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Gaga Ball Coming to Hazelnut Park Watch for a fun new activity coming to Arden Hills’ Hazelnut Park this summer. It’s called Gaga Ball, and it’s a fast-paced, high energy game played in a fenced octagonal area called a pit. The game combines dodging, striking, running, and jumping, with the object of being the last person standing. Although new to Arden Hills, Gaga Ball has been around for decades. Its roots are in Israel and it is believed to have been brought to the U.S. by counselors working at Jewish summer camps in the 1960s. In fact, ga-ga means touch-touch in Hebrew. In an era when our nation is facing an increasing problem of childhood obesity, many schools and camps are looking for fun activities that keep children of all ages and abilities moving. That is why Aaron Thelen, Recreation Programmer for the City, is very excited to be bringing Gaga Ball to the Summer Playground Program at Hazelnut Park. Of course, although the game is great for elementary and middle school students, anyone can play. Gaga Ball is played with a dodgeball or kickball and the objective is to hit the ball with your hands, but you are not allowed to carry or throw the ball. If you get hit with the ball below your knees or break a rule, you are out and must leave the pit. The goal is to be the last person in the pit. The game is so fun that it leaves people wanting to get back into the pit and start a new game right away! One of the main advantages of Gaga Ball is that all children, regardless of their athletic skill level, have the ability to participate and even win. The Gaga Ball pit should be ready sometime in May. Rules for the game will be posted. Aaron is happy to answer questions at 651-792-7848 or email him at athelen@cityofardenhills.org.