Adult Leisure Programs
Make sure you check the Hays Recreation Commission website for any upcoming events that did not make the program guide. Updates will be made weekly at the Deadline Wednesday Gazette E-mail newsletter as well. If you have any questions on activities going on or would like to see an activity, please contact Haley Nixon, Program Director at 785-623-2650 or haley@haysrec.org.
REFUND POLICY
Your satisfaction is important to us. Due to program costs, including instructors and supplies, and to help maintain our minimum numbers, we ask for your cooperation when requesting a refund or credit. Our policy is to provide a full refund or credit, your choice, to anyone who cancels by the deadline. Anything after the deadline will not receive a refund/credit unless your spot can be filled.
SHARE YOUR TALENTS
If you are interested in sharing a skill or talent with others, give us a call. We are always looking for new activities, and we need instructors for them. The pay is competitive, and it is a great way to meet and help people. Call us today for more information on how you can be a part of sharing your talent with others.
MONDAY NIGHT PINOCHLE
All you have to do is show up for a great night of Pinochle. Bring your partner or come alone and pair up with someone. We will meet each Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Hays Recreation Center in the Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room. The HRC will provide pop and cards. You supply the FUN!!! This program is open to anyone aged 18 & older. The program is free of charge, although donations will be accepted to help offset the cost of supplies.
TUESDAY BRIDGE TIME
Are you over 18 and love playing Bridge? If you are, come on out to the Recreation Center and play. Get together with your friends and meet some new ones while you play this great card game. This program will meet every Tuesday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., in the Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room.
WEDNESDAY DROP-IN PICKLEBALL
We have a court reserved on Wednesday evening just for pickleball. Come give it a try, there are people of all skill levels who play.
Drop-In Fee: $1.00
Held on: Wednesday
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Age: 18 & older
Location: Gym #3
THURSDAY NIGHT PITCH
Join us on Thursday nights for a fun evening of playing pitch. This program will meet from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center in the Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room. This program is open to anyone age 18 & older.
SUNDAY MORNING - DROP-IN PICKLEBALL
We have a court reserved on Sunday evening just for pickleball. All skill levels welcome.
Drop-In Fee: $2.00
Held on: Sundays (September – April)
Time: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Age: 18 & older
Location: Gym #3
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ADULT & FAMILY AIKIDO CLASSES
Our martial arts classes focus on personal growth while letting you train at your own pace and ability, no matter your age. Families and individuals—from kids to adults in their 60s and 70s—learn skills together, whether practicing techniques or simply stretching. Each class ends with calming breathwork and relaxation, so you leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 10
Session 2: January 21
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Session 1: Tuesdays - Sept. 16 – Oct. 14
Session 2: Tuesdays - Jan. 27 – Feb. 24
Times: 6:15 - 7:45 p.m.
Ages: 10 & older
Location: Aikido of Northwest Kansas
208 E 8th Street, Suite 1
Limitations: Min. 1 Max. 12
Instructor: Brandon Nimz
PUPPY COURSE: FUR-EVER FRIENDS
This class is for puppies ages 10 weeks to 6 months. The Handler must provide a copy of the first round of shots. There must be at least one handler per dog. In this class, the puppies will learn socialization and a few of the basic obedience commands. In week 4 of the class, the puppy will have fun with agility obstacles and will also receive a diploma.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 17
Session 2: October 29
Session 3: January 7
Session 4: March 4
Entry Fee: $50.00
Held on: Session 1: Mondays - Sept. 22 – Oct. 13
Session 2: Mondays – November 3 - 24
Session 3: Mondays – January 12 – February 2
Session 4: Mondays - March 9 – 30
Times: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 8
Instructor: Raina Alm, Certified Dog Trainer
BASIC DOG OBEDIENCE COURSE: FUR-EVER FRIENDS
This obedience class is for dogs 6 months and older, with proof of rabies and Bordetella vaccinations required. Handlers will learn how to train their dogs in basic commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, and proper leash walking. A head collar or pinch collar with a 6–8 foot nylon leash is preferred (no choke chains or Flexi-leashes). The 6-week course ends with fun agility obstacles and a diploma, and if needed, handlers may retake the class at half price.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: September 17
Session 2: October 29
Session 3: January 7
Session 4: March 4
Entry Fee: $75.00
Held on: Session 1: Mondays - Sept. 22 – Oct. 27
Session 2:Mondays – November 3 – December 8
Session 3: Mondays – January 12 – February 16
Session 4: Mondays - March 9 – April 13
Times: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 8
Instructor: Raina Alm, Certified Dog Trainer
STRESS REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Explore the effects of chronic stress on the mind and body during a 30-minute educational session, followed by a gentle 30-minute slow flow yoga practice. We’ll close with calming restorative poses and guided breathwork to promote deep relaxation and recovery. *Handouts will be provided, and yoga mats, blocks, and bolsters will be provided to use for the session.
