May Flowers: Community Center Highlights for May 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 outdoor pool season gets underway on Memorial Day Weekend. The first hour of each day is reserved for those with memberships. The pool will be open May 25 through 27 from 12 to 4 p.m. and open only on weekends until regular daily hours begin on June 6.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the Library will be closed and the Rec Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The City Council will consider new daily fee rates at an upcoming meeting that are expected to be effective in late May. Monthly and annual memberships are not expected to change and remain the most cost-effective option for regular users.
In Case You Missed It
Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 North Liberty Youth Council for a term that will run from September 2024 to August 2025. Interested students who will be in grades 9 through 12 in the fall of 2024 should apply by Friday, May 31, for best consideration. More at northlibertyiowa.org/youthcouncil
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.
Playground Crawl
May 11, 2 – 5 p.m., 5 City Playgrounds, Free
Spend the afternoon with your household exploring the city’s playgrounds. Treats and activities at each stop. This year’s playgrounds include Penn Meadows Park, Centennial Park, Quail Ridge Park, Deerfield Park and Beaver Kreek Park.
Remarkable Rigs
May 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Centennial Park, Free
Meet the trucks and drivers and others that keep the city going at this showcase of public works vehicles.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
May 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Ranshaw House Lawn, Free
Join in fun water activities for all ages, a sweet treat and, of course, Summer Reading Program sign-up.
Other Upcoming Events
Adult Pickleball Tournament
May 11, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Penn Meadows Park, 310 N Dubuque St, $40/team
A doubles tournament for any pair of people ages 18 and up. Warm up starts at 8 a.m. with a pre-tournament meeting at 8:15 a.m. and the first games at 8:30 a.m.
Register by May 2School-Aged Youth
Super Tuesday
May 7, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Library, Free
Summer is coming, and soon caterpillars will be turning into butterflies. Kids in kindergarten through third grade can come make their own pompom caterpillars on a leaf and celebrate the end of spring.
Cactus Day
May 9, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Library, Free
On national cactus day, come decorate a terracotta pot and plant your own cactus or succulent to celebrate!
NLYC Youth Kickball Tournament
May 11, 12 – 5 p.m., Diamond Dreams, 2905 Stoner Court, Free
Join the North Liberty Youth Council for a co-ed tournament with two divisions: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12. Register a full team of 5-8 players or sign up as an individual to be added to a team. Prizes awarded to winning team. Free T-shirts, pizza and snacks!
Reading With Korra
May 13, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Library, Free
Sign up to read with Korra, a therapy dog. Don’t forget to fill out the guardian permission form.
Tweendom
May 14, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Library, Free
Kinds in fourth through sixth grades are invited to show off their skills and strategy by joining us for a board game night. There are lots of fun games to choose from like Sorry or Catan. Bring a friend or two!
Teen Tuesday
May 21, 4:30 — 5:30 p.m., Ranshaw House Lawn, Free
Take advantage of the warmer weather with outdoor games like kickball, and large games like Jenga or checkers.
Pokémon Terrariums
May 15 or 17, 5:30 — 7:30 p.m., Gerdin Conference Center, Free
Have you ever wanted your own Pokémon? Now is your chance to create a terrarium in a Pokéball for your Pokémon friends to live in. Decorate with rocks, moss, paint and more to make a new and comfortable home for your little companion! (Limited spots available, registration only.)
Register for May 15 Register for May 17
Adults & Senior
Euchre Club
Starting Fridays in May, 1:30 — 3:30 p.m., Recreation Center, Free
Learn, play and socialize with fellow members in the community over the card game Euchre. No experience or partner is needed for you to play. Euchre Club is free and no sign up is required, just show up and play.
Trivia Night at the Library
May 2, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free
Who doesn’t love a good battle of the brains? Invite your friends to join us for a night of trivia, snacks and small prizes! Teams can be made up of five people or fewer, but you don’t have to bring a team. Individuals can work together or separately.
55+ Connections: Tuesday Gathering
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
Join us for a weekly social gathering that will feature rotating activities and friendly conversation. This month we’ll play cards (May 7), work on a collaborative coloring sheet (May14), puzzle together (May 21), and read The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb for our book club (May 28).
Families
Beltane Baskets
May 1, Delivered to your door, youth, Free
Happy May Day! Or if you celebrate the Pagan Tradition, happy Beltane. Beltane falls between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice and is widely celebrated in Scotland and Ireland. Recreation and library staff will personally deliver Beltane Baskets to your front door on May 1st, full of treats and items to make your day brighter. Sign up quickly because spots are limited!
Register
