From the Director

Hello Shaker,

As I sit at my desk writing this letter, the trees that dot the landscape of the Thornton Park picnic area are still clinging onto their leaves, which have now turned a multitude of vibrant reds and oranges. The afternoon sun is peeking through the clouds and streaming in through the windows, and I am once again reminded of how much I love this time of year. The current forecast promises many more days of dry weather and crisp, cool temperatures, and I encourage you to find time this weekend or upcoming week to explore one of the City's many nature or multi-purpose trails. Southerly Park and Lower Lake are two of my personal fall favorites, but there are many more! You can view a map of all the parks and playgrounds in Shaker Heights here.

Be active. Stay healthy. Have fun.

Alex Nichols
Director

Recreation Programming

Parents' Night Out and Friday Night Skates

We are just one week away from our first Parents' Night Out! On select Friday nights, the Recreation Department will handle the fun so you can enjoy a night out. Children in grades 1-6 can be dropped off at Thornton Park for a few hours of activities, ice skating, pizza, a movie, and popcorn – all included. Have a child-free dinner at the Van Aken District, go shopping, or just enjoy a few quiet hours! Kids will be divided into groups based on age. Registration is required – no walk-ins accepted. Join us on Fridays from 6:30-10 pm on November 12, December 3 and 17, January 14 and 28, and February 18. The cost is $35 for residents, and $40 for non-residents per child.

Also returning this fall are our popular Friday Night DJ Skates. Join us on November 5th, 12th, and 19th, and December 3rd and 17th from 7:45 - 9 pm for these fun, Friday evening public skates which feature a live DJ. Click here to view the complete ice rink schedule.

Junior Raider Basketball League

Boys in grades 3-11 and girls in grades 5-6 are invited to join our Junior Raider Basketball League. This developmental recreation league will focus on skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and the rules of the game. Practices, arranged by volunteer coaches, will last one hour, and will be held once per week. Preseason training, assessment and practice will begin on Saturday, November 6th with regular season games beginning January 11th. Those unable to attend the November 6th assessment are still encouraged to register and can be evaluated at a later date. For more information, please contact James Garrett by email or by phone at 216-491-2599.

2022 Spring Ice Spectacular

Registration for the 2022 Spring Ice Spectacular has begun! We are thrilled to announce the return of our Spring Ice Spectacular. Registration for the 2022 show, A Day in the Life, is now open to US Figure Skating members and will open to the Learn to Skate community later this fall. We hope you will join us as we celebrate a day in the life of our skating family and the greater community surrounding them. Our show will take place Friday, April 29th, at 7 pm
and Saturday, April 30th, at 1 pm and 7 pm. For further information, please contact Ryan
Zeltner by email or call the Thornton Park Front Office at 216-491-1295.

Get to Know Shaker Recreation

Ryan Zeltner

Ice Show Coordinator

As the Ice Show Coordinator, Ryan is responsible for the planning and execution of our annual Spring Ice Spectacular. Ryan began her ice skating career in the Shaker Heights Learn to Skate program, was career long participant in the Shaker Spring Spectacular, and is now proud to be at the helm of this Shaker Heights tradition. In addition to her role as the Ice Show Coordinator, Ryan also serves as an instructor in our Learn to Skate program. Ryan has been working for the Recreation Department for 15 years.

What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird.
What show are you currently binge-watching? The original British version of Ghosts and Ted Lasso.
What is your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for? My favorite sport to watch is football and I am a diehard Cleveland Browns fan.
What is something small that you are really good at? I just learned how to complete a Rubik's Cube and I am obsessed.
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Both, but I try to suppress the night owl. I love making my fresh ground pour over coffee each morning. I drink coffee and read for at least twenty minutes every morning. I am almost done with the Mitford series by Jan Karon which I highly recommend for a cozy winter read by the fire.

Connect with Us

Follow Shaker Recreation on Social Media

Shaker Heights Recreation Department is on Facebook and Instagram. Like and follow our page and stay up-to-date on programs, classes, and events.

To view a map of all the parks and playgrounds in Shaker Heights, click here.