Timely tips on bike safety and preparation
What’s Inside:
By Alison Stanton
As many people throughout the Chandler area know quite well, it is a terrific place to go biking. From on-street bike lanes to bike paths in parks and along the canals, Chandler offers plenty of safe and fun places for couples, families and individuals to get their twowheeled exercise.
“Chandler’s bike trail system includes hard surface trails in 60 parks as well as numerous on-street paths,” says Mickey Ohland, parks development and operations manager.
“These trails not only serve a recreational purpose, they also are utilized as an alternative transportation mode while connecting people to people.”
Preparing
a bike for the riding season
In honor of National Bike Month, which is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated every May, Jim Moran, a Gilbert resident and avid cycler who competes across the country in races, offers tips on getting a bike ready for the riding season.
“The first thing you should do is look at the tires and the inner tubes,” he says, adding that people should inflate their tires before every ride.
“Inner tubes are made of latex and they do not hold air as well as people may think.”
Because different types of bikes require different levels of air pressure, Moran says people should learn which amount is correct for their bicycle.
If the bike has been sitting unused for some time, Moran suggests checking the tires for dry rot.
“The tires might still have tread on them, but bikes that sit for months often have cracks and creases in the sides of the tires; if this happens you will definitely want to replace them.”
Next, Moran says, riders should check the bike’s chain.
“Get a bike-specific chain lube and then stand over the bike looking down at the chain. You don’t want to lube the links on the outside of the chain but instead lube the inside part, and then wipe it off.”
People should also be sure the handle bars and seat are safe and secure, Moran says.
“Stand facing the bike, squeeze the front tire with your knees to hold it steady, and then wrench on the handle bars. Also wrench the seat from left to right and up and down to be sure it’s tight.”
If a child has not ridden his or her bike in a few months, a parent should make sure the seat is at the right height.
“Have the child sit on the seat; at the
bottom of the pedal stroke the knee should have very slight flex.”
The brakes should also be checked to be sure they are functioning properly, Moran says, and if the bike has gears, people should be sure the shifter is shifting cleanly and smoothly.
“You can take canned air and use it to blow through the shifter to make sure any dust and sand are out of it.”
The final step in preparing a bike to ride, Moran says, is purchasing a seat pack to hold the supplies needed to change an inner tube.
“Here in Arizona, we have a lot of thorns and other debris in the road. You don’t want to pick up a nail in your tire when you are 2 to 3 miles from home.”
Bicyclists should purchase a spare tube, air pump and plastic tire iron and store them in the seat pack, which hangs below the saddle.
“Also be sure that you know how to use the equipment to change the tube,” Moran says.
Safety tips
Once the bike is ready to ride, Moran suggests keeping the following safety tips in mind:
• Always wear a helmet; even a low-speed crash can cause injuries.
• Wear gloves, as people tend to instinctively put their hands out when falling off a bike.
• Although sidewalks are technically for walking, Moran strongly recommends that children use sidewalks for biking.
• Remember that walkers have the right of way; teach kids about this and the importance of slowing down and passing them on the left.
• To avoid startling walkers, let them know riders are coming up behind them in advance by ringing a bell or horn; then as they get closer say “passing on the left.”
• When riding with multiple people, stay in a straight line and never cross wheels. Put the more experienced people in the front and back, and the front rider can help shepherd the group and call out any obstacles.
• Practice a hard brake on the grass; this will help prepare people for how their bike will respond when a fast stop is required.
