4.9. SR 05-18-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 ~o 6."".--,~ -.=.-_ · It's one of dozens o£ sue- cessful programs put on by Education, the Youth Initiatives Committee and the o.001 Committee. which are also active in improving the quality of life for area residents. Community Recreation offerings are published quarterly in a brochure deliv- ered in the Elk River Star News. The brochures can also be picked up at the Community Recreation Office. 1230 School St., Elk River. The phone number is 241-2520. There are also a host of youth athletic organizations that offer recreational opportunities for kids and families. .~ohansson, who has competed at the senior level as a figure skater and has coached senior figure skaters in Sweden. said Community Recreation sets the Elk R/vet area apart from other communities. ~(Community Recreation) has been real open to growing our program and has even helped out with suggestions and ideas to grow it,' Hour said. 'That just doesn't happen in other communities we've worked with. It's been such a breath of fresh air.' Johansson serves as a coach in the pro- gram. while Hour handles more of the administration side. Because of the growth, the ~vo have began to train other coaches. The learning-to-skate program uses the United States Fi~ure Skating Association's model, which teaches skat- ing in a very systematic way. much 'like swimming lessons are taught. The program, which was started last fall. helps develop figure skaters, hockey players and freestyle skaters. It teaches basic skills. %Ve're not here to take away ice time from the hockey program,' Hour said. "We're here tn build our program and feed kids into the hockey program. We'll pro- vide Them with better skaters at a young age. Someday, Johansson and Hour would like To see a figure skating club in Elk River. They believe Elk River could become the Augsburg of the West iAu_~sburg, Germany is kno~vn [bt its ute ~kating club}.