By Emma Milner
City of Arkadelphia

ARKADELPHIA — Registration for Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation’s summer youth basketball season is now open. 

Designed for children grades K-4, parents can enroll their child in one of two summer basketball leagues based on age and experience. 

Kindergarten-age children are encouraged to sign up for “Little Dribblers.” Little  Dribblers is an instructional league which focuses on the basics of basketball. The 4- week season starts July 18 and ends August 8. Practices will be held on Tuesday  nights from 6-7. A $35 registration fee must be paid when signing up. 

Children grades 1-4 are encouraged to sign up for Parks and Recreation’s 8-week summer season. This co-ed league will play eight games with at least one, 1-hour practice per week. The season begins July 11 and ends September 1. A $50 registration  fee must be paid when signing up. 

This is the first time Parks and Recreation is offering its youth basketball program during the summer. Normally offered in the winter, Recreation Programs Manager Mickey Bivens says they made the switch to create more opportunities for kids who are interested in the sport. 

“Arkadelphia has some great basketball programs that are loved by the kids and the community,” Bivens said. “By moving our program to the summer, kids will have  another opportunity to practice and grow their skills almost year-round.” 

Registration for Parks and Recreation’s summer youth basketball league ends June 30. Visit recreation.arkadelphia.gov to learn more.