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City of Ceres modifies recreation program
Ceres Recreation center
The Ceres Recreation Department moved its youth dance classes from the Ceres Community Center to Smyrna Park for COVID-19 safety concerns. - photo by JEFF BENZIGER/ Courier file photo

The city of Ceres had to modify its sports and fitness recreation program after Stanislaus County moved back into the “Purple” tier under the state’s color-coded coronavirus reopening system on Nov. 16.

“We are limited on what we can provide right now,” Recreation Administrative Coordinator Maya Narvaez said. “The only thing we have going on is youth dance and our adult fitness classes. We’re restricted from having classes indoors. It’s disappointing. But we’re always going to follow the guidelines and restrictions for the safety of our participants and staff.”

A total of 25 boys and girls, aged 2-17, signed up for Ceres’ youth dance program.

Classes were moved from the Ceres Community Center to Smyrna Park to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A variety of classes, including hip hop, jazz and ballet, are held on Saturdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Approximately 25 people, aged 18 and older, signed up for Adult Get Fit Classes.

Classes are held at Smyrna Park.

Get Fit Boot Camp participants meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Lower Impact Zumba participants meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9-9:45 a.m.

Zumba Fitness participants meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30-6:15 p.m.

“With gyms being closed, I think people want their kids or themselves to be able to get out of the house and participate in physical activities,” Narvaez said. “Our instructors make sure participants are at least six feet apart. They’re required to wear masks until they’re in place to start working out. They have to put their masks on when they’re leaving back to their cars. We provide them with hand sanitizer.”

Gymnastics have been postponed since March.

Those classes are usually held every month.

“We’re waiting until the classes can be held inside,” Narvaez said. 

Soccer and tennis classes were canceled for weather reasons.

 “Our highest priority is always safety,” Narvaez said. “We want to protect our community. If we have to cancel or postpone classes, we will. We’re hoping that by next season, the situation in our area will improve enough so we can move classes indoors.”