The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of life, including the availability of recreational activities. The staff at the Peoria Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department recognize the need for local residents to have alternative ways to recreate, exercise and enjoy the outdoors during these uncertain times. With many summer camps and programs being cancelled, families are looking for ways to keep their children active and engaged.

Recently, the city of Peoria launched a series of videos called Home Hangouts. More than 50 videos are available online for residents to craft, read, dance, paint, play a game or learn a new skill. “We have launched and will continually update a campaign of virtual experience videos, social media engagements and physical recreation activities for the community,” according to the city’s website. “Stay safe and stay healthy!”

Some of the videos’ topics include:
• Fitness challenges and resources to keep everyone from kids to adults active.
• Nutrition resources, including information on healthy, balanced eating.
• Outdoor educational videos that help locals to better understand native plants and animals. “In this Nature Series we will cover three different native trees: Ironwood, Palo Verde and Mesquite. We will also cover some cacti: Saguaro and Chollas. Finally, we also hope to provide some insight into our local population of birds and lizards as well as a general video on the Sonoran Desert,” according to the city.
• Videos that highlight sports skills improvements in a variety of sports.
• Virtual fitness classes.
• A virtual library experience.
• “Blackout Bingo” games that encourage fitness activities related to different sports.
• Coloring activities for kids.

Locals can find these videos on Facebook at facebook.com/peoriaazrec as well as peoriaaz.gov/homehangouts.

Residents can also catch storytime from 7 to 9 a.m. and fitness programming from 6 to 8 p.m. on Cox Cable Ch. 11 and CenturyLink Channels 8009 and 8509.

For those who wish to enjoy recreational opportunities in person, some city facilities are open with limited hours and offerings to provide the best experiences possible while still following CDC guidelines. Visit peoriaaz.gov/residents/parks-and-recreation for the latest on what is open and available for local residents.