In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions here is a compilation of city programs and services available to help Carlsbad residents live their best lives.
Health and fitness: One of the benefits of our mild climate is that it makes starting a swimming program in January totally doable. The city’s master’s swim program provides guided workouts seven days a week. Memberships in the program covers unlimited admission to the Alga Norte fitness room and the pools during recreation and lap swimming times (in addition to the master’s workouts). We also host twice a week Aqua-Fit classes, with instructor-led low impact water exercises in a friendly social atmosphere. Deep Water Boot Camp, held Monday, Wednesday and Friday, is for those who want a calorie burning challenge, core workout and toning.
Team sports: The city’s kick ball program is a fun, high-energy and social program that lets you assemble your own team of family, friends or co-workers or register as a free agent to be assigned to a team. Food and music are encouraged before, after and (why not) during the games. For details, email echoathletics@gmail.com, which coordinates the league for the city.
Enjoying nature: The city has dozens of trails offering everything from scenic strolling to hard-core elevation. Batiquitos (the former) and Calavera (the latter) are the most popular, but we have dozens to explore and maps online through our GoHike Carlsbad portal.
Go with the flow: The city offers yoga classes for all levels, as well as Tai Chi and guided meditation. You can even learn about the ancient health practice of Qigong, credited with stress reduction, pain relief and more.
Grab your racquet: Adults 50 and older can take advantage of our Silver Paddles Pickleball class with 2019 USA Pickleball National Champion Raudel Barba. Learn the fastest growing sport in North America during this 90-minute class. If tennis is more your style, the city is offering lessons from beginning to advanced.
Arts and culture: Learn about the ancient Japanese brush painting world of Sumi-E and Japanese Ink Art in a friendly and relaxing classroom setting. Instruction includes stroke demonstration, sumi ink calibration, various painting methods, and calligraphy demonstration. All skill levels are welcome.
Lifelong learning: Carlsbad libraries offer e-books, audio books and other digital resources, including homework help, professional development and streaming documentaries. Start the year off right by joining the all-ages Winter Reading Challenge from Jan. 1-31 to kick start your new reading habit.
Gardening: Did you know the library also features a free “seed library?” A rotating variety of seeds are available year-round at all three library locations. You can also donate seeds of your own.
Giving back: If you’re looking to give back to your community in 2023, please consider applying to serve on one of our many boards and commissions. You can also volunteer at the Senior Center, at our libraries, on the trails and more.
Wherever your interest lies, there is one commitment we are asking all Carlsbad residents to make in the new year: Please take our Safer Streets Together pledge and commit to following traffic rules, whether you’re walking, driving or biking through town. Slowing down and focusing on the road can help ensure your safety and the safety of our entire community. For links and more information on all these programs and services, visit carlsbadca.gov/NewYear.