Indoor bike-related fun
As the weather heats up and getting out to bike gets more difficult, bike fans can play a new board game called The Schwinn Biking Game. Produced by Education Outdoors, the game involves players racing around the board to see who will be the first one back in their parking spot. The game, which is ideal for players of all ages, involves reading Fun Facts and answering Biking Game questions of varying degrees of difficulty.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com
Resources
Websites:
• www.educationoutdoors.net
• http://bikeleague.org/bikemonth-socialmedia-1969-2012_b45869
Books:
• “Mountain Biking Arizona Trail Guide: Fat Tire Tales and Trails,” by Cosmic Ray
• “The Bike Lesson,” by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
• “Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: The World’s Best-Selling Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Guide,” by Lennard Zinn
ENJOYING THE RIDE: Bike fans of all ages can find family friendly bike paths in 60 Chandler parks. Submitted photo
3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
Arizona Railway Museum, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Visit Chandler’s railway museum at Tumbleweed Park. The Arizona Railway Museum was founded and incorporated in 1983 as a nonprofit, educational and historical organization. The museum is dedicated to the railways of Arizona and the Southwest. The interest and fascination of railways and trains has no boundaries and so railways of all kinds are included in the scope of the Museum. Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Rd., Chandler. Display yard and building free; display cars $2 per person or $5 per family/group. For information, call Tim at (480) 833-4353 or Bart Barton at (480) 831-6520, www.azrymuseum.org.
3 Cinco de Mayo Festival and Chihuahua Races, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, sponsored by Si Se Puede Foundation, honors the Hispanic community’s many contributions to Chandler. The festival also features the popular Chihuahua Races and the crowning of the King and Queen Chihuahua. All events are free and there will be food and beverage for purchase. Chandler Downtown Public Library courtyard, 100 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 310-2018, www.sisepuede.cc/cinco-de-mayofestival-and-chihuahua-races.html.
4 Chandler Symphony: “Rachmaninoff in Black and White,” 3 p.m. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra serves the greater Chandler community by providing a series of classical concerts free of charge to the general public, performed by professionally trained musicians who volunteer their time and talents. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Free, donations requested. www.chandlersymphony.net.
5 Magical Monday, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Princess Anne, of Miss E’s parties, is making Monday magical at the Hamilton Library. She will bring princess stories and fun to children of all ages. Hamilton Library Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
5, 12, 19
Family Story Time, 6:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays for the whole family with books, flannel board stories and puppets. Toddlers 1836 months, preschoolers 3-5 years old, school-age 6-8 years old. Basha Library Programming room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Minecraft Monday, 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Join in every Monday to play Minecraft. Ages 9-18. Downtown Library, Cactus Room (Adult Ed Classroom Room 219), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. No registration necessary. Space is limited. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org
5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 28, 30
Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m.2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; Nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
6
LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model Build!, Begins at 5 p.m. while supplies last. Visit the local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home—for free! Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be themed to that. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. The LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/ chandler-fashion-center.
6, 13, 20, 27
Family Story Time, 10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Join Ms. Trish for stories, fingerplays, songs and bubbles. Toddlers 18-36 months, preschoolers 3-5 years old. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Family Story Time,10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
The whole family is welcome for this story time featuring favorite stories and songs! Preschoolers 3-5 years old, toddlers 18-36 months. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m.11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; Nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
7 Build Your Board Workshop, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Join the Xtreme Air Jump and Skate team for these one-day workshops that will give you the skills to build your own skateboard and then take it home to keep! Each participant will get an Xtreme Deck, Jessup Griptape, Xtreme hardware nuts, Xtreme hardware bolts, Blacksmith trucks, and 52mm Xtreme Wheels! Xtreme Air Jump ‘N Skate 910 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $14; Nonresident: $19; and $50 supply fee will be collected the night of the class. Class is open for ages 11-17 only. (480) 409-4555, http://xtremeairjumpandskate.com/.
Family Night at the TRC-Celebrate Mom, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Youth $2 resident, $3 nonresident; teens $3 resident, $5 nonresident. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908. www.chandler.gov/breaktime.
7, 14, 21, 28
Kids Club, powered by National Geographic Kids, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for children to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Chandler
Fashion Center teamed up with National Geographic Kids to create activities and games that focus on discovery through play. Chandler Fashion Center, in the Gap wing near the Food Court, 3111 W Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Open to the public, no fee. (480) 812-8488, www.ShopChandlerFashionCenter.com/ KidsClub/.
