October 2023 Fun Guide

FUN GUIDE

City Commission

Todd Fowler, Mayor

Aaron T. Murphy, Vice Mayor

Jenny Brock, Commissioner

John Hunter, Commissioner

Joe Wise, Commissioner

Park Advisory Board

Joe Bradley, Chair

Adam Welch, Vice Chair

Karen Hubbs

Jim Hughes

Johnathan Kinnick

Don Shepard

Natalie Smith

Stacey Wild

Charles Stahl

Matt Palmatier

City Management

Cathy Ball, City Manager

Randy Trivette, Assistant City Manager

Steve Willis, Assistant City Manager

Park & Rec Management

April Norris, Director

Sam Miller, Assistant Director

Cameron Clark, Assistant Director

Joe Ebarb, Athletic Services Manager

Bryan Bentley, Golf Manager

Cindy Bogart, Park Services Manager

Tayler Dixon, Promotions and Events

Rachel Evans, Recreation Services

Deb Fogle, Senior Services Manager

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Where to Find It Where to Find It

Halloween Events

Special Events

Afterschool Programs

Aquatics

Fitness & Exercise

Gaming & Esports

Nature

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Page 15

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Page 18

Open Sports

Therapeutic Recreation

Preschool & Kids

Parks and Recreation Directory

General Information

Halloween Haunts Halloween Haunts

Howl-O-Ween Dog Party

Bring your furry family members and join us for this free family event including pet-themed booths, a photo booth, and more. Proof of pet vaccination is required upon entry.

Memorial Park Community Center

Friday, October 20 | 5:30-7pm

Free | Open to all ages

No registration necessary

For more information, call 423-434-5722.

Annual Halloween Festival

Join us for the Annual Halloween Festival at Carver Recreation Center. Participants will have a chance to win prizes in a costume contest and PLAY.ALL.OUT. with games including basketball shot, football toss, cake walk, and more.

Carver Recreation Center

Tuesday, October 31 | 6-9pm

Open to all ages

Kids dressed in costume: Free Kids not in costume: $1/person

Adults: $2/person

Game Tickets: $.50 each

No registration necessary

For more information, call 423-461-8830.

Bring the family for an evening of fun filled with games, treats, glow sticks and more at this ghostly pool party.

Memorial Park Community Center Lap Pool

Friday, October 13 | 6-7:30pm

Open to all ages | $3/person

Register here: https://bit.ly/MonsterMash2023

For more information, call 423-434-5750.

& Happenings & Happenings

Special Events Special Events

Health Fair

Join us for the ETSU Pro-To Club Health Fair including various booths and health screenings for all ages.

Carver Recreation Center

Saturday, October 21 | 9am-2pm

Free | Open to all ages

No registration necessary. For more information, call 423-461-8830.

Did you know

Chocolate cupcakes were born out of a 1796 cookbook called American Cookery, and have since grown into a worldwide craze and dessert staple. Let’s celebrate all there is to love about delicious chocolately cupcakes on National Cupcake Day.

National Chocolate Cupcake Day

Memorial Park Community Center

Wednesday, October 18 | 10-11am

Free | Open to all ages

While Supplies Last.

Pokemon GO Community Day

Join us for an electrifying adventure in Willow Springs Park as JC Parks & Rec presents the first ever Pokemon GO Community Day! Prepare to immerse yourself in a time full of excitement, camaraderie, and of course, Pokemon.

Willow Springs Park

Sunday, October 15 | 2-5pm

Free | Open to all ages

Register upon arrival. For more information, call 423-434-5722.

I “Pink” I Can! Breast Cancer Awareness

Come celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness

Month with us.

Memorial Park Community Center

Friday, October 13 | 11am-3pm

Free | Open to all ages

No registration necessary. For more information, call 423-434-5749.

Turtle Derby

The Johnson City Lions club is partnering with Carver Recreation Center to host a Turtle Derby. Electronic turtles will be provided to each participant to race. Prizes and door prizes will be given out.

Carver Recreation Center

Saturday, October 28 | 9-11am

Free | Open to all ages

No registration necessary. For more information, call 423-461-8830.

Afterschool Programs Afterschool Programs

Langston Afterschool Institute

The Afterschool Institute incorporates three types of educational approaches: experiential, multicultural, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. Tutors engage students with stimulating educational experiences. Healthy snacks provided daily.

The Langston Centre

Monday-Friday | 3-6pm

Free | Grades 3-8

For more information, call 423-434-5785.

