There’s no reason the “lazy days of summer” need be lazy at all. Especially with all the activities happening around these parts.
Springfield Township Parks and Recreation and Independence Township Parks and Recreation are offering much to keep kids and adults alike active.
Lisa Goforth, recreation coordinator in Springfield Township, said the benefits to recreation are endless.
“The biggest benefits you can obtain in participating in recreational activities are quality time with your family; it builds self esteem; you can meet new people and make new friends; it educates you; it’s rewarding and you create lifelong memories from it,” she said. “Our mission is to build community pride and give opportunities for families to get together.”
Springfield Township offers about 50 different programs a year, from special events to specific classses, with an emphasis on small children and families.
In Independence, Kelly Arcello, recreation programmer said the department has 25 classes this summer plus special events, adult and junior sport teams, camps, preschool programs, lessons like swimming, and more.
“We offer an introduction to the outdoors and recreational sports. We’re here for the community and offer new experiences throughout the summer,” Arcello said.
Upcoming activities in Springfield and Independence townships include:

Springfield Township Parks and Recreation

Team Reptile summer camps at Mill Pond Park in Davisburg for ages eight years and older will be July 28-31 and Aug. 4-7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $80/resident or $90/nonresident. Camps are designed to teach participants to appreciate and respect the environment by providing information and education on the many reptiles and amphibians that can be found in the state.
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Swim lessons for youth, ages three and older, will be offered Monday through Friday, July 28-Aug. 8. Times will vary depending on ability and age. Prices range from $10 to $45.
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Golf lessons for youth will begin Aug. 5 and run through Aug. 21. Lessons for ages eight through 17 will be held at Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Course in Clarkston on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. Lessons for ages eight through 14 will be at Windmill Lakes Golf Course in Davisburg on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Cost is $100/child.
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Golf lessons for adults begin Aug. 5 and run through Aug. 21. Lessons for ages 18 and older will be held at Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Course in Clarkston on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $130/person.
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Dog obedience classes start Aug. 7 and go through Oct. 2 on Thursdays at the Hart Community Center. Prices range from $60-$70.
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Family Fun Night 2003 is Aug. 8 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hart Community Center. Cost is $3/person and includes beach games, Dino Dig, face painting, food and beverages, contests, magic show, raffle ticket and door prize drawing, sand castle contest and Team Reptile exhibit.
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For more information or to register, call Parks and Recreation at (248) 634-0412. Springfield Township Parks and Recreation is located at 12000 Davisburg Rd. at the Springfield Township Civic Center in Davisburg.
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Independence Township Parks and Recreation

Have a Rockin’ Kids Night Out Thursday evenings throughout the summer, for ages five through 11. Enjoy a dinner and themed projects and games at the Clintonwood Park Carriage House. Cost is $10/resident or $15/nonresident. Remaining nights include Game Night, Aug. 7 and Movie Night, Aug. 21.
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Father and Son Night at the Ballgame is Friday, August 8. See the Detroit Tigers take on the Minnesota Twins. Cost is $20/resident and $30/nonresident. Price includes transportation, ticket, hot dog, pop and fireworks at the end of the game. Register by Aug. 1.
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Family Camp Out is Aug. 2-3 at Clintonwood Park. Activities include dinner, s’mores, singing, scavenger hunt, karaoke, demonstrations, and breakfast. Cost is $45/resident family or $55/nonresident family. Register by July 25.
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Pee Wee Summer Camp runs Aug. 4-14, Monday through Thursday, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at Bay Court Park for preschoolers. The camp will be jam-packed with arts and crafts, games, sports, sing-a-longs, snacks and swimming.
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Finish ‘N’ Fun is a way for first through fifth graders to end their summer break on a high note, Aug. 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with daily acitivites like putt-putt, bowling, movies, water park and more. Cost is $25/day for residents or $35/day for nonresidents.
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For further details or to register for any event, call Parks and Recreation at (248) 625-8223. Independence Township Parks and Recreation is located at 90 N. Main St. at the township hall in downtown Clarkston.