8, 15, 22
Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Every Thursday in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, more than 40 vendors have fresh produce, tamales, barbecue sauce, hot dogs, soap, fine arts and crafts, honey, granola, herbal remedies, cheese, salsa and much more. Ready to eat foods and great meal ideas are also available. Live music twice a month and much more. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, Three S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. www.downtownchandler.org.
8, 15, 22, 29
Preschool Story Time, 2 p.m.2:30 p.m. Get your child ready for kindergarten with stories, songs, games and finger plays that will develop a love of learning, print awareness, vocabulary, concepts, social skills and motor skills. For preschool children 3-5, siblings welcome! Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
9 Books and Board Games Club, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunset Library Teens present an afternoon of board games and book buddies! Kids 3-11 are welcome to read their favorite book with teen volunteers or work with specially prepared iPads. Bring a friend to play your favorite board game or learn how to play a new one! Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
9, 16, 23, 30
Teen Nights at the Chandler Senior Center, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Tired Of Being Bored?
Teen Nights at the Senior Center are a great way to hang out with your friends and have a good time for free. Activities Include: Xbox/PS3/Wii; computer lab; group games; projects; crafts; pool;
great music. 202 E. Boston St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2720, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
10
Science Saturdays: What Color is It?, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Bring the whole family to do a science experiment at Tumbleweed Ranch. The ranch features animals, farm equipment and historic houses from Chandler’s agricultural past. The day also includes historic home tours, garden walks. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
10, 24
Meet the Creature!
11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different fascinating animals from around the world. Registration required. Children ages 2-12 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Instructor: Lisa Limbert of Lisa’s Creatures and East Valley, Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $6, nonresident fee: $9. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
12
LEGO Kit Club, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. There is a variety of skill level kits for kids to put together during this hour of fun. Ages 5-12. Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. No registration needed. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
14
Community Nights in the Courtyard—Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Acoustic Performance, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Family fun the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. Courtney Allen at (480) 782-2730. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
See Calendar, Page 4
14, 31
Bugology, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. There are believed to be between six and 10 million species of bugs. What would the world be like without them? Explore the world of insects and arachnids.
Discover just how important insects are and learn about their traits with live examples of insects and arachnids from around the state, country and world. Ages 7 and older. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $3; Nonresident fee; $5, (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
15
Holocaust Survivor Story, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Elly Orrin and her family were in hiding in a small village in Amsterdam from 1942 to the end of World War II. Hear Orrin’s story as a Holocaust survivor. Maricopa County Library District Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert. Free. (602) 652-3000, www.mcldaz.org.
TRC Teen Movie Night,
7 p.m.-9 p.m. Whether it’s a classic or a new release; teens are sure to love it.
Teens are invited to watch a movie while hanging out with friends under the stars at the TRC every third Thursday. Light refreshments will be provided. Tumbleweed Recreation Center. 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; nonresident fee: $3.
(480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
16 Chandler Art Walk, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
The Art Walk provides a fun family atmosphere for families to browse the many different types of art available from talented artists. It’s a monthly event featuring local artists and musicians, and is a great opportunity to visit all of the unique establishments in downtown Chandler. Every third Friday. Downtown Chandler, Three S. Arizona Ave. Free. www.chandlerartwalk.com.
Friday Feeding Frenzy!
3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Ever wondered what the live animals at the EEC eat for dinner? Ever seen a snake stalk its prey? Join the EEC staff on the first and third Friday of each month for a live animal feeding. Meet the animals in the nature center and learn about their diets. Stick around and watch the animals be fed. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
17 Doggy Story Time 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Join in for a special story time where everyone can enjoy stories, songs and fun. Even dogs are coming to this story time. Preschoolers 3-5 years old, school age 6-8 years old, tweens 9-11 years
old. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
ICAN 5K Color Dash, 8:30 a.m.
