Programs

Highland Parks and Recreation offers several fitness programs as well as arts and lifestyle classes. From volleyball and table tennis to painting and dance, the Lincoln Community Center offers a wide range of classes and leagues for children and adults alike.

The following programs are posted as a reference. The Highland Parks and Recreation Department publishes a seasonal brochure which has information on all the programs, classes, events, and leagues offered to the community.

The best way to keep up on current offerings is to view the seasonal brochure.

3 Ways to Register

  • Online Registration – Available for established customers (must be in our system with valid email address on file).
  • In Person – Complete the form at the Recreation Office.
  • Mail-in Registration – Download the form and send it by mail to the Lincoln Community Center.

Recreation Program Proposal

The Highland Parks and Recreation Department partners with groups, businesses and individual instructors for youth and adult leisure enrichment, fitness, sports and adapted activities.  Submit your proposal for HPRD evaluation and consideration.

Adult Programs

Adult Softball Leagues

Men’s and Co-Rec Summer Leagues run April through August.  Registration opens in February.  Fall leagues run September through early November.  Registration opens in July.  Rosters limited to 20 players & frozen once the limit is reached.  Ages 18 and up.  

Open Indoor Volleyball

Court space reserved for unstructured open volleyball play. Ages: 15 and older. Note: Check weekly Fieldhouse Schedule before coming.

Co-Rec Volleyball League

Leagues run year-round. Teams play in a 10-week season with two matches (3 games each) per week. Rally scoring is used. This league is for recreational-level teams. Players must be age 13 or older and cannot also be participating in high school sports.

Open Table Tennis

Open year round. Participants are welcome to drop in and play other competitors. Open to all ages. Under 10 must be with an adult. Located in the banquet hall of the Lincoln Community Center. Check weekly Fieldhouse schedule for days and times.

Pickleball

Open play and net rentals are available at the Lincoln Community Center Fieldhouse, pending the weekly fieldhouse schedule. Ages 15+ are welcome to drop in and play other competitors. Nets may be rented for private play. Learn to Play Pickleball program offered for those who want to learn the game or simply brush up on their skills.  See seasonal brochure for details.

Ballroom Dancing

Move yourself with rhythm and grace to all kinds of music. Learn various dance steps and routines. Leather sole shoes recommended. If the instructor desires, you will switch partners throughout the session.

Piano Lessons

Learn how to play an electric piano keyboard quickly and at a low cost. Read music, play songs, learn hand positioning and basic chording.

Canvas Paint Workshops

Instructor will lead you through step-by-step painting your own 16×20 canvas. It’s a fun, no stress class and no experience is required. Ages 13 and older.

Spanish Classes

Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish but never had the opportunity?  Now is the time!

Youth Sports

E-sports 

Are you the best player around?  Our in-person tournaments consist of round robin pool play followed by a double elimination bracket.  We also partner with GG Leagues to offer local e-sports leagues on various platforms and games.  See brochure for details! 

Soccer Shots 

This engaging program has a focus on character development.  Our caring team impacts lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching, curriculum, and communication. 

Highland Youth Basketball

Boys and girls grades K-5 compete in this league to learn the fundamentals of basketball while having FUN! Each team will be coached by a parent/volunteer and will play a 10-game season. Volunteer coaches are always needed. Teams will be determined by a player draft with the coaches. All players receive a T-shirt. Practices held on a weeknight determined by the coach and games are held on Saturdays.  League typically held November through February.

Middle School Basketball

League format will be determined by registration numbers.  Everyone receives a team t-shirt.  The first place team will receive champion t-shirts.  Teams will be chosen through a player draft with the coaches.  Grades 6 through 8. Games typically held on Wednesdays in the spring.

Youth Track & Field

Typically held at Highland High School on Wednesdays throughout the summer, this program is a great way for boys and girls ages 4-14 to burn energy, make friends, and learn the basics of running, jumping, and throwing.  Plastic Frisbees and javelins are used as well as softballs in lieu of shot-puts. 

Skateboarding 

Learn the fundamentals of skateboarding or elevate your riding with group instruction from nationally ranked competitive riders while connecting with local skateboarders.  Anyone with a skateboard is welcome!  Build proficiency in balance, pushing and riding, agility, ollies, and use of park obstacles.  Ages 4 and up.  Please see brochure for session dates and times. 

Biddy Bowling

Program held at Plaza Lanes for children ages 4-11.  Register at Lincoln Community Center.

