Welcome to The Best Things We’ve Seen This Week – Vol. 9! We’ve just entered into Phase 1 of Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s plan for reopening, and we’re excited to move forward with a gradual return to programming.
We’re thrilled to announce Eugene Rec will have childcare and summer camps coming soon (camps registration scheduled to begin June 8, with camps beginning June 22). Amazon Pool will remain closed during Phase 1, but we’re looking at ways to safely open for swimming lessons and lap swim during Phase 2. Our community centers and pools are working hard to enhance safety protocols in preparation for Phase 2 reopening including physical distancing, mask wearing and diligent sanitizing.
Keep a close eye on GetRec.org and our Facebook for more information, and we can’t wait to welcome you back!
While all of that unfolds, though, we’re actually here for another purpose – to share things we think people will like, provide tips for getting through your days at home or just put a smile on your face. But, even as we reopen, it remains important to not forget why we are all home in the first place, so our first link every week is to a resources page on the City of Eugene website where you can find the latest information on what the City is doing, key resources and related information.
We want you to go through this blog with a sense of wonder and curiosity, so enjoy this trio of penguins from the Kansas City Zoo visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
(Courtesy of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: Gabe Hopkins.)
Roundup
- May is Still Bike Month! While we’re still staying close to home to stay healthy, we can live vicariously through YouTube. Check out this awesome video of three Norwegian friends tackling the Oregon Timber Mountain Bike Trail last fall. Don’t speak Norwegian? Turn on closed captions because it’s worth it.
- While you’re waiting for the green light on travel, check out this week’s Mechanic Monday video on Chain Maintenance from Eugene Rec’s River House Outdoor Center.
- There are tons of virtual travel options out there, but our favorites this week are from all around the world. You can virtually tour Egyptian Tombs with the Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities or view 3D tours of World Heritage sites on Google Earth. Check out some of the most amazing places in the world, from the comfort of your back porch.
- Explore.org has a bunch of live cams from across the world, including this Northern Lights live cam from Manitoba, Canada.
- And here is a tour of Union Glacier Camp that almost makes it seem like spending time in Antarctica would be fun. Almost.
- Hopping even farther from home, fly side-by-side with astronauts in this the first 3D Virtual Reality film shot in space. You can even scroll around in 360 degrees with your mouse.
- Like much of the business world, this man has taken to Zoom to meet with his dogs, who also struggle with early adapting to new technologies. They’ll take their performance bonuses in treats and belly rubs.
- Animals are finding fame as the world turns virtual, and sometimes that becomes competitive. Join this BBC sports commentator as he gives the play-by-play of this group of penguins’ nightly waddle.
- For more water loving antics, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has a whole slew of live cams to virtually visit your favorite aquatic animals, whether sharks, jelly fish or the obviously popular and incredibly adorable sea otters.
- And blending artistry and animals together, The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are accepting submissions through June 30. For inspiration and some chuckles, check out the gallery of winners and finalists for 2019.
- Closer to home, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts has some fun virtual programs including a trivia program called Tuesday’s with Ty, and a Thursday night Hult Happy Hour featuring local and regional acts. Check out Hult Happenings for all the deets!
- Eugene Rec continues to add virtual online programs. Visit our Stay Home and Recreate list for creative movement classes, stretches for work breaks, mindfulness and more.
- Eugene Rec esports has also launched a Rocket League. It’s soccer. But with rocket-powered cars. Nuff said.
Let’s head into the weekend with a smile
And one more thing...
Find some inspiration and a reminder of the power of art with this incredible Zoom-created performance from the Julliard School featuring both students and some famous alum. This week’s moment of Zen: Julliard’s Bolero.
Have a good weekend everyone.