Summer activities will abound in Minden area

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer, and with students out of school, it’s time to find something to do.

Whether activities are indoors or outdoors, there are several activities that will keep students busy all summer.

In the City of Minden, the spray parks are a great way for children and adults alike to cool off, or if they wish, they can go swim at the pool at the Minden Recreation Complex. City officials say the spray parks are already open and hours of operation are from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The pool at the rec center is open on Mondays from noon until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from noon until 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The pool is closed on Sundays.

For the outdoor lover, Lake Bistineau offers a variety of activities from boating to fishing. However, the swimming area at Lake Bistineau State Park will not be open. Park officials say the lake is no longer conducive to swimming due to the condition of the water and the battle against giant salvinia.

For those who wish to spend their summer indoors, the Webster Parish Library will kick off its summer reading program Wednesday, June 1, at the Minden branch from 10 a.m. until noon. The kickoff party will include hot dogs, a bounce house and more.

The children’s program will be from June 1 through July 31, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day.

The theme for this year’s program is “On Your Mark, Get Set…Read!” Registration begins at 10 a.m. June 1.

St. Rest Baptist Church will offer its SMILE program again this year. Director Elena Black says they have 75 students registered this year, all the way through high school. She says students will participate in field trips, reading, mathematics, music, art and physical education.

“We have two certified teachers this year,” she said. “We’ll have presenters come in, a puppet show coming, and career development with the older kids.”

Black will also teach sewing with the older girls.

Vacation Bible School is always a big hit at area churches as children from across the area participate in a week full of fun, activities and learning. For more information on VBS, contact your church.

For more information on swimming, call the rec center at 371-4241. For more information about activities at Lake Bistineau State Park, call 745-3503. For the library’s summer reading program, call 371-3080.