Hannibal Parks & Rec Happenings

Even during the long, cold months of winter, there is plenty happening through the Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department. Now is the time to register for events and programs coming up in the next few weeks.

Solstice Sojourn

A nature program about the winter solstice, which marks the first day of winter, will be in Riverview Park.  “Solstice Sojourn” will be 1 p.m. Dec. 20, starting at Shelter No. 1 by the playground. Hannibal Parks & Recreation interpreter guide Gale Rublee will lead the program.

“There is value in slowing down, going within, and resting in order to survive the harsh conditions of winter,” Rublee said. “Life is continuing even while it waits for the sunlight and warmth to return. Let’s enjoy the quiet of the shortest day of the year while looking for the promise of spring.”

Participants are urged to dress for the weather. There will be a hike along an unpaved trail. Nature programs are free but reservations are suggested by calling Hannibal Parks & Recreation at 221-0154 or emailing mlrichards@hannibal-mo.gov.

Indoor Archery

Anyone may practice their archery skills from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays until Feb. 24, 2021. There will be no session Dec. 16 due to Toys for Tots setup.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. A variety of 3D archery targets, such as deer, turkey, bears, badgers, rabbits, dinosaurs, wolves and coyotes, are available.

Participants must bring their own bows and arrows.  This is not an instructional program. It provides a place for archery practice. The cost is $5 per visit. A season pass is $50. A waiver must be filled out by all participants at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.

Winter Pickleball

Registration for Hannibal Parks & Recreation Winter Pickleball League is open. Participants may sign up for leisure, intermediate or competitive league.

Play will be on Tuesday evenings at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, starting Jan. 12 and ending Feb. 16. There will be a tournament for the competitive league on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

There are 32 spots available and the leagues typically fill up well before the deadline date. The schedule will be determined after all registrations are received. The cost is $35 per team.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 30. Registration is available at the Hannibal Parks & Recreation office at City Hall, 320 Broadway. More information is available by calling Jenna McDonald at 573-221-0154 or emailing jmcdonald@hannibal-mo.gov.

Pickleball equipment and courts are available for play at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, which is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; noon to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday; and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.