Johnson City Parks and Recreation Special points of interest: ~ 2019: A Year of Accomplishments!
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection I s s u e :
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~ Administration Highlights
2019: A Year of Accomplishments!
~ Athletic Division Highlights
Here’s wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and fulfilling new year.
~ Park Services Division Highlights ~ Golf Division Highlights ~ Recreation Services Division Highlights
The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department in 2019 once again provided the community with abundant opportunities, and our priority remains improving the quality of life for our citizens and providing the very best programming and facilities possible. In 2019, we opened Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, which features numerous trails for varied skill levels and an asphalt pump track. Whether you are an avid biker or not, you will not be disappointed when you visit and check out the views. The newly renovated Langston Centre opened to the public on Sunday, Nov. 17. Parks and Recreation staff will operate the building along with volunteer assistance from the Langston Educational and Arts Development group, a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by providing programs in music, arts, education, and more for the community. A new splash pad is coming to Carver Recreation in 2020, along with a new outdoor restroom facility. Tannery Knobs and Rotary Park also will receive new restroom facilities in 2020. Other improvements include renovations to the Pete Zannis Tennis Center at Liberty Bell entrance thanks to a partnership with a private citizens group and a new learning pavilion at Jacobs Nature Park at Sinking Creek, which will feature a living roof. Improvements also will be occurring at Pine Oaks Golf Course as we will be adding a concession area, renovated office/clubhouse and the addition of the Learning Center. The latest improvements and features, in addition to the daily services provided by Golf, Senior Services and our entire staff, are possible due to the support of the Board of Commissioners, city management, various volunteers, nonprofits and other sponsors dedicated to giving back to their community through our department. Thanks to all those involved, committed and dedicated to Parks and Recreation. We look forward to providing quality programming, facilities and services to the community in 2020.
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Administration Highlights ~
Carver Splash Pad - The RFP was advertised through the Purchasing Department. A committee has been formed to review project proposals which will include design and build.
Princeton Arts Center - The building has been cleaned out and is ready to turn over to Washington County.
Carnegie Park - Park improvements including fence replacement around the basketball court, improvements to two scorer’s stands, painted pavilion and restrooms and as weather permits foul poles will receive a fresh coat of paint.
Athletics Division Highlights ~
The Holiday Basketball Tournament ended Dec. 19. The tournament had 66 teams. Registration for adult volleyball begins Jan. 15 and youth soccer begins Jan. 28.
Park Services Division Highlights ~
Work crews have been busy trimming trees and bushes along fence lines and in all park locations.
Constructed the city Christmas float, provided support and equipment for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.
Congratulations to Corey Parsons who was promoted to crew supervisor. Parsons assumed his new duties Dec. 21.
Corey Parsons
Golf Division Highlights ~
Brush removal, tree trimming and annual golf course maintenance. The Pro Shop merchandise offerings have been improved.
Senior Services Highlights ~
The Senior bus is sporting a new look!
Twenty-nine girls from Girls, Inc. were treated to refreshments, cookie decorating and crafts. Each girl was given a scarf and mittens most handmade and donated by volunteers.
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection
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Recreation Services Division ~
Memorial Park Community Center - One hundred My Little Valentine Daddy Daughter dance tickets were sold during the flash sale Dec. 8. The dance is set for Feb. 8. The Holly Jolly Rudolph Party was a success with 60 in attendance. Participants received a copy of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and enjoyed an evening of light refreshments, fun and games. The NBA 2k video game tournament had 10 teens in attendance. The center hosted the city employee Christmas luncheon Dec. 13 with 600 in attendance. Homeschool and preschool PE held their end-of-season party with 50 in attendance. Center staff has assisted the Langston After-School program with art projects, recreational activities and educational games .
Langston Centre - Meetings are taking place with members of the Alliance to discuss the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Their Talent Sourcing program connects their scholars with employers. Langston will be hosting an event in April to share TMCF with other business. The Centre hosted the following meetings during the month: LEAD board of directors, the Coalition of Historic Restoration, the Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast committee and Nuclear Fuel Services HR team. The after-school program attendance is holding steady with six students. Professors from ETSU have proposed that an initiative start to recognize the life and legacy of Ralph Davis, former president of the Johnson City NAACP. The academy would consist of individuals 15-17 and they would learn how to become agents of change, such as Mr. Davis. The program also includes a summer internship and symposium at Langston where the students share their experiences.
Nature - Tennessee Department of Correction Northeast Community Service crew members continued construction on the Jacob's Nature Park at Sinking Creek Outdoor Classroom in December. The large joists have been set in place that will support the classroom's "living roof," which will be able to support 5075 pounds of sod and plants per square foot once completed.
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Park Services and Senior Services get the 4137 Bristol Hwy. Kudos Corner nod this Johnson City, TN 37601 month for their Phone: 423-283-5815 involvement with the 4137 Bristol Highway sesquicentennial event Fax: 423-283-5829 Johnson City, Tennessee 37601downtown (tables, Email: Phone: 423-283-5815 chairs, staging, jcparksinfo@johnsoncitytn.org Fax: 423-283-5829 portable restroom, Website: transportation and www.johnsoncitytn.org parking). Parks Like us on Facebook Services also designed, @jcparkstn purchased materials and built the city’s Christmas float which took second place in the parade only to the Budweiser Clydesdales. ConFollow us on Twitter and gratulations and thanks for all the hard work! Instagram @jcparkstn
Upcoming Events December 24 & 25 - Closed Merry Christmas!
January 23 - Fitness Expo—Memorial Park Community Center
January 1 - First Day Hike - Keefauver Farm
January 23 - Teen Trivia Night—Memorial Park Community Center
January 1 - Closed Happy New Year!
February 1 - Jump Start Seed Swap & Pollinator Day - Memorial Park Community Center
January 10 - Glow Stick Swim - Memorial Park Community Center pool
February 8 - My Little Valentine Daddy Daughter Dance Memorial Park Community Center
January 15-February 28 - Registration open for Adult Volleyball League - Athletics
February 20 - NBA2K20 Tournament - Memorial Park Community Center
January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast - Memorial February 25 - March 25 - Girls T-Ball and Softball Registration Park Community Center Opens - Athletics January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Story Time - Carver Recreation Center January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner - Carver Recreation Center
February 27 - Black History Month Celebration and Taste of the Community - Carver Recreation Center