Entry Deadline: September 24
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Sunday, September 28
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: 13th Street Gym
322 W 13th St.
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 16
Instructor: Andrea Wichers,
500-hour Yoga Certified Teacher
BEGINNING KNITTING
Yarn, Needles, Cast! People of all ages love to knit; it is relaxing once you get the hang of it, so come learn the basics while making a dishcloth. You will need to bring: 14-inch knitting needles and one skein of acrylic yarn to class.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: October 1
Session 2: January 28
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Session 1: Tuesdays – October 7 & 14
Session 2: Wednesdays – February 4 & 11
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry
DOGGY PLAY DAY
Are you ready for your dog to get rid of some of that extra energy? Now offering doggy play day for dogs of any age that have proof of a rabies vaccine and have no reactive behaviors towards dogs or people. This will be a safe and controlled environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Requirements: proof of rabies vaccine, and a 6-8 foot leash. These will occur on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month – EXCLUDING DECEMBER! (Same day deadlines, we would prefer you register ahead of time, but you can also “drop in” and pay with cash or check only.)
Entry Deadline: 5 p.m. Day of Class
Entry Fee: $5.00 per session
Held on: Wednesdays
Session 1: October 1
Session 2: October 15
Session 3: November 5
Session 4: November 19
Session 5: January 7
Session 6: January 21
Session 7: February 4
Session 8: February 18
Session 9: March 4
Session 10: March 18
Times: 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 12
Instructor: Raina Alm, Certified Dog Trainer
PARENT & CHILD
(3-5 YEARS OLD) AIKIDO
(Online Registration under Tween T.A.S)
In this class, we will cover the basics of using a wooden katana (bokken) and also a wooden jo staff. We will do strikes, blocks, movements, patterned movements (kata), attack and defense exercises, and if we get far enough, some disarmament/throwing. In addition, we will cover some cultural and language concepts. Any fitness level is welcome.
Entry Deadline: October 1
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Mondays - October 6 – November 3
Times: 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Ages: Parent & Child (3-5)
Location: Aikido of Northwest Kansas
208 E 8th Street, Suite 1
Limitations: Min. 1 Max. 10 partner sets
Instructor: Brandon Nimz
YOUTH & ADULT KATANA & STAFF
(Online Registration under Tween T.A.S)
In this class, we will cover the basics of using a wooden katana (bokken) and also a wooden jo staff. We will do strikes, blocks, movements, patterned movements (kata), attack and defense exercises, and if we get far enough, some disarmament/throwing. In addition, we will cover some cultural and language concepts. Any fitness level is welcome.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: October 1
Session 2: January 21
Entry Fee: $40.00 per person
Held on: Session 1: Mondays - Oct. 6 – Nov. 3
Session 2: Mondays - January 26 - February 23
Times: 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Ages: 10 & older
Location: Aikido of Northwest Kansas
208 E 8th Street, Suite 1
Limitations: Min. 1 Max. 16
Instructor: Brandon Nimz
BEER & DONUTS UNDERACHIEVER RACE
(Online Registration Under Adult Wellness and Races)
Do you hate running?? Then do we have the Race for you! 1/2 mile of Beer, Donuts, and whatever it takes to finish, run, jog, or walk. Start with a drink of beer, stop at a station for a donut break, and finish with another beer at the finish line. Anyone can join the fun, from never stepping on a race track to sprinting to the finish line. This will be a morning of laughs. Families welcome under 21 will enjoy root beer as their drink.
Entry Deadline: October 8
For a guaranteed shirt on October 6
Entry Fee: $10.00 - Includes shirt & cup
Held on: Saturday, October 11
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Ages: All Ages, 21 & older to drink
Location: Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex
TATTING
Get registered today and learn the lost art of Tatting. You will learn the basics of how to make rings, joining, and chains. You will learn how to make a snowflake and an edging. As part of the fee, each participant will receive a shuttle. You will need to bring size 10 thread.
