The New Iberia Recreation Department has kicked into high gear with its summer offerings of fun activities that can keep parents and children busy either day or night.

With facilities that include both a pool and gym space, NIRD officials have brainstormed ideas this summer that expanded their services, especially with water recreation.

“We have swimming lessons in the a.m. and p.m.,” said program coordinator Krystal Boyance. “This is our last week in session with our morning swimming lessons and in July we start with our evening lessons.”

Boyance said adult swimming lessons have been popular this summer, so much so that the department has had to add another session of lessons. NIRD officials also have added to their list of swimming programs with options such as “mommy and me” in which parents of infants are allowed to get in the pool with their children to help make them comfortable while learning to swim.

There also is lifeguard training for experienced swimmers and beginners. 

NIRD Superintendent Heather Dominique said she feels swimming is a skill that should be important to every resident.

“Look at where we live,” Dominique said.  “I mean we have a bayou in our backyard that’s our heritage and that’s why I think it’s important that every citizen in our area get some sort of water safety and instruction.”

Other water activities are offered by NIRD fitness, which includes nighttime water exercises as well as aquatic therapy.

“We have aquatic therapy which is new this year where we get people in the water to offer range of motion (exercises) and work on their joints with less stress on their body,” Boyance said. “We have had an interest in that.”

NIRD officials said there has been an increase in adults and seniors who are interested in their summer programs.

Yoga, Senior Olympics, co-ed adult softball and soccer teams and pickleball, similar to tennis but played with a wooden paddle and a wiffle ball, are popular among adults and seniors. Those activities are offered both day and night.

Children who attend the program are not disappointed either, Boyance said.

“We have several sports program (basketball, soccer, volleyball, T-ball and flag football). Our ‘Back in the Game’ room which is held at West End Park Monday thru Thursday, has fun activities, arts and crafts, sports and lunch by the community,” Boyance said. 

There are more than 100 children participating in the program Boyance said.

Coaches also are needed in both the summer and fall NIRD sports seasons.

For more information on schedules, fees and times of any of the NIRD summer programs give them a call at 369-2337.