To download the newest Community Center brochure as PDF, click the brochure thumbnail.

Outdoor & Nature Education (O.N.E.) Packs

Explore the outdoors this summer, five backpacks are available to get children/families involved in the outdoors through the support of the Resource Enhancement  and Protection Conservation Education Program. These packs can be taken to local parks; they are filled with fun, educational activities. Current packs available are Aquatic Habitats, Birds, Rocks & Minerals, Outdoor Skills and Creatures of the Night. Future packs include Animals of Iowa, Trees, Insects & Spiders, Wildflowers and the Wild Turkey. These packs were prepared with the support of the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP) Grant Number 11-11.  Any opinions, findings, conclusions or   recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the REAP CEP Board.
Days/Times: Any day of the week; Packs can be checked out for one week at a time.
Fee: FREE
Deposit & Registration: Pack rental forms must be completed and a credit card number will be taken for a deposit. Any lost or broken items will be charged to the credit card on file.

Photo-Awcity

Get the cameras out! Everyone is encouraged to take photos throughout the community and submit their favorite five in our contest! Photo submission and registration required by April 1. Entries will be posted at the NLRC and judged by Recreation Staff on April 1.  Winner to receive a $25 gift certificate to the NLRC and photo will be featured in an upcoming brochure.
Ages: All
Photo submission and registration: By April 1
Fee: FREE
Registration: Registration forms can be picked up at the NLRC front desk and for more information contact Matt Meseck at 626-5716.

Diners’ Club – Winter / Spring

Participants will discuss aspects of restaurants. Included are free babysitting services. The Club will use the NoJoCo and sites such as Yelp and UrbanSpoon to spread the word. Sign up to receive a 3 month black & gold membership from 2/1 – 5/1. Participants must attend 2 out of 3 dates or pay for the difference. Price does not include the meal.
Ages: 21 & up
Dates: February 2, March 1, and April 5
Time: 5:45PM; Meet at NLRC and travel via van to location. (Group travel strongly recommended but not required)
Fee: Residents; $50, Non-res $60 (includes diners club and NLRC membership); $15 (diners club only, no NLRC membership)

Snowman Contest

Build a snowman in any city park for the town to see between Dec 5 and Feb 28.  Take a picture of your creation and submit it to Jason at the NLRC along with your name, contact information and where the snowman was built.  The photos will be displayed in the lobby and judged by recreation staff. The top two families will each receive a free large pizza courtesy of Pizza Ranch!

Boy Scout 26th Annual Chili Supper

Help support your local Boy Scouts by attending this all-you can-eat chili supper at the North Liberty Recreation Center.
Date: Saturday, February 4
Time: 4:30 – 7PM
Fee: To be announced

North Central Jr. High Ski Trip

The NLRC is planning a ski trip to Sundown Mountain for students of North Central Jr. High. Fee includes lift ticket, ski rental, lesson and transportation. Students who own snowboard or ski equipment may bring it for personal use. Permission slips must be filled out upon sign up and brought to the NLRC, not the school. Slips are located at the NLRC and will be sent out through the school virtual backpack. Food and drink not included and must be purchased by the individual.
Ages: NCJH Grades 7 & 8.
Date: Monday, February 20
Times: Depart from NLRC; 7:15AM – 6:30PM
Fees: Ski Pass, Equip. Rental, Lesson and Transportation: $65
Ski Pass, (Own Equip) Lesson, and Transportation: $50
Registration Deadline: February 15

Sundown Mountain Nighttime Skiing

Ski all night on one of the largest lifts in the area. You may rent equipment which is included in the cost or you may bring your own. No alcohol is allowed but Lodge will be open all night for food and beverages. Cost includes lift fees and rental of skis or a snowboard. Food and drink not included.
Ages: 18 years & up
Date: Friday, February 10
Times: Depart from NLRC at 9PM; Ski Time 11PM to 4AM; Return to NLRC approx. 6AM on Saturday.
Fees: Ski Pass Only: $30
Ski Pass & Rental: $45
Snowboard Pass & Rental: $45
Registration Deadline: February 8

2012 Chicago Auto Show

The North Liberty Recreation Department is hosting a trip to the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.  Cost includes transportation on a chartered bus to The McCormick Place in Chicago and your entrance to the motor show.  We will not be stopping on our way to or on the return trip.  Food and drink will be allowed on the bus but alcohol will not be permitted.
Date: Thursday, February 16
Time: Depart from NLRC at 5:30AM and arrive at McCormick Place around 10AM. Report back to the bus no later than 3PM.
Arrive back in North Liberty approximately 7:30PM
Fees: Residents $55, Non-res $60
For more information please contact Matt Meseck @ 626-5716 or by email at mmeseck {at} ci.north-liberty.ia(.)us
Registration Deadline: February 13

NL Optimist Pancake Breakfast

Help support your local Optimist Club in attending this event held at the North Liberty Community Center.
Date: Saturday, March 3
Time: 7AM – 1PM
Fee: To be announced.