On Track Homework Helpers

Students grades K-12 will receive supervised homework assistance from Robert McKinney and Niswonger tutors including 1-on-1 tutoring and special project assistance in partnership with Johnson City Schools.

Carver Recreation Center

Monday-Thursday | 3-5:30pm

Free | Ages 6-18

Computer Lab

During this time, the Computer Lab will be open for students to access the internet for completing homework or school projects.

Carver Recreation Center

Monday-Thursday | 5:30-6:30pm Free | Ages 6-18

Jr. G’s

Join us to learn about gardening, composting, worm farming, greenhouse use, herbs, insects, and food preservation.

Carver Recreation Center

Thursdays | 4-5pm

Free | Ages 6-12

Gym Activities

Participants will enjoy games like kickball, dodgeball, track & field, basketball, fitness, and free day on Fridays.

Carver Recreation Center

Monday-Friday | 4-5:30pm

Free | All ages

Free Fridays

Come enjoy arts & crafts, gym games, team-building exercises, and sports to end the week and gear up for the weekend ahead.

Carver Recreation Center

Every Friday | 4-7pm | Free | Ages 6+

Teen Center

Come hang out in the Teen Center and enjoy PS4 games, billiards, foosball, and arts & crafts!

Carver Recreation Center

Monday-Thursday | 5-7pm

Free | Grades 7-12

Arts & Crafts

Participants will enjoy painting, coloring, and making art projects for special occasions.

Carver Recreation Center

Thursdays | 4-5:30pm Free | All ages

Aquatics Aquatics

Freedom Hall Pool: 423-461-4872

Memorial Park Community Center Aquatics: 423-434-5750

Legion Street Pool: 423-461-4856

OPEN SWIM

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years of age. Any child 6 or younger must be within arm’s length of an adult guardian at all times.

Memorial Park Community Center

Date and Times:

Monday and Wednesday | 4-5:45pm Friday | 4-7:30pm

Saturday | 12:45-3:30pm

Cost:

Ages 13+ | $4

Ages 4-12 | $3

Ages 3 and under | Free

LAP SWIM

Freedom Hall Pool

Date and Times: Friday | 7:35-8:45pm Saturday | 1-4:45pm

Cost:

Ages 13+ | $4

Ages 4-12 | $3

Ages 3 and under | Free

*Participants must be able to swim length of the pool without assistance*

Memorial Park Community Center

Date and Times:

Monday-Friday | 7-8:45am & 11am-3:45pm

Monday & Wednesday | 6-7:30pm

Saturday | 10:30am-12:45pm

Cost: $3/person

Freedom Hall Pool

Date and Times:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30-8:45pm Saturday | 11am-1pm

Cost: $3/person

Aquatics Aquatics

MEMORIAL PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

Splash

Splash is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity.

Tuesday, Thursday | 11:45am-12:45pm

$3/class (Silver Sneakers members only)

Instructor: Heidi Perry

Arthritis Swim

Do you suffer from arthritis? This class can help manage the symptoms with low impact movements and exercise.

Tuesday, Thursday | 11-11:40am

$4/class or $30/month

Instructor: Heidi Perry

Aquamix

This class offers the perfect blend of shallowand deep-water exercises for building cardio, strength, and flexibility. Join in and feel invigorated for the rest of your day! Flotation belts and resistance equipment will be used to ensure a NO IMPACT workout and spare your joints. Ability to swim is not required.

Tuesday, Thursday | 9:15-10:15am

$4/class or $30/month

Instructor: Kim McLeod

Water Aerobics

Get in shape with this shallow-water class which combines cardiovascular work, muscle toning, balance and core work.

Ability to swim is not required. Equipment is provided.

*Doctor’s clearance is required for this class.

Morning Class:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9-10am

Evening Class:

Tuesday, Thursday | 6-7pm

$4/class or $30/month

Instructor: Heidi Perry

Saturday Splash

Put the smack down on calories over the weekend with this metabolism-boosting, shallow-water workout.

Saturday | 9:15-10:15am

$4/class Instructor: Kim McLeod

Homeschool Swim

This time is reserved for Memorial Park Community Center’s Homeschool PE program to go swimming.

Tuesday, Thursday | 2-3:30pm

Ages 12 and under | $2

Aquatics Aquatics

MEMORIAL PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

100/200/500 Mile Swim

Looking for a way to stay motivated in your swim workout? Join the Mile Swim Club and keep a tally of the laps you swim during each workout. Shirts will be provided in January for paid participants in this swim challenge.

January-December | $10/participant

Mommy & Me Swim Time

Parents, are you looking for a time to bring your littles to the pool? This time has been set aside just for you. The shallow end of the pool is reserved for you and your kiddos to swim. Children not potty trained must wear a swim diaper.