The Color Dash is an event for friends, family or those looking to stay active and support ICAN’s local youth programs. Participants run, or walk the 5K distance while being showered with bright colors along the way. Immediately following the race, participants enjoy the Color Explosion finale and expo. The race will take place at Tumbleweed Park with packet pick-up beginning at 6:30 a.m. 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $40 per individual or families and groups can receive a discounted package price. (480) 821-4207. www.icanaz.org.
Paws 2 Read, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Children ages 5 and older are invited to read their favorite book to the special registered therapy dog. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert. Free. (602) 652-3000, www.mcldaz.org.
Read to Dogs, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Following Doggy Story Time, read to dogs. Preschoolers 3-5 years old, school age 6-8 years old, tweens 9-11 years old. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration
required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
Swan Lake-Yen-Li Chen Ballet, 6:30 p.m. Swan Lake tells the classic tale of Odette—a beautiful maiden transformed into a swan by an evil knight— and the prince who swears his enduring love for her. The performance will take place at the Chandler Center for the Arts. 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $10, $15, $20 or $40. www.chandlercenter.org.
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C-Town Suitcase Club, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. This spring’s theme is Tinkers, Blinkers and Stinkers. Travel back through time to sing, hear stories, and discover everyday objects from the past and present. Program includes a special take-home item. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler. No advance registration required and class is free. (480) 782-2717, www.chandlermuseum.org.
21
Bikes, Bounce and Boogie, 9 a.m.11 a.m. Enjoy a fun filled morning with Bikes, Bounce and Boogie. There will be bikes, pedal cars, trikes, pedal push cars, a bounce house and music for children to enjoy. Ages 0-5 yrs. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; nonresident
fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
Family Night at the TRC-Here Comes Summer, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Youth $2 resident, $3 nonresident; teens $3 resident, $5 nonresident. Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908. www.chandler.gov/breaktime.
27
Perry Film Series, 1 p.m. Join in for a monthly viewing of some great indie, foreign and documentary films. Movie showing on the last Tuesday of each month beginning promptly at 1 p.m. Popcorn will be provided. Check for each month’s film title on displayed posters, the monthly paper event calendar or by asking at the One Desk. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert. Free. (602) 652-3000, www.mcldaz.org.
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Community Nights in the Courtyard-improvMANIA, 5:30 p.m.7 p.m. Family fun the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. Contact Courtney Allen at (480) 782-2730 for more information. www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
Hamilton High seniors claim world championship title
By Meghan McCoy
Five seniors from Hamilton High School earned $10,000 after they were crowned world champions of the 13th annual Bickel and Brewer/New York University International Public Policy Forum.
Of the $10,000, $5,000 went to the school’s debate program while the other half was awarded in individual scholarships. The team, coached by Sarah Burgess, consisted of Dustin Guo, Jessica Li, Gokul Ramadoss, Zoheb Sarwar and Andy Yuwen.
“It feels great,” Sarwar says of winning the title. “On the one hand, we deserve it for all the work we put in, but it also feels wonderful to reward our coach Mrs. Burgess for the hours she put in, make our parents proud, and thank our Principal Dr. (Fred) DePrez for funding the trip.” He says it was important to make his coach, parents and principal proud.
Guo says his team was deserving and undeserving of the “world champion” title.
“We’ve worked hard, and in that sense, I think the research we’ve done and the skills we’ve gained as debaters warrant some kind of recognition,” Guo explains.
“At the same time, I can think of many teams that could have beaten us, and every round in New York was tough. Any of them could have gone either way. When debating at higher levels, it’s important to keep in mind how much luck plays a part in determining a champion. All that being said, it feels really, really good.”
Burgess says when she heard the judges say “Hamilton High School World Champions,” she burst with pride.
“It was a wonderful moment,” she says.
International Public Policy Forum began in 2001 by the Bickel and Brewer Foundation to provide a free competition for high school students around the globe to participate in written and oral debates regarding public policy.
