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 people. Call us today for more information about how you can be a part of sharing your talent with others.

ONGOING EVENTS - Join us for these great ongoing activities!

SUNDAY PICKLEBALL
We have a court reserved on Sunday evening just for pickleball. All skill levels welcome.
Drop-In Fee: $2.00
Held on: Sundays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Age: 18 & older
Location: Recreation Center Gym #3

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, bottled water, 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 and supervisor.

TUESDAY BRIDGE TIME
Do you love playing Bridge? If you do, 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: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Age: 18 & older
Location: Recreation Center 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 aged 18 & older.

WEEKDAY PICKLEBALL
Pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It is played on a court similar to a doubles badminton court. There is a net mounted two inches lower than in tennis. The game is played with a wooden paddle and a whiffle ball. Pickleball is a great sport for all ages, and easy to learn. Play is first come, first served, and available during open gym time on weekday mornings and as a drop-in on Wednesday evenings.
We have groups that just hit the ball around for fun and others that play by the rules. The idea is just to get out HAVE FUN, and get some exercise!
Held on: Monday - Friday
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(depending on court availability)
Age: 18 & older
Location: Recreation Center Gyms
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KANSAS HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS – SPRING SESSION
Kansas Hunter Education teaches new hunters to be ethical, safe, and knowledgeable. The course consists of subjects covering hunter responsibility, ethics, fair chase, history of firearms, firearms basics, ammunition, basic gun safety, field safety, bow hunting, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife of Kansas, outdoor emergencies, Kansas hunting regulations, and boating safety for hunters. The traditional hunter education course is organized and conducted by volunteer instructors. Students MUST turn 11 by the last day of class to receive their Hunter Education Card. All parents are welcome to attend classes with their children. Students are REQUIRED to attend both days.
Entry Deadline: April 16
Entry Fee: $5.00 per person
Held on: Friday & Saturday – April 18 & 19
Times: Friday – 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. AND
Saturday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 & older as of the last day of class
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 25

SOURDOUGH MADE SIMPLE: BAKE, FEED & TAKE HOME
Join us for a hands-on sourdough class where you’ll score and bake your own FRESH mini loaf, take home a live sourdough starter, and learn everything you need to keep it thriving! While your bread bakes, you’ll feed and prep your starter, discover the secrets of sourdough maintenance, hibernation, discard use, and get all your questions answered. 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. Leave with fresh bread, a bubbly new starter, and the confidence to bake at home!
Entry Deadline: Session 1: April 23
Session 2: July 9
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on:
Session 1: Monday, April 28
Session 2: Tuesday, July 15
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 6 Max. 16
Instructor: Suzanna Paneno

BRAIN FREEZE FUN RUN/WALK – BE A SUPERHERO
Join us on May 3, 2025, for the 5th Annual Brain Freeze Walk/Run! Embrace your inner superhero as you race through our fully paved 1-mile walk or 5K Run/Walk. Walkers, runners, bikers, and strollers are welcome as we unite to support the HRC Youth Scholarship Fund. Be a hero in your community—register today and make a difference!
Sponsors & Volunteers include Geek Labs, Small Batches Soap, McDonald’s of Hays, City of Hays CVB, Hays High Student Council Students, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, and Ellis County Cancer Council.
Entry Deadline: April 23
for a guaranteed shirt on Race Day
Entry Fee: $18.00 / $20.00 Day of Race
Held on: Saturday, May 3
Times: Registration starts at 8:15 a.m.
Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Ages: ALL AGES
Location: Hays Aquatic Park - 4th & Main

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: Size 8 knitting needles, and one skein of yarn to class.
Entry Deadline: April 30
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Wednesdays - May 7 & 14
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

CANVAS PAINTING CLASS @ THE NICHE
Join us at The Niche for a step-by-step canvas painting experience. An instructor will lead the group through a painting 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: April 30
Session 2: July 2
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on:
Session 1: Wednesday, May 7
Session 2: Wednesday, July 9
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: The Niche Studio
707 Main St.
Limitations: Min. 6 Max. 30
Instructor: Emily Weigel (Owner)

LINE DANCING
Let’s Boot, Scoot, and Boogie one night a week throughout the summer! Take a break from the hustle and bustle, and come stomp it out to the classics and today’s hits! No experience needed. Examples of the dances taught will include the Electric Slide, Watermelon Crawl, Cotton Eye Joe, Footloose, and so much more! Now let’s have a good time on the dance floor!
Entry Deadline: May 28
Entry Fee: $80.00
Held on: Thursdays – June 5 – July 31
(No class July 3)
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 25
Instructor: Jena Schwartze

