JOHNSON CITY PARKS AND RECREATION
CITY LEADERS ANSWER CALL FOR PICKLEBALL!
ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS
ATHLETIC DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS
PARK SERVICES DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS
GOLF DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS
RECREATION SERVICES DIVISIN HIGHLIGHTS
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection I S S U E
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City Leaders Answer Call For Pickleball! The “addictive” game that won’t stop growing was recognized Tuesday, Aug. 23 by city commissioners, city officials and others who held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Memorial Park Community Center to christen 12 new outdoor pickleball courts. The ceremony at the largest pickleball facility in the Tri-Cities included an exhibition match, pickleball clinic and official public opening. Nearly half the pickleball players in the Tri-Cities get their game on at MPCC, which prompted commissioners last year to vote to fund about $100,000 for the conversion of four existing tennis courts. The expense covered resurfacing of the courts, restriping, installation of permanent pickleball nets, and the reorientation of the courts toward Bert Street. “Did we make the right decision here?” Jenny Brock, commissioner and former mayor, asked the large crowd gathered for the ceremony followed by a hearty round of applause and cheers. “For the health and well-being of community members, this is just about the epicenter for staying active.” The demand for courts in Johnson City has continued to blossom for years, and the sport’s popularity is steadily surging nationwide. Johnson City’s first-ever pickleball tournament was held indoors at MPCC in 2018, and the event had players, organizers and potential sponsors buzzing about its potential growth. The buzz has only increased. Senior Services Manager Deb Fogle said MPCC currently has 234 players, an increase from 64 players in 2015. There are close to 500 players in the Tri-Cities region playing pickleball, and the sport is growing not only among seniors, but young adults, teens and children. “I’m excited about everything this facility brings, and I want to recognize our Parks and Recreation Department for what they do,” said City Manager Cathy Ball. For more information about pickleball opportunities at Memorial Park Community Center, call 423-434-6237 or 423-434-5749.
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Administration Highlights ~
The roadway into the new Winged Deer Park Sports Complex is complete and grading for the more than $17 million facility is now underway.
Athletic Highlights ~
Adult softball league began Aug. 22.
Youth soccer teams began practicing for fall season on Aug. 13.
Youth softball signups end on Aug. 26 for ages 5 -12.
Partnering with USTA Rally Cats Tennis to offer fall tennis camp for youth at Pete Zannis Tennis Center at Liberty Bell. Sign up at www.RallyCatsTennis.com.
Park Services Highlights ~
New fencing for the BlueCross Healthy Place at Kiwanis Park has been installed.
Civitan playground installed with finishing touches to be completed in the next week
Carnegie playground being installed now
Stadium prep for SHHS football
Field prep for soccer season
Golf Highlights ~ Book a tee time or the practice facility at pineoaksgolf.com. A WALK IN THE PARK YOUR PARKS AND RECREATION
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Recreation Services ~ MPCC -
Staff took ice cream sandwiches to the Rotary Park splash pad on Aug. 2 and gave out preschool flyers to families.
Filipino cooking classes have continued to be very popular each week with a different menu, averaging 15-20 participants per class.
Held 6th annual Tot Triathlon Aug. 13 with ages 2-6 making their way around the TVA Credit Union Ballpark, then on their tricycles or bikes along the sidewalk by the amphitheater to finish with a wet run by being sprayed down by the Fire Department!
Hosted first teen nerf wars (glow in the dark) on Aug. 19.
Nature -
Parks are living systems, and in 725-acre Buffalo Mountain Park, fallen trees are almost a weekly occurrence. Due to the slope, when one falls, they often bring down others. These four logs will have to be cut twice to move them off the trail and are approximately 14”16” in diameter. Cutting is accomplished with hand tools and volunteer help.
Carver -
The annual Back to School Bash took place Aug. 18. The event was held at Legion Street Pool with kids in the Carver Afterschool program and staff. Kids enjoyed swimming and fellowshipping with others while the staff prepared the food and filled back to school backpacks with school supplies for participants to take home.
Senior Services Highlights ~
Seniors were entertained by country and gospel singer, Shellem Cline and treated to an ice cream social.
Hip Hikers visited the Spillway Trail at South Holston Dam
The seniors’ trip to Gatlinburg was so popular, two buses were needed.
Seniors, Recreation and Aquatics staff participated in the Doughboys game highlighting MPCC.
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Administrative Office - Winged Deer Park - 4137 Bristol Highway - Johnson City, TN Phone: 423-283-5815 Fax: 423-283-5829 Email: jcparksinfo@johnsoncitytn.org - Website: www.johnsoncitytn.org Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
Upcoming Events Aug. 22 - Adult Softball League Begins
Oct. 8 - USA No Place Like Home - Winged Deer Park
Aug. 27 - USA Labor Day Classic - Winged Deer Park
Oct. 15 - USA Halloween Havoc - Winged Deer Park
Aug. 27 - Girls Softball Registration Concludes
Oct. 21, 22, 23 - Future Stars of Sports Halloween Classic - Winged Deer Park
Sept. 3,4 - USSSA Labor Day Classic - Winged Deer Park Oct. 27 - Youth Basketball Coaches Meeting Sept. 6 - Girls Softball Practice Begins
Oct. 28, 29, 30 - Winged Deer Park Complex Closed
Sept. 6 - Youth Soccer League Begins
TBD - Super Spooky Saturday—MPCC
Sept. 10,11 - USSSA Fall Ball Classic - Winged Deer Park
Oct. 29 - Youth Basketball Games Begin
Sept. 13 - Girls Softball League Begins
Oct. 31 - Annual Halloween Festival - Carver Recreation Center
Sept. 16 - Ride ‘n’ Roll Car Show - MPCC
Nov. 5 - USA Turkey Trot Classic - Winged Deer Park
Sept. 17 - USA Fall Classic - Winged Deer Park
Nov. 8 - Youth Basketball Practice Begins
Sept. 23,24,25 - USA Play for a Cure Classic - Winged Deer Park
Nov. 11,12,13 - NSA One-Pitch World Series - Winged Deer Park
Sept. 30, Oct. 1,2 - Milligan Fall Classic - Winged Deer Park
Nov. 29 - Youth Basketball Games Begin
Oct. 4 - Youth and Adult Basketball Registration Begins
Dec. 6 - Adult Basketball Games Begin