The competition began in October with 266 high schools, representing 37 states and 28 countries, debating the topic “Resolved: As a last resort, unilateral military force is justified to minimize nuclear weapons proliferation.” The top 64 teams were selected, which then qualified them for the single-elimination written debate round. The round consisted of the teams emailing papers back and forth from October through March.
“Having to write so many papers forced us to become extremely familiar with our arguments,” Guo explains.
He says his team experienced other teams trying to take them down through their debating skills, so they had to think of different ways to defend themselves.
“The paper debates are a different beast entirely from
live debates,” Sarwar says. “There’s a lot more you can fit into a paper. But it did help me understand the answers to the most common arguments other teams would pose.”
The top 64, turned into the top 32, top 16 and then the top eight to participate in the finals in New York.
Burgess says they traveled to New York for the finals on Thursday, April 10, and arrived in Chandler the following Sunday, April 13.
“We got in that night and did a little sightseeing, walking around Time Square,” she says. “Friday morning we went to Central Park and went to the Museum of Modern Art and then the official activities started Friday afternoon.”
Saturday morning all of the teams, eight high schools representing five U.S. states and three foreign countries— Slovakia, Singapore and Taiwan—gathered at the Harold Pratt House in New York for the forum.
“The first debate started at 8 a.m.,” Burgess says.
To prepare for the debate in New York, Guo says they focused on building their argument on why military force would not be justified. He says they listed every single argument that could possibly be brought up and then wrote three to four counterarguments.
Guo says they were in a three-man team during the debate. The oral debates began with constructive speeches and second constructive speeches from both teams. The question period came next, where the first team would ask questions of each other, before the judges asked questions.
“Finally both the affirmative and the negative gave a five-minute, mostly impromptu rebuttal speech to narrow the debate to the key points and explain why your team is winning those arguments and wins the debate,” Sarwar says.
The majority of the speeches were prewritten before the finals. The parts that changed each round were the specific responses to their opponent’s debate on military force solving the problem of nuclear proliferation.
Guo says the idea was that if his team could prove their methods would never, under any given last resort scenario, work, they would win.
“I’m extremely grateful to New York University and Bickel and Brewer for this great experience,” Sarwar says. “That was probably one of the best weekends of my life.”
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
Receive half off admission at Big Surf Waterpark
Big Surf Waterpark is offering a 50-percent discount on general admission during the first three weekends of May. Each guest must bring in at least five nonperishable food items for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance to receive half-off of general admission of $27.95.
This promotion begins on Saturday, May 3, when Big Surf Waterpark opens for its 45th season, as well as on Sunday, May 4; Saturday, May 10; Sunday, May 11; Saturday, May 17; and Sunday, May 18.
Additionally, on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, moms get in for free and everyone else in the group will receive 50 percent off of general admission by each bringing in at least five nonperishable food items as well.
“Helping the hungry is a great way to kick off our 45th season and St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance has been a great partner over the years,” says Bob Pena, Big Surf Waterpark general manager.
Last summer’s food collection at the waterpark netted 10,862 pounds of food and $973 in donations. This helped St. Mary’s Food Bank deliver 17,182 meals.
From May 3 through May 18, Big Surf Waterpark is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. The waterpark is then open every day from Saturday, May 24, through Aug. 3. Then it’s back to a Saturday and Sunday only schedule from Aug. 9 through Sept. 14, when the 2014 season concludes.
Big Surf Waterpark is America’s Original Waterpark, boasting the third largest wave pool in the world, Waikiki Beach. Nestled on 20 acres on the northern tip of Tempe and just south of Scottsdale, Big Surf offers rides for the whole family, boasting children’s fun zones, surfing and boogie boarding sessions and more than 3,000 feet of thrilling water slides plus party and catering services. For more information and additional hours of operation, visit www.BigSurfFun.com.
ORIGINAL WATERPARK: Big Surf Waterpark boasts the third largest wave pool in the world, Waikiki Beach Submitted photo
