A Fool for Fun: Community Center Highlights for April 2024
You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Aquatic Center, Gerdin Conference Center and other spaces, published three times each year, in person at the Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St., or online. These highlights of the coming month are published on the third Thursday of each month. You can sign up to have this emailed to you at northlibertyiowa.org/subscribe.
News & Updates
The North Liberty Community Center will be closed on Sunday, March 31.
The Summer Activity Guide, covering programs from May through August, is available online and a printed copy can be picked up at the Recreation Center front desk. Registration for most recreation programming begins 6 a.m. April 1 in person and online at northliberty.recdesk.com.
In Case You Missed It
Our events calendar lists lots of special events all year long. Check out what’s coming up at northlibertyiowa.org/events.
City Slate Events
There’s always something free and fun to do in North Liberty. The City Slate offers events all year long, and is made free with the support of A2Z Heating and Plumbing, Centro, Inc, Collins Community Credit Union, The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, South Slope Cooperative, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Urban Acres Real Estate and Veridian Credit Union. More at northlibertyiowa.org/cityslate.
Community Center Open House
April 3, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., North Liberty Community Center, Free
Meet city staff, tour library and recreation center facilities, get access to discounted rec membership fees, sign up for a library card, learn about city programs, make a craft, grab a snack, score fun giveaways and enter to win one of two giant swag bags filled with city gear.
Other Upcoming Events
Tiny Art Show Open House
April 4, 6-7 p.m., Library, Free
Join the library for the opening of our Tiny Art Show. Enjoy tiny treats, find your artwork and check out all of the Tiny Art on display.
Spring Shed & Scavenger Hunt with Take a Kid Outdoors
April 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Goose Lake Pond, 2300 Nick Drive, Free
Hunt for that big rack you’ve been dreaming about…in the spring! Gather your kids and come explore all that spring has to offer. Be prepared to go on a short hike and possibly walk on some muddy trails to see spring birds, bugs and flowers.
Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Pied Piper
April 11, 9:30 a.m., Library, Free
Join Orchestra Iowa’s talented string, percussion, woodwind and brass chamber ensembles as they introduce preschool-aged children to the instruments of the orchestra! Focused on fun and learning, Pied Piper concerts offer children the opportunity to enjoy an up-close and personal chamber concert. Concerts last about 30 minutes, and April is Woodwinds.
Doodlebugs with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
April 29, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
We’ll become “landscape architects” as we build 3D garden scenes befitting the hungriest of caterpillars. Every Doodlebugs class starts with a story and ends with imagination and creation!
School-Aged Youth
Super Tuesday: Board Games
April 2, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Kids kindergarten through third grade are invited to show off their best moves and board game strategies.
Tweendom: Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Playoff
April 16, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Fourth through sixth graders can come show off their skills in a video game playoff with their friends and peers!
Teen Tuesday: Shrinky Dink Art
April 23, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
We’re taking it back to the 1980s! Get creative by designing your own Shrinky Dink keychains. Trace a pattern provided or create your own art to be shrunk down in a toaster oven!
Adults & Senior
Good Neighbor Book Club
April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Ranshaw House, Free
Join your neighbors each Thursday in April for a community discussion of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán.
1 Million Cups Iowa City: North Liberty Library
April 17, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
Attention North Liberty area professionals: Join us for coffee, conversation and a look at the many resources and solutions your local library has to offer. This is part of 1 Million Cups, a free, nationwide program designed to educate, engage and accelerate early-stage startups.
Conversational English Group
Mondays, 6 – 7 p.m., Library, Free
Join our conversational English group and improve your language skills in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Our group is open to language learners of all levels who will have the opportunity to practice speaking, listening and comprehension skills with other learners in a supportive and welcoming environment. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Families
Special Swim
April 10, 1 – 4 p.m., Aquatic Center, $2 per child, $4 per adult
Enjoy the pool for extended open swim hours on a break from school.
Iowa River Kayaking/Canoeing
April 26, 4 – 8 p.m., Sturgis Ferry Park, 1300 S. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, Free
A 9-mile float/paddle from Iowa City to Hills, open to people of all ages and skill levels. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Come prepared with proper attire, safety equipment, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. For equipment rental, contact the University of Iowa Outdoor Rentals at (319) 384-1225.