Spring Vendor Fair

The NLRC is offering local vendors, crafters, and sellers the opportunity to rent a spot and is open to anyone who wishes to set up a booth and sell goods to the public. We attempt to keep this as close to a non-competing event as possible.
Date: Saturday, March 10
Time: Set-up 7-11AM; Vendor Fair 11AM-2PM
Fee: $10 for a 10 x 10 square spot
Details & Registration: Matt Meseck at mmeseck {at} ci.north-liberty.ia(.)us or call 626-5716.

Easter Egg Hunt

The North Liberty Optimist Club and the Recreation Department co-sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Candy will be spread on the ground. If inclement weather, event will move inside at the NLRC. Don’t be late, the candy vanishes in minutes!
Ages: 10 yrs & under
Date: Saturday, March 31
Time: 10:30AM Sharp!
Location: Rec Center grounds or inside if inclement weather
Fee: FREE

A Taste of Clinton – The Wild Rose Casino & Blue Heron Eco Cruise

First, we visit the Wild Rose Casino for two hours.  This is followed by a visit to the  Rock Creek Marina and Campground where we will enjoy the river through free time Then, we embark on a 30-passenger pontoon boat that gives cruisers an up-close look at the Mississippi River! All food/meals are the participants  responsibility.  Packing a sack dinner is recommended. There is also a chance to eat at the casino.
Ages: Seniors
Date: Thursday, April 19
Time: Depart from NLRC at 12:30PM and arrive back at 10:30PM
Fee: $42 per person
Registration Deadline: April 5

Bicklehaupt Arboretum and The Blue Heron Eco Cruise

The tour beings at the Bicklehaupt Arboretum, a privately funded 14 acre outdoor museum of trees and plants. This is followed by a trip to Rock Creek Marina and Campground where you will be given the chance to relax and eat on the banks of the Mississippi. We then explore the river on the Blue Heron, a 30-passenger pontoon boat that gives cruisers an up-close look at the river. Meals are the participant’s responsibility. Packing a sack dinner is suggested.
Ages: Parents & children
Date: Saturday, April 28
Time: Depart from NLRC at 1:15PM; Return at approximately 9:30PM
Fee: $38 per person
Registration Deadline: April 14

Geo-caching

Recreation Staff has come up with a great way to explore our city parks. A GPS unit will make this a fun and explorative
outdoor activity! Locating four landmarks in the city parks will be your goal. A prize will be given to those who are able to find and correctly identify the landmarks. When registering for the GPS, coordinates will be given.
Ages: 12 years & up
Rental Times: Anytime
Instruction: GPS instruction provided Monday-Friday; 6AM-2:30PM
Fee: $5 per rental
Deposit: Identification and refundable deposit will be held upon return of undamaged GPS unit.

Community Gardens

Garden plots available at the Meade Barn just east of Penn Meadows Sports Complex and offered on a first come, first serve basis. Plot size will be 10 x 30 ft. A hydrant is available for water. No hose hook-ups will be allowed. Individuals will need to bring buckets to transport water to plot. Plots must be cleared by November 1.
Session: Planting may begin May 1.
Registration: 2011 Plot Holders in person starting April 5, 6AM at the NLRC.
New Plot Holders in person starting April 13, 6AM at the NLRC.
Plot number will be assigned after registration, payment, and lease agreement are completed.
Fee per plot: Res $30, Non-res $35

Fishing Pole Rental

Rod and reels will be available at the NLRC free of charge. All equipment must be returned to the NLRC on same day.
Ages: 12 years & up
Session: Spring and summer months
Rental Times: Monday- Friday; 6AM-8:30PM; Saturdays & Sundays; 8AM-5:30PM
Fee: credit card number collected, but no charge if everything is returned in good condition – otherwise $7.50 tod replacement fee; $10 reel replacement fee

Aquatic Center Special Events

Family Fridays

Friday Fun Night for families at discounted rate. Standard adult supervision rules will apply.
Jan 6-Apr 27 (No Feb 17, Mar 9 and Apr 6); Fridays: 4-8PM
Fee: $10 per family (maximum of four per family, every additional person $2 each)

After School Swims

Spend early outs at the pool at a reduced price. Ages: 10-18
Session: Jan 4-Apr 26 (No Mar 14 & 15); Wednesdays & Thursdays: 1-4PM Fee: $2 per student

Holiday Swims

Enjoy pool time on holiday breaks. Ages: All
SS1: Dec 19-22 (No Dec 23) and Dec 26-29 (No Dec. 30) and SS2: Mar 12-16
Days/Times: Monday-Thursday/Friday; 12(Noon)-6PM
Fee: $2 per student

Sweetheart Movie Swim

Enjoy spending time with your valentine? Bring your sweetheart to the pool. Bring floats and relax while watching a movie and FREE popcorn! Movie will begin at 6:30PM.
Ages: All
Date: Friday, February 17
Time: 6-8PM
Fee: $3 per person

Teen Spring Movie Night

Start your spring break off right and come to the pool. Bring your friends and floats to hang out and watch a movie with FREE popcorn! Movie will begin at 6:30PM.
Ages: 13 years & up
Date: Friday, March 9
Time: 6-8:30PM   Fee: $3 per person