PUPPY COURSE BY 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 basic obedience commands. On week 4 of the class, the puppy will have fun with agility obstacles and will also receive a diploma.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: May 28
Session 2: July 9
Entry Fee: $50.00
Held on:
Session 1: Mondays – June 2 – 23
Session 2: Mondays – July 14 – Aug. 4
Times: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 8
Instructor: Raina Alm – Certified Dog Trainer

DOG OBEDIENCE BY FUR-EVER FRIENDS
This class is for dogs that are ages 6 months and up. The Handler must provide a copy of shots that include rabies and bordetella. There must be at least one handler per dog. In this class, the handler will be trained to train their dog. They will learn basic obedience which includes sit, down, sit-stay and down-stay leave it, and how to walk on a leash. A head collar or pinch collar is preferred for this class. NO choke chains are allowed. No flexi-leashes are allowed, prefer a 6-8-foot nylon leash (they will be dragging the leash around). On week 6 of the class, the dogs will have fun with agility obstacles and will also receive a diploma. If the handler is unsatisfied with the dog’s progression, they can retake the class at half price.
Entry Deadline:
Sessions 1 & 2: May 28
Sessions 3 & 4: July 9
Entry Fee: $75.00
Held on:
Session 1: Mondays – June 2 – July 7
Session 2: Wednesdays - June 4 – July 9
Session 3: Mondays – July 14 – Aug. 18
Session 4: Wednesdays - July 16 – Aug. 20
Times: Mondays - 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays - 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 8
Instructor: Raina Alm – Certified Dog Trainer

KNITTING
Learn the basic stitches of knitting during this class. You will learn how to make a dishcloth. You will need to bring: Size 8 knitting needles, and one skein of yarn to class.
Entry Deadline: May 28
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Tuesdays – June 3 & 10
Times: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Learn how to Support the Young People in Your Life! Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You will build skills and confidence to provide initial support to young people who are struggling, and how to help connect them to appropriate support. This course is recommended for teachers and community volunteers who work with children or youth. Lunch is included.
Entry Deadline: June 11
Entry Fee: $10.00 (covers book & lunch)
Held on: Saturday, June 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
Instructor: Karla McFee
High Plains Mental Health Center

PARK QR SCAVENGER HUNT
Get ready for an outdoor adventure with the Parks QR Scavenger Hunt! Visit the parks across Hays, scan QR codes, and complete fun challenges at each stop. We will have a BBQ where you will turn in your completed tracking sheets for a prize for completing all locations. Please abide by all City of Hays Park Rules, which can be found at: https:/www.haysusa.com/152/Park-Rules. You have from June 1 to 21 to complete the Scavenger Hunt. The BBQ will be held on Saturday, June 21 @11:30 a.m. Your first clue is given to you at registration.
Entry Deadline: June 11
Entry Fee: $5.00 per family
Held on:
Scavenger Hunt: June 1 - 21
BBQ: Saturday, June 21 @ 11:30 a.m.
Ages: Families and Individuals are all welcome
Location: Hays Recreation & Area Parks

MINDPOWER MASTERY: GAIN CLARITY, CONFIDENCE & TAKE ACTION
Unlock the power of your mind in this 90-minute interactive session designed to help you gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. Through guided exercises, we’ll explore mindset shifts, assess your personal “certainty meter,” and create a focused action plan for the next 30 days, 90 days, and one year. Walk away with a renewed sense of direction and the tools to take meaningful action toward your goals.
Entry Deadline:
Session 1: June 11
Session 2: July 16
Entry Fee: $50.00
Held on:
Session 1:Wednesday, June 18
Session 2: Thursday, July 24
Time: Session 1: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Session 2: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 2 Max. 12
Instructor: Lisa Schreck
Master Mindpower Coach

PARENT & CHILD (3-5 YEARS OLD) AIKIDO
Under Tiny T.A.S. for online Registration
This is a class in which parents or other legal guardians are guided in teaching and exploring Aikido and movement skills with their little ones in a fun and engaging fashion. A parent or legal guardian is required to participate with each little one.
Entry Deadline: June 11
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Mondays - June 16 – July 7
Times: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older w/ a 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
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: June 11
Entry Fee: $40.00
Held on: Mondays - June 16 – July 7
Times: 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Aikido of Northwest Kansas
208 E 8th Street Suite 1
Limitations: Min. 1 Max. 8
Instructor: Brandon Nimz

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 work of art! You will need to bring a 4-inch embroidery hoop to class, all other supplies will be provided.
Entry Deadline: July 2
Entry Fee: $35.00
Held on: Tuesdays - July 8 & 15
Times: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