Monday, Wednesday | 9-10am

$1/visit | Ages 4 and under

Adult Only Open Therapy

This time is reserved for adults on to complete therapy including activities of your choice to fit your specific needs. This pool is for low-impact swimming only. No jumping or wave-making allowed.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 7am-7:30pm

Tuesday, Thursday | 7-11am & 1-7:30pm

Saturday | 9am-3:30pm

$2/visit (monthly pass is available)

FREEDOM HALL & LEGION STREET POOL

Scout Water Badges

This time is set aside for Boy/Girl Scout troops to work on the water skills necessary for obtaining badges. If assistance is needed with instruction, please bring skill requirements to staff prior to your reservation date.

Freedom Hall Pool | Thursdays | 7:35-8:45pm

$10/group of 10

Reservation of date must be scheduled at least one week in advance. For more information or to register, call 423-461-4872.

Kayak Roll Class

Need a place to practice rolling your kayak?

Join us to perfect your roll skills. Kayaks not provided.

Requirements: must be able to swim 25 meters freestyle without stopping.

Freedom Hall Pool | Tuesdays | 7:35-8:45pm

$2/class | Ages 5+

For more information, call 423-461-4872.

Masters Swimming

Join this group of adult swimming enthusiasts for organized workouts supervised by a professional coach. Participants range from novice to former swimming athletes.

Legion Street Pool | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 6-7am

$50/month or $5/session | Ages 18+

Instructor: Chris Coraggio

Fitness and Exercise

Fitness and Exercise

Weight Room

The weight room is designed to promote your fitness and health. It features a universal weight station, free weights, bench press, and squat bar.

Carver Recreation Center

Monday-Friday | 9am-2:30pm & 5:30-7pm

Saturday | 12-6pm Sunday | 1-6pm

Ages 13+

Youth & Women | $7/month

Men Over Age 18 | $10/month

Yoga “Just Breathe”

Join us for a breath of fresh air as we explore the world of yoga postures, breathing practices, and relaxation techniques. Focus is on precise alignment, postures, emphasizing body awareness and mental clarity.

Memorial Park Community Center

Tuesday & Thursday | 11am-12:30pm

$5/class | Ages 18+

Instructor: Dixie Neth

Zumba

Dance, groove and enjoy a workout.

Langston Centre

Every Monday

6-7pm

Free | All Ages

Register in person day of class.

Cheer

Have a child who wants to learn cheer? Join us to learn the basics of cheer and work toward competition levels.

Memorial Park Community Center

Every Thursday

4-6 years | 5:15-6pm

7-9 years | 6-6:45pm

Tumble | 6:45-7:15pm ($6/class)

10+ years | 7:15-8pm

$15 one-time registration fee, $10/class

Instructor: Champions in Motion

Step It, Shake It, Move It, Lift It

Join us for a fun workout incorporating Tabata and stations to increase calories burned, build muscle, and give you more stamina. Workouts will be paired with music and changing activities. This class will use interval training and can be adapted and modified depending on the skill level. Class will be held outdoors, weather permitting.

Memorial Park Community Center

Fridays, October 6 and 13

8-9am | Free | Ages 16+

Sit To Be Fit

Seniors have the opportunity to participate in seated exercise, track walking, games, Bingo and puzzles in this health program taught by Dr. Rick Wallace with the ETSU Medical Library.

Carver Recreation Center

Every Friday | 10:30am-Noon

Free | Ages 50+

Gaming & Esports Gaming & Esports

JC Smash Ladder

The JC Smash Ladder is our first inaugural Super Smash Bros. league that consists of both Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Melee. Smash Ladder is a matchmaking experience that is exactly like queueing up into matchmaking at home, except you are right there in person playing against your opponent. Bring your own controller or use one of ours.

Memorial Park Community Center

Wednesdays

3-8pm | $3/player | All Ages

For questions, call 423-434-5749. Register here.

Homeschool Gaming Hour

Homeschool students are invited to participate in gaming including Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and more.

Memorial Park Community Center

Thursdays, October 19 & 26

2-3pm | $3/class | Ages 6-17

For questions, call 423-434-5749

Nature Nature

Open Sports

Open Sports

Basketball Open Gym

Enjoy a game of pick-up basketball or just shoot around. Times are subject to change due to special programs and events.

Memorial Park Community Center

Monday-Friday | 3-5pm

Saturday, October 7 & 21 | 3-5pm

Free | Open to all ages

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Open Badminton

Beginners and advanced players will take turns on one court for an active and fun way to stay in shape and have some fun.

