Johnson City Parks and Recreation Special points of interest: ~ Centers Closed, Outdoor Activity Encouraged ~ Administration Highlights ~ Park Services Division Highlights ~ Golf Division Highlights ~ Recreation Services Division Highlights
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection I s s u e :
3
M a r c h
2 0 2 0
Centers Closed, Outdoor Activity Encouraged On March 18, Johnson City officials announced the closure of Memorial Park Community Center, Carver Recreation Center and the Langston Centre to protect members of the public from further spread of the coronavirus. Rentals of all facilities, pavilions and ballfields also were suspended on the 18th until further notice. Spring break camps underway at Memorial Park and Carver were cancelled as of Friday, March 20. Staff contacted those enrolled in next week’s spring break camp regarding its cancellation. Girl’s spring softball and T-ball, spring youth soccer and adult softball also have been postponed. Senior Services congregate meals became available for curbside pickup on Thursday, March 19, and staff contacted congregate meal participants for details regarding meal distribution. Meanwhile, city parks, playgrounds and Pine Oaks Golf Course remain open, and the city is encouraging the public to Go. All. Outside. Parks and Recreation staff took steps early this week to create additional outdoor programming and adjusted locations accordingly. “This is a great time for the public to get outside and enjoy a multitude of activities, whether it be a hiking or mountain biking experience or a casual stroll through Winged Deer Park to view the bluebell flowers,” said James Ellis, Parks and Recreation director. “We know families may be searching for alternative activities to enjoy together at this time, and getting outdoors can be both invigorating and soothing.”
Free guided nature hikes will be offered during the next several weeks. Each hike will be limited to 10 participants. Hikes at Jacob’s Nature Park at Sinking Creek have been scheduled on Tuesday, March 24 (10-11:30 a.m.), Wednesday, March 25 (1-2:30 p.m.) and Thursday, March 26 (10-11:30 a.m.). Hikes at Winged Deer Park featuring bluebell wildflowers will be held on Sunday March 29 (1-2 p.m.), Monday, March 30 (10:30-11:45 a.m.), Thursday, April 2 (10:3011:45 a.m.) and Friday, April 3, (6-7:15 p.m.). To register for one of these hikes, contact Program Coordinator/Nature Connie Deegan at 423-283-5821. The Introduction to Mountain Biking class has been relocated to the Meredith Pavilion at Winged Deer Park, and the $20 fee has been waived. Kids 8-12 will learn basic skills at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park and the Tweetsie Trail from 4-5:30 p.m. on April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Participants must register by Wednesday, April 8 online at myjcparks.org or by calling 423-434-5749.
Page 2
Administration Highlights ~
Carver Splash Pad - TDEC has approved the Great Southern Proposal and the city has been cleared to sign the proposal for construction of the splash pad. Prior to construction, TDEC will need to review and approve plans. The next step is to send the proposal to the City Commission for consideration. Athletic Complex – CHA has been directed to provide the city with drawings and construction costs by Feb. 28. These plans will be reviewed by staff and discussed during the budget process. Pete Zannis Tennis Center - The two new bronzed plaques were installed at the entrance and the department contracted the pressure washing of all 14 courts. Three new tennis benches will be installed this month. Carver, Langston Centre, Memorial Park Community Center have been closed. All programming for groups over 10 have been suspended due to COVID-19 precautions.
Park Services Division Highlights ~
Civitan Park - Painted restrooms.
Winged Deer Park - Field lights replaced. Kitchen renovation, administration office.
New maintenance facility - Staff working daily to renovate and make improvements to the new maintenance facility at 2216 Eddie Williams Road.
Golf Division Highlights ~
Tri-Cities Pro Am - 188 players, $2,000 in gift certificates awarded.
Construction continues on pro shop concession area.
Aerification of greens began March 16.
Irrigation repairs, fairways pre-emerge herbicide application, repairs to bridge at hole #10 and #11.
Buffalo Valley - Contract mowing specs completed.
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation
Issue: 3
Page 3
Recreation Services Division ~
Aquatics - New safety equipment has arrived, including guard tubes, bag valve masks, CPR masks, whistles, AED batteries and Pedi-padz. ADA chairlift knobs at Memorial Park Community Center have been replaced.
Nature - Jacob’s Nature Park was awarded $1,000 for plantings around the outdoor classroom from “What’s the Buzz.” ETSU practicum students completed reblazing the Lone Oak Trail at Buffalo Mountain Park. Provided the Convention and Visitors Bureau with 20 day-hike write-ups for area visitors. ETSU Practicum students disassembled a natural dam that had built up across part of Sinking Creek. Before freeing up the area, the students also pulled out trash that was introduced into the park by high water.
Langston Centre - Compiled data entry for after-school program. Met with Johnson City Schools officials to discuss partnership with Science Hill High School. Hosted STREAMWORKS at an informational session about starting an underwater robotics team. Met with Interfaith Year CEO/founder to discuss future partnership opportunities. Hosted the Regional Diversity and Inclusion Alliance.
Memorial Park Community Center - Conducted Spring Break Camp for Johnson City Schools with 45 in attendance. Campers enjoyed game day, nerf day and popcorn and pizza on the last day. Tot Time had four participants. The Chess Club met with 10 participants. The art class had six in attendance. Planning is underway for the next quarterly Fun Guide and Summer Camp guide.
Memorial Park Community Center maintenance Cleaned air ducts and updated SDS safety book for Memorial Park Community Center and Keystone Center. Yearly fire marshal and kitchen health inspections completed.
Senior Services - Spring Forward for Seniors food drive is underway and supplies were delivered to those seniors in need the week of March 30.
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
4137 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City, TN 37601 Phone: 423-283-5815 4137423-283-5829 Bristol Highway Fax: Johnson City, Tennessee 37601 Email: Phone: 423-283-5815 jcparksinfo@johnsoncitytn.org Fax: 423-283-5829 Website: www.johnsoncitytn.org Like us on Facebook @jcparkstn Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @jcparkstn