LEARN TO PLAY MAGIC THE GATHERING (COMMANDER)
Come out and learn how to play Magic the Gathering (Commander Variation) with a friendly and engaging crew. You will be able to borrow beginner decks and learn to play progressively more advanced decks as you get used to how the game works.
Entry Deadline: July 16
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Thursdays – July 17 – August 7
Times: 6:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: The Gamers Guild
200 E 8th Street Suite 1
Limitations: Min. 1 Max. 20
Instructor: Brandon Nimz
& Gamers Guild Volunteers

COMMUNITY RISK TOURNAMENT
Come out to see who can do the best in a community tournament of Risk! If you just want some fun playing against others, then you can step out after round one to be done or to play some of the other Risk versions we will have there for fun play (Lord of the Rings Risk, Risk 2210, etc.); if you want to compete to be the best, the winners from each table will be partnered against other winners until we have an ultimate winner or group of winners (the participation size and game length will determine how many rounds we play, but there will be meal breaks between rounds). We will be using the rules as printed in the version of Risk being played at each respective table for the tournament.
Entry Deadline: July 23
Entry Fee: $5.00
Held on: Saturday, July 26
Times: 9:00 a.m. – Finish (with meal breaks)
Ages: 16 & older
Location: The Gamers Guild
200 E 8th Street Suite 1
Limitations: Min. 1 Max. 30
Instructor: Brandon Nimz& Gamer’s Guild Volunteers

51st ANNUAL HAYS MERCHANTS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Be part of this great Hays tradition the 51st Annual Hays Merchants Golf Tournament! Play will be held Saturday, July 26 at Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course and Sunday, July 27 at Smoky Hill Country Club. The tournament is open to both men and women, with flights for men, women, and seniors (55 years old & older). This is a 2-day single stoke tournament.All flights must have a minimum of 10 golfers. The number of golfers and Saturday’s scores will determine the number of flights. This tournament is open to everyone - NOT just Ellis County residents. At each location – you may only use your personal cart if you are a member there. Otherwise, your fee will cover the cart expense at each location.
Thanks to our Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors:
Nex-Tech & Nex-Tech Wireless and HESS Services
Silver Sponsors:
Adams Brown, Auto World, PWC, Inc., RDH Electric & Construction & Reliable Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Entry Deadline: July 23
Entry Fee: $120.00
Carts are included in this fee for both days regardless of if you are a member or not.
Held on: Saturday & Sunday - July 26 & 27
Times: Tee times start at 7:20 a.m.
Pick your tee time when you register
Ages: 18 & older
Location:
Saturday - Fort Hays Municipal
Sunday - Smoky Hill Country Club

ADVANCED KNITTING
Learn how to read patterns and make slippers. You will need to bring to class knitting needles (Size 8 Needles) and 4 ounces of yarn. A prerequisite for the course you must have taken our entry-level Knitting class.
Entry Deadline: July 30
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Tuesdays – August 5 & 12
Times: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 16 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry

KANSAS HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS – FALL SESSION
Kansas Hunter Education teaches new hunters to be ethical, safe, and knowledgeable. The course consists of subjects covering hunter responsibility, ethics, fair chase, history of firearms, firearms basics, ammunition, basic gun safety, field safety, bow hunting, conservation, and wildlife management, wildlife of Kansas, outdoor emergencies, Kansas hunting regulations, and boating safety for hunters. The traditional hunter education course is organized and conducted by volunteer instructors. Students MUST turn 11 by the last day of class to receive their Hunter Education Card. All parents are welcome to attend classes with their children. Students are REQUIRED to attend both days.
Entry Deadline: August 6
Entry Fee: $5.00 per person
Held on: Thursday AND Saturday – Aug. 7 & 9
Times: Thursday – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. AND
Saturday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 & older as of the last day of class
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 25

SIN CITY SECRETS: A MURDER MYSTERY PARTY
Join us for an unforgettable evening at The Venue in Hays, where you’ll mix and mingle over dinner, drinks, and deadly intrigue. Step into a world of high-stakes mystery, where every guest has a role to play, and no one is above suspicion. Can you uncover the truth before the killer strikes again? Or will the city’s secrets stay buried forever? Prepare for a thrilling night in Sin City!
Entry Deadline: August 13
Entry Fee: $40.00 per person
Held on: Friday, August 15
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Ages: 21 & older
Location: The Venue – Thirsty’s
2704 Vine St.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. WHAT IT COVERS: Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with a person in crisis, how to connect a person with help, expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care. Lunch is included.
Entry Deadline: September 3
Entry Fee: $30.00 (covers book & lunch)
Held on: Saturday, September 6
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
Instructor: Karla McFee
High Plains Mental Health Center

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 edging. As part of the fee, each participant will receive a shuttle. You will need to bring a size 10 thread.
Entry Deadline: September 3
Entry Fee: $35.00
Held on: Tuesdays – September 9 & 16
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room
Limitations: Min. 3 Max. 6
Instructor: Deanna Newberry