Entry Deadline: October 22
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Tuesdays – October 28 & November 4
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry
BROW MAGIC 101: SHAPE, DEFINE & PERFECT
Learn how to enhance your natural beauty with brows that flatter your unique face! In this hands-on class led by permanent makeup artist and brow expert Suzanna Paneno, you’ll learn how to map, shape, and fill in your eyebrows using your current makeup products. Discover how your bone structure, hair growth pattern, and personal style can all work together to create a brow look that’s youthful, polished, and perfectly YOU.
Please bring your own brow products and tools (pencil, powder, gel, brushes, etc.)—I’ll also have a small goodie bag waiting just for you!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: October 29
Session 2: January 28
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Session 1: Tuesday, November 4
Session 2: Tuesday, February 3
*Each date has two time options
you can choose from.
Time: Session 1A: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Session 1B: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Session 2A: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Session 2B: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 4 Max. 10
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno
CANVAS PAINTING CLASS
Join us at The Niche for a step-by-step canvas painting experience. An instructor will lead the group through a painting project on canvas using acrylic paint. Painters will learn several acrylic techniques and can choose their color palette. 11x14 canvas – special HRC pricing!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: November 5
Session 2: January 7
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Session 1: Wednesday, November 12
Session 2: Wednesday, January 14
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: The Niche Studio
707 Main St.
Limitations: Min. 4 Max. 20
Instructor: Emily Weigel (Owner)
THE DOUGH MAKER - SOURDOUGH
Join us for this immersive sourdough class where you’ll get hands-on experience mixing, stretching, shaping, and preparing your very own loaf to take home and bake! I’ll walk you step by step through how to mix the dough, perform stretch and folds, check when your dough is perfectly proofed, and shape it with confidence. You’ll also get my exclusive recipe, tips and tricks for success, and access to my VIP sourdough community for ongoing support. Plus, you’ll receive a Canva guide packed with helpful resources, product favorites, and everything you need to succeed at home. Every participant will leave with a handful of tools and their very own shaped loaf ready to bake at home!
Entry Deadline: November 19
Entry Fee: $50.00
Held on: Saturday, November 29
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 15 Max. 30
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno
ADVANCED KNITTING
Get ready to put your knitting skills into turbo mode! In our next class, you’ll be unraveling the mystery behind patterns and knitting cozy slippers like a pro. Don’t forget to bring Size 8 knitting needles and grab one skein of acrylic yarn before heading out the door. Let’s get those needles clickin’! (Pre-requisite for this course, you must have taken our entry-level Knitting Class.)
Entry Deadline: January 7
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Tuesdays – January 13 & 20
Times: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry
THE SOURDOUGH JUMPSTART
Join us for a hands-on sourdough class where you’ll enjoy a fresh piece of sourdough bread (or a discard treat!) and take home your own live sourdough starter. You’ll learn everything you need to keep it thriving! We’ll feed and prep your starter in class, and you’ll discover the secrets of sourdough maintenance, hibernation, discard use, and more. You’ll also receive an exclusive Canva guide with my go-to recipe, favorite products, and expert tips—plus access to my VIP sourdough community for ongoing support. Please bring a QUART sized glass jar with a lid to take your starter home. Leave with a bubbly new starter and the confidence to bake at home!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: January 7
Session 2: February 25
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Session 1: Thursday, January 15
Session 2: Thursday, March 5
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 6 Max. 16
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno
HAND EMBROIDERY
Explore the beauty and versatility of hand needlework. Learn a variety of techniques and be exposed to a unique skill. You will have the opportunity to create your own work of art! You will need to bring a 4-inch embroidery hoop to class.
Entry Deadline: February 25
Entry Fee: $35.00
Held on: Tuesdays – March 3 & 10
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry
DOGGIE DAY EGG HUNT
Unleash the fun at our Doggie Day Egg Hunt! Let your furry friend sniff out eggs filled with tasty dog treats. Once they nose out an egg, it goes into their basket for a special surprise later. Remember, each dog must be on a leash, and cleanup is a must. Don’t forget to pre-register and ensure your pup’s vaccinations are up-to-date. It’s a wag-tastic day of hunting and treats!
Entry Deadline: March 25
Entry Fee: $1.00
Held on: Sunday, March 29
Time: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Ages: All Ages
Location: Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex
