What’s there to do for kids in Rush City?

by Tesha M. Christensen

Kids telling you there isn’t anything to do?

Point them to the bowling alley and arcade at Checker’s Bowl and Lounge, suggests Rush City Administrator Amy Mell.

Her kids, now 16 and 21, love the mini tacos and pizza at Checkers.

Mell also recommends checking out one of the three golf simulators at Bulrush Golf Club. They’re open year-round and cost a junior $15 for an hour. Players can pick from several courses.

“Even if you’re not a golfer, the simulator is fun,” remarked Mell.

She has appreciated the benefits of raising her kids in a small town. “You’re familiar with so many people in town. It a real comfortable and safe feeling,” Mell said. “I’ve loved having my kids grow up here. You don’t worry as much. Everyone knows who your kids are, and they keep an eye on them. You know your kids’ friends and their parents.”

Mell added, “I’ve liked that my kids are able to be involved in so many things because we have a smaller school system.”

Both of her kids have participated in the sports programs offered locally.

Rush City has a strong high school athletics program, which includes football, volleyball, cross-country, bowling, trapshooting, basketball, gymnastics, hockey, wrestling, baseball, softball, golf, and track and field.

Building up to that, the Rush City Youth Sports Club provides an opportunity for young athletes to establish sound sports fundamentals in a fun, competitive and sportsmanlike environment. Believing it is important for kids to have an outlet other than TV and video games, the RCYSC volunteers offers leagues for basketball (4th-6th), baseball (3rd-9th), fast pitch softball (3rd-9th), football (4th-6th), volleyball (3rd-12th) and wrestling (Pre-6th).

RCYSC also subsidizes Xplode, a summer training program for athletes entering 7-12th grade who want to improve their general conditioning over the summer months.

The city’s hockey rink and ice skating rink are located on Frandsen Avenue, just north of County Road 7. Both are lit up at night, and a warming house is being built. The rinks are flooded each year by the fire department.

ACTIVITIES HELP DEVELOP LASTING FRIENDSHIPS

There are many benefits for students who get involved in activities, according to Rush City High School counselor Janet Wagener.

“Activities help develop relationship skills and lasting friendships,” she pointed out. “Students can learn time management, prioritizing commitments, and be proactive problem solvers. Students engaged in activities tend to have stronger time management skills.”

Additionally, students get the chance to experiment with likes and dislikes, and develop their own interests by participating in school-sponsored activities, Wagener said.

“Students experiencing success in activities can greatly improve their self-esteem which in turn can help them academically,” she added. The list of benefits goes on and on.

Rush City High School offers a range of activities including band, choir, wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, All School and One Act Play, Speech, Knowledge Bowl, Minnesota Honor Society, Student Council and Math League.

A variety of classes geared to teach various skills are also regularly offered through Community Education, including babysitting class, ATV training, gun safety, snowmobile safety, survival skills, lifeguard training, BMX classes and basic first aid.

VOLUNTEER

Mell’s children have volunteered at many of the community events offered throughout the year in Rush City, recruited because of her role in city government. But organizations are always looking for help, Mell pointed out. There’s the annual fly-in at the airport, Community Appreciation Night the first Thursday in August, the Music and Art Festival held every other year, the County Fair with free kids events on Sundays, and various other fundraisers.

“There are a lot of volunteer opportunities,” said Mell, who encourages teenagers to call city hall to help with city-sponsored events.

THINGS TO DO FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Fun activities in the city aren’t limited to teenagers.

Wagener runs the popular Lego Club for first through fourth graders and Art Club for third to sixth graders. “They filled up very fast, and the students are having a great time in them,” Wagener said.

There’s also a Spanish Club for grades four to six, Tiger Math Club for third to fourth, a fifth grade play, and elementary dodgeball team.

The Youth FIRST Club provides fourth to seventh graders a safe, structured place to go after school on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. at no cost to families. All participants get a t-shirt, receive a snack, participate in an anti-drug workshop, and spend an hour in a small group with a volunteer doing a fun activity such as playing games, doing arts and crafts, learning about a volunteers’ job or interest, or other fun activities. Each week is different.

BUSY LIBRARY

Get out of the house with your youngest kids and attend the Lapsit Storytime at the Rush City Library for ages 0-24 months. Held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 11 a.m., it’s a fabulous activity, according to branch librarian Donna Larson. Storyteller Kari Fairklough includes early development tips for parents and ideas for things to do together.

The library also has a storytime twice a month for ages three to five that includes songs, finger-puppet shows, a STEM science project, crafts and other activities.

The summer reading program is always popular. This year’s theme is “Reading Takes You Everywhere.” The travel-based program starts the week after Memorial Day and ends the first weekend in August. Keep a reading log and earn prizes.

POOL ALWAYS POPULAR

Take a ride on a 165-foot slide at the Rush City Aquatic Center Or, the 26-foot drop slide may be more your kids’ style. There’s a zero-entry play area with multiple slides and water features, and a lap pool. Family day passes are $25, and it’s just $18 for a family day pass after 3 p.m.

Visitors can also access a full-sized locker space and concessions such as ice cream treats, snacks, soda, water, candy, nachos and more. Swimming lessons and water aerobics are offered.

Don’t miss the annual Big Splash. The event features carnival games for kids, Chuck a Duck and the Lucky Duck Race.

AND THERE’S MORE

Those who want to organize their own activities need look no farther than the city and county parks nearby, which have playgrounds, ballfields, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, swimming beaches, fishing piers, disc golf, and geocaching.

 Area churches host Wednesday night events and youth groups for kids, in addition to Sunday morning Sunday school.

So, next time the kids complain, don’t worry. You’ve got this covered.

Printed in the 2018 Rush City Community Guide.