Highland Dance Academy

Classes offered per semester and culminating in a seasonal showcase.  Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater are some of the possible class offerings.  See brochure for more details.

Youth Art

Kids Yoga

A fun experience using traditional poses, games, songs, adventures, and crafts to engage your child.  We’ll enhance fine and gross motor skills, balance, and core strength.

Rock & Roll for the Tiny Soul 

These classes taught by HGS Music is for babies, toddlers, and children to experience with a caregiver.  Class will focus on singing, lap bounces, finger plays, and simple instrument play with rhythm sticks, shakers, and drums.  Movement, bouncy balls, bubbles, and parachute time will be incorporated.

Young Rembrandts 

Our elementary-age curriculum is designed to teach basic to advanced drawing skills, art techniques, and vocabulary.  We give your student the skills to express their creativity and believe that all children can – and should – learn to draw. 

Jr. Paint Workshops

Ages 7-12. A trained instructor will lead step by step painting of your own 12×12 canvas. It’s a fun, no stress class and no experience is required! You will leave with your canvas creation at the end of class.

Parent & Kid Canvas Paint Workshops

Parent & child work together to create two halves of a masterpiece!  See seasonal brochure for details on dates and themes.

Piano Lessons

Learn how to plan an electric piano keyboard quickly and at a low cost. Read music, play songs, learn hand positioning and basic chording.  Ages 8 & older.

Teenprov

Learn important stage skills that boost your self-confidence and public speaking both on stage and in day-to-day life interactions.  No previous acting experience required and no auditions.  We’ll work on improvisations, mini scripts, speaking skills, character alalysis, creative movement, and theater games.

Spanish Classes

Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish but never had the opportunity?  Now is the time!  Ages 3-11

Preschool

Classes for 3-5 year olds are structured to teach proper school behavior. Children are to bring a healthy snack & drink to each class, along with a backpack to carry home class projects. Children must be fully potty trained and able to leave mom for the full 2 hours each class. Throughout the school year they will work on sharing, learning ABCs, shapes, numbers & colors, and cutting with scissors, making crafts, working on listening skills & attention span while listening to stories.

SEE BROCHURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Fitness Programs

Check seasonal brochure for class days & times offered.

Morning Exercise with Louise Boyd

SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and general aerobics classes offered.

RIPPED

This total body program utilizes free weights, resistance bands, and body weight to strengthen your core and other major muscles.  An acronym for Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometric, Endurance, and Diet, this program is suitable for any fitness level – from beginner to the seasoned athlete.

High-Low Aerobics

Build cardio endurance, improve flexibility, and tone muscles all while having fun moving to the sounds of the 50’s – 90’s.

Hatha Yoga

Relaxing exercise to relieve tension and restore good health.  Utilize breathing techniques for higher levels of vitality, meditation for calmness and clarity of mind.   Bring a towel, blanket, or yoga mat.

Group Cycling

Great for beginners as well as intermediate cyclists looking to get in a fun workout while using brand new cycle bicycles!

Body Sculpt

Tone up with weights, resistance bands, exercise balls, and your own body weight!  Includes plymetric work with modifications for every level.

Zumba™

A high energy Latin dance inspired workout.  No experience required.  Have fun while burning calories!

Tai Chi

Improve balance, flexibility, and strength while relieving stress.

Wellness / Seniors

Wellness

Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED

A classroom, video-based, instructor led course. Check seasonal brochure for class days & times offered.

BLS CPR: Healthcare Providers

Learn to promptly recognize several life threatening emergencies, give chest compressions, etc.

Blood Drives

Ages 18 and older that weigh a minimum of 110 lbs and are in good health may donate blood. Drives usually held the first Tuesday of every month at Lincoln Community Center.  To make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.

Healthchek Blood Work

Affordable blood work & flu shots at Lincoln Community Center.  Basic profile includes metabolic/lipid panels and complete blood count.  Check seasonal brochure for dates.

Seniors

Meetings

Those 55 years or older are invited to attend monthly meetings at Lincoln Community Center on the second Thursday of each month (April through October) at 1pm.  Meetings consist of bingo, door prizes, and an occasional guest speaker.  Attendees are encouraged to bake for the group.

Transportation

Certain elderly and handicapped person in the greater Hammond area may be eligible for limited basis transportation services. For more information call Dial-A- Ride at 219-932-2530.

CSRI Special Needs

Recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages and who have special needs & abilities.

By working together toward a common goal we are able to provide more events to a larger amount of people than any one agency alone.

