Serving Our City, Celebrating Our Residents

SERVING OUR CITY, Celebrating Our Residents Residents

BY MARY BOZA CRIMMINS

With 87 dedicated employees, the City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department produces over 100 special events each year, maintains facilities at 30 parks and beautifies more than 300 acres. They are responsible for eight baseball fields, two multipurpose fields and two recreation centers. But it’s not about the numbers; Parks and Recreations’ work is about serving Sanford’s residents. “We are so excited to offer programs for every segment of the community,” stated Recreations Manager Jerry Sullivan, “and hope everyone will spend some of their leisure time with us.”

The Parks and Recreation staff has been working diligently on summer and fall events, classes, and leagues. Regardless of age, experience or interests, there’s something for everyone.

Star Spangled Sanford

With over 50,000 in attendance, Star Spangled Sanford is one of the department’s most ambitious events. The Independence Day celebration takes place on the Riverwalk from 7 - 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4. At 9:15 p.m., be prepared to be awed by the spectacular fireworks choreographed to patriotic and upbeat music. The fireworks will reflect the themes of the songs, so watch for bursts of stars, diamonds and smiley faces.

A DJ will provide music and interact with the audience. The splash pad, playground and a children’s play area set-up for the day adds to the fun. Attendees can also enjoy Ft. Mellon Park’s amenities, such as strolling along

Above: City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department

the Riverwalk or picnicking while enjoying the view of Lake Monroe. Food, drink and merchandise vendors will be on hand. Star Spangled Sanford is a huge celebration that captures the feeling of small-town America.

Making Every Day “Senior Appreciation Day”

Summer plans at the Senior Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd., include topics of importance to seniors. Care Plus and the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (ADRC) will host a workshop. It will teach “individuals about some of the different types of dementia, stages, and ways to lower the chances of developing it,” stated Jackie Clark, Senior Center Manager. Tips for caregivers and

advice on how to help loved ones experiencing symptoms will also be shared. The workshop is from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 28.

At the Tech-Savvy class, seniors can have their questions about using digital devices and social media answered. Sponsored by Care Plus and CenterWell, the class is June 23 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Other events include an AARP Safe Driver Course on July 20 from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. and an end-of-summer barbecue at a date to be determined.

“We appreciate how the seniors appreciate what we do at the center,” Clark commented. Between the workshops and daily activities, like Silver Sneakers exercise classes, yoga,

Youth Flag Football

information on football or soccer contact Dominic Pascuzzo at 407-688-5600.

Seniors Fitness Class

BINGO, Bridge, and shuffleboard, the center is a hub of vitality.

Leagues of Our Own

Healthy lifestyles, community pride, and diverse experiences are a few of the positive outcomes of the leagues offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. There are plenty of options for all ages and beginners are always welcome.

Youth Baseball, Softball, Flag Football and Soccer

Youth leagues are just as much for parents as they are for kids. Studies show that children who participate in organized sports are physically and mentally healthier. They also perform better in school. What parent doesn’t want these benefits for their child? The Parks and Recreation Department understands the benefits of participating in sports, so they take great care in planning and implementing the Fall youth leagues.

Registration for co-ed baseball, t-ball and girls fastpitch softball leagues begins June 20, with games starting on September 6. For more information, call John Polk at 407-688-5619. Youth flag football and soccer teams are co-ed and 5-on-5. Registration is underway. For more

For the 18-and-Over Crowd

The Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to improving Sanford's standard of living because they know active communities are healthy communities. Adult leagues offer a fun way to be active while making new friends. Leagues include 7-on-7 co-ed flag football, coed or recreational volleyball, and semi co-ed or church league softball. Don’t let a lack of experience deter you from joining a team. Or hey, go crazy, try more than one! For more information, call Dominic Pascuzzo at 407-688-5600.

There’s Even More

Star Spangled Sanford, appreciating seniors and offering sports leagues are only a few of the achievements of the Parks and Recreation staff. They also offer full and half-day children’s summer camps, with specialty camps like Messy Madness and Junior Chefs. At the Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center, 2701 Ridgewood Ave., swim lessons are available for ages 3 to adult.

The entire City of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department and its hundreds of volunteers greatly serve our community. For more information on events and programs, visit their website at https://sanfordfl.gov/ government/parks-and-recreation. n