the timeless hits of Creedence Clearwater Revival on Friday, June 7, from 8-10 p.m. at Kehoe Park in Bluffton. Their live music show is a must-see for anyone who loves CCR’s music. Featuring hit songs from the 60s and beyond, their performance will surely transport you back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. Bring your lawn chair and a few dollars to purchase something delicious from Yergy’s BBQ food truck. 2 Pour Guys will also serve adult beverages (ID required). The rain site, if needed, is Bluffton High School 1 Tiger Trail. This concert is sponsored by the generosity of Isaac Stoller of Steffen Group Real Estate & Auctions. Special thanks to the series Title Sponsors, Wells County Foundation and ProFed Federal Credit Union.

Hot Diggity Dog Jog Fundraiser —It’s time to sign up for a casual 5K or 1-mile run/walk to help raise money for the K-9 Kommon’s Dog Park, which will be held on Saturday, June 22, at 9 a.m. at Pickett’s Run Park. You can participate in person or virtual. The in-person option starts at Pickett’s Run Park and follows our scenic River Greenway. Enjoy other activities like a photo booth, dog wash station, agility course, foam machine, and more. Each person receives a running fanny pack and frisbee, while Dog participants will get a bandana. Sign up online at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/88158/hot-diggity-dog-jog. 

Fastest Kid in Town — Who is the fastest kid in Bluffton, Indiana? Let’s find out when kids compete in this 100 or 50-meter sprint. Join us Saturday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Pickett’s Run Park. Age categories include 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. Medals for the fastest three boys and girls in each age category will be awarded. Category winners will “Race Off” after the competition for the “Ultimate Fastest Kid in Town” award. All participants receive a medal for their efforts. Snacks and Bubble Machine Fun at the Splash Pad after the races. Sign up online at Fastest Kid in Town: https://tinyurl.com/yc32pa6w for $5.00 or on Race Day for $7.00. 

Have a great week!