Visit CSRI Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CSRINWI

Craft Shows / Vendor Fairs

Check seasonal brochure for show dates & times.  All shows held at Lincoln Community Center fieldhouse.  Typically two shows held per year.

Shopping opportunities abound for our annual craft show. Items for sale may include candles, jewelry, handbags, home décor, skin care, handmade items, gourmet dips, and more. Location: Lincoln Community Center.

See Forms tab for vendor registration form and map.  (Note the spaces shown may not be available when you mail in a registration form)

Vendors

  • Retail Merchant Certificate is required.
  • Take-down: No later than two hours after show concludes.
  • Tables, chairs, and cords are NOT provided.
  • Vendors are responsible for taking unsold belongings when departing.
  • Registration must be done no later than 1 week prior to selling goods, and as space permits.
  • Vendor fees are listed in current brochure
Garage Sales

Check seasonal brochure for show dates & times.  All shows held at Lincoln Community Center fieldhouse.  Typically five shows held per year.

See Forms tab for vendor registration form

Summer Concert Series

Check seasonal brochure dates, times, and band lineup.

Summer Camp

Summer camp is for ages 5-12 (must have completed Kindergarten) and takes place at Lincoln Community Center Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm with pre-care from 7-8:30am throughout summer, in accordance with the School Town of Highland calendar.  See forms page for registration form.

Summer Theater

Check the seasonal brochure for more information on the musical and dates and times.

Trips / Munster Benefits

Trips

Overnight trips depart from the Lincoln Community Center via spacious, video and restroom equipped motor coach. Trip details are available on flyers and in the seasonal brochure. Overnight trips usually require an initial deposit and the final payment is due usually six weeks before departure.

Trip Refund Policy

Payment in full is required when registering for a trip. Refunds will not be granted for a trip, unless a wait list is available and your spot can be taken. You may also find a replacement for yourself and notify the Park Office of the person taking your place. All refunds are subject to a $3 processing fee.

Trip Insurance Policy

Individual medical insurance is not provided by the Highland Parks and Recreation Department. Individuals are responsible for their own insurance. Trip insurance is encouraged for anyone who registers for any overnight trip. Information for travel insurance is available when patrons register for trips and must be paid before final trip payment.

Munster Benefits

Highland residents receive access to the following Munster amenities at the resident rate. For more information, call Munster Parks at 219-836-7275.

  • Dog Park
  • Community Pool
  • Golf Lessons
Self Defense

Ninja Cubs ages 3-5

Lil’ Ninjas – ages 6-8

Youth Hapkido – ages 9-15

Adult Hapkido – ages 16 and older

Park Pride Day

Join other volunteers for our annual clean-up day! Everyone is welcome, especially community groups and families. Each volunteer that spends the day helping will receive a t-shirt and a free lunch at noon (must give shirt sizes so they can be pre-ordered). You will be assigned a park for clean-up. Bring gloves, rakes, and energy!

Races

All-American Mile Run

This annual race began in 1984 and occurs before the Highland Twilight Independence Day Parade, traditionally held on July 3. All participants will receive a dry-fit t-shirt. Course is a certified 1-mile. USATF Certificate IN13013TDK.

Ages: All

Location: Race begins at 40th St. & Kennedy Ave. (In front of the School Administration Building)
Note: Entry forms will be available at the Lincoln Community Center and on the Forms page beginning in May. On race day, registration will only be held in front of the School Administration Building from 5-6:15pm. See summer brochure for more information.

Pumpkin Plod 10K run/ 5K walk

This annual Thanksgiving Day race began in 1976 as a way for Highland High School cross country athletes to train in their off-season.  Now, an event that regularly attracts over 1,200 participants, the 10k course is USATF certified (IN13031TDK), looping through the streets of highland and finishing at the Lincoln Community Center.  Chip timed with pumpkin pies awarded to the top three runners in each category, the race is a favorite among avid and casual runners.  Walkers are also encouraged to join in the non-competitive 5k as all participants receive a cotton long-sleeve T-shirt through the generous donations of several key sponsors.

See Forms page for registration form.

See Brochure for more information.

For race results, please visit www.thtiming.com.

Festival of Lights

 

Phone Calls From Santa – Early December

Home Decorating Contest – Mid December

Santa’s March and Tree Lighting Ceremony – the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 4:30pm parade starts down Highway Ave. and 5pm tree lighting / visits with Santa at Main Square.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks – midnight at Main Square. Hot Chocolate will be served.

12th Night Tree Burning – Main Square

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