City offering casual kickball, dodge ball

Parents who need social time for themselves and their children.

Guys and gals unafraid of dodge ball.

And, folks interested in flashing back to the playground with a kickball game.

All these groups will find what they’re looking for in new programs offered by the Sedalia Parks Department.

Beginning Oct. 7, parents are invited to Tiny Tots Play Park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Convention Hall.

“The gym will be filled with toys for children 5 and younger to come and play,” said Amy Epple, parks recreation supervisor.

The cost is $1 per session, and no registration is needed. Epple said the program is a new way for parents and children to socialize.

“Once the weather gets cool, it gives them a chance to get out of the house and let the kids burn some energy,” Epple said.

Several “casual” sports leagues are also available for the first time. Sign-up has started for the co-ed kickball league, with registration closing Sept. 19.

Teams need a roster of at least 10 people ages 16 and older. The cost is $80 per team. Games are scheduled for Wednesday nights from Oct. 1 to Oct. 22 or 29 at Centennial Park.

“I’ve seen it (kickball) as a growing trend in parks and recreation,” Epple said. “I’ve also had a couple people call in and request it, so we’re going to give it a try and see what happens.”

The league is “casual” in that no uniforms or equipment are needed, Epple said. Players also don’t have to be “super athlete, so that makes it more enjoyable,” she said.

Dodge ball is another new casual league offering. Teams should consist of three men and three women. The cost is $60 per team, and registration is open from Oct. 1 to 17. League play begins Oct. 29 and is on Wednesday nights in Convention Hall.

Epple said the league was a hit in Warrensburg, and she hopes for good response here.

“I know a lot of people just came out to watch,” she said.

Those interested in participating in leagues, but are unable to gather a team, should contact Epple at the Parks Department, she said. She may be able to help individuals find a team.

Other traditional fall programs still offered by the Parks Department include youth basketball leagues and the Halloween carnival.

Registration for youth basketball starts Monday and ends Oct. 13. The program is offered for boys and girls in grades first through sixth. The cost is $25 per child.

Epple is still looking for volunteer coaches and team sponsors. It costs $75 to sponsor a team, which provides T-shirts featuring the sponsor.

Youth basketball is on Saturdays in January and February. Practice begins the last week of November.

The carnival is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 in Convention Hall, and will feature a costume contest, games, moonwalk and haunted house. It is free to children younger than 12, and their families.

Fall Sedalia Parks Programs

Kickball League
Registration: open until Sept. 19
Cost: $80 per team
League play: Wednesday nights beginning Oct. 1 at Centennial Park

Dodge Ball League
Registration: Oct. 1 to 17
Cost: $60 per team
League play: begins Oct. 29, Wednesday nights in Convention Hall

Youth Basketball
Registration: Monday to Oct. 13
Cost: $25 per child
League play: Saturdays in January and February

Tiny Tots Play Park
Where: Convention Hall
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, beginning Oct. 7
Cost: $1 per session