Keystone Gymnasium

Wednesdays | 5:30-7:30pm

Free | Open to all ages

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Open Volleyball

This is a time for working on your volleyball skills or for learning to play the game. Court 1 reserved for beginners. Court 2 reserved for intermediate players.

Memorial Park Community Center

Wednesdays | 6-7:45pm

Free | Open to all ages

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Therapeutic Recreation Therapeutic Recreation

These programs are designed specifically for individuals with special needs. Caregivers are welcome as no personal care will be provided.

Morning Crafty Creations

Do you love drawing, painting, and creating things? If so, join us. We will be learning about different art mediums and creating fun projects.

Memorial Park Community Center

Tuesdays, October 17, 24 & 31 | 10-11am

Free | Ages 13+

For more information, call 423-434-5749.

Therapeutic Life Skills - Health Education

Learn basic health and important life skills in this course taught by Washington County Health Department.

Memorial Park Community Center

Mondays beginning October 10 | 10-11am

Free | Ages 13+

Preschool & Kids Preschool & Kids

Book Bundles

Memorial Park Community Center is partnering with Johnson City Library to bring you Book Bundles. Book Bundles are batches of books and/or media related to a theme or topic and delivered to MPCC.

Memorial Park Community Center

Weekdays, Oct. 1-31 | 8am-6pm Free | Ages Preschool-18

Karate

Learn the basics of karate, or expand on your skills with Champions in Motion. Memorial Park Community Center

Every Monday | Grades K-5

Beginner: 5:30-6:15pm

Returning Students: 6:15-7pm

$15 one-time registration fee, $10/class

Movement Academy: Homeschool PE

Join us for the basic fundamentals of recreational sports and playground games while we learn communication, teamwork, and physical health.

Memorial Park Community Center

Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 17-26

1-2pm | $3/class | Ages 6-17

Little Stars Gymnastics

Beginner tumblers will spend time exploring skills to advance balance, strength, flexibility and motor skills.

Memorial Park Community Center

Mondays throughout October 9:30-10:15am | Ages 2-4 | $10/class

Register in person by the Friday before each class.

Hosted by Appalachian Stars Gymnastics

Shooting Stars Gymnastics

Beginner tumblers will spend time exploring skills to advance balance, strength, flexibility and motor skills.

Memorial Park Community Center

Mondays throughout October 4-5pm | Ages 5-8 | $10/class

Register in person by the Friday before each class.

Hosted by Appalachian Stars Gymnastics

Parks & Recreation Directory Parks & Recreation Directory

Administration

4137 Bristol Highway

Hours: 8am-5pm Mon-Fri

Phone: 423-283-5815 Fax: 423-283-5829

Email: jcparksinfo@johnsoncitytn.org

April Norris, Director: 423-434-5807

Sam Miller, Assistant Director: 423-283-5820

Cameron Clark, Assistant Director: 423-434-5826

Missy Hollifield, Office Manager: 423-283-5870

Linda Guess, Clerical Specialist: 423-283-5815

Tayler Dixon, Promotions & Events: 423-283-5827

Athletic Services

Joe Ebarb, Athletics Manager

4137 Bristol Highway

Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm Mon-Fri

Phone: 423-283-5822

For text alerts, text the following to 77948: For soccer, text “cojc.5”

For basketball, text “cojc.6” for softball, text “cojc.7”

Park Services

Cindy Bogart, Park Services Manager

2216 Eddie Williams Road

423-434-5830

Recreation Services

Rachel Evans, Recreation Services Manager 423-434-5754

Aquatics

Hannah Smith, Aquatics Supervisor 423-434-5754

Freedom Hall Pool

1320 Pactolas Road

Hours: 3-9pm, Mon-Fri

423-461-4872

Legion Pool

111 Legion St.

Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 1-6pm Sun 423-461-4856

Carver Recreation Center

Herb Greenlee, Center Supervisor

322 W. Watauga Ave.

Hours: 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 12-6pm Sat 423-461-8830

Parks & Recreation Directory Parks & Recreation Directory

Memorial Park Community Center

510 Bert St.

Hours: 7am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm St

Recreation Services; 423-434-5749

Senior Services; 423-434-6237

Kelly Finney, Center Supervisor; 423-434-5758

Deb Fogle, Senior Services Manager; 423-434-6231

Tina Sparks, Maintenance/Custodial Supervisor; 423-434-2056

Nature

Connie Deegan, Naturalist

4137 Bristol Hwy.

423-283-5821

Langston Centre

Adam Dickson, Center Supervisor 315 Elm St.

Hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri

423-434-5785

Pine Oaks Golf Course

Bryan Bentley, Golf Manager 1709 Buffalo Road

423-434-6250

Picnic Pavilion Rentals

423-283-5815

Or visit www.myjcparks.org

Batter Up Batting Cages

Winged Deer Park 4137 Bristol Hwy.

The Wallace Pavilion at Rotary Park

General Information General Information

Our Mission

To inspire healthy and active lifestyles and create recreational opportunities filled with people, parks and programs.

Share your Parks and Rec adventures with us!

Enjoy taking photos? Share your pictures of family and friends enjoying our parks, events and facilities. We’d love to see you enjoying the amenities we have to offer, and we’d love to feature some of your photos in our newsletter, on our website, social media channels, and in this Fun Guide! Email them to us at: jcparksinfo@johnsoncitytn.org

Photo Policy

On occasion, our staff may photograph or video participants in department programs and classes, or at special events, festivals, or facilities. These photos are for our department use only and may be used in publications, flyers, social media and video productions.

Tobacco/Firearm Policy

Use of tobacco products or vapor products is prohibited pursuant to City of Johnson City Ordinance #11-142. Each offense shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $50. Firearms are prohibited pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-17-1311. Valid carry permit required pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-1311 during all non-school related athletic events.

Volunteer

Looking for a chance to give back to the community? We have just the opportunity! Much of what we do is made possible through the hard work of our dedicated family of volunteers. Not only do our volunteers save the city financial resources each year, they also allow us to do a number of things we simply could not afford to do otherwise. In the process, our volunteers help strengthen our community and solidify Johnson City as a great place to live, work and PLAY!

Did You Know?

Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic and recreation benefits to our city. They are a source of positive economic benefits. They enhance property values, increase municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and works, and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

Seasonal Job Opportunities

Parks and Recreation provides seasonal job opportunities such as lifeguards, summer program staff, tennis instructors, athletic officials, scorekeepers and turf maintenance staff. To see the current available positions, click here.

General Information General Information

Disclaimer

Programs are sometimes canceled or altered due to low registration, changes in staff, and/or facility availability. Due to the large amount of information found in Johnson City Parks and Recreation Fun Guide, errors before or after publication may occur. We apologize for any errors in this brochure and will advise of any changes as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Fees

Resident/Non-Resident Fees: Johnson City residents make significant contributions to the operation of this department through the payment of property taxes. These contributions are separate from fees paid for programs and services offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. In recognition of this contribution, Johnson City residents qualify for the resident rate. Those who live outside Johnson City’s municipal limits qualify for the non-resident rate.

Warning of Risk

Recreational activities/programs are intended to challenge and engage the physical, mental, and emotional resources of each participant. Despite careful and proper preparation, instruction, medical advice, conditioning and equipment, there is still a risk of serious injury when participating in any recreational activity/program. Understandably, not all hazards and dangers can be foreseen. Depending on the particular activity, participants must understand that certain risks, dangers and injuries due to the inclement weather, slipping, falling, poor skill level or conditioning, carelessness, horseplay, unsportsmanlike conduct, premises defects, inadequate or defective equipment, inadequate supervision, instruction or officiating and all other circumstance inherent to indoor and outdoor recreational activities/programs exist. In this regard, it must be recognized that it is impossible for the city of Johnson City to guarantee absolute safety. All participants are expected to follow facility rules. Specialty areas such as pools, mountain bike trails and fitness areas have posted signs stating special rules specific to that area. Disregard or abuse of facility rules may result in removal by staff or police from the facility for a designated length of time or permanently.

Refunds

• Refunds will not be given on rentals and reservations.

• When inclement weather requires the cancellation of Johnson City Schools, all scheduled classes and programs, with the exception of athletic league games for that day, will be canceled and a full refund will be given. If the class, event or athletic program is canceled by staff, a full refund will be given. Medical refunds may be considered upon request if accompanied by a valid doctor’s note. No refunds will be given for a class program or athletic program once it begins.

• Refunds will be given for a class, program or athletic program before it starts. If the class, program or athletic program is less than $10, a full refund will be given. Class, programs or athletic programs greater than $10 will be charged an administrative fee of $10.

• Transfers on department-operated classes, programs or athletic programs can be transferred with the same division for the same fee. The transfer must be made before the start date.

• The department reserves the right to grant any and all refunds at its sole discretion. An appeal can be requested in writing to the Parks and Recreation director, whose decision is administratively final.