Sports and Leisure
A publication of
The Times-Herald
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[Sports & Leisure]
Wherever you live in Coweta, there’s a rec department facility nearby By Alex McRae
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reat shopping, fine dining and a wealth of lifestyle choices aren’t the only reasons thousands of newcomers have flocked to Coweta County in recent years. A wellrounded community also offers firstrate recreational opportunities and Coweta has something for every
Falcons defender Austin O'Brien reaches out to get a hand on Titans running back Graden Treadwell during the 1112-year-old Super Bowl game at the Coweta County Recreation Department last fall.
member of the family. As the summer of 2010 began, local kids were thrilled when the county’s newest recreational offering – the Lynch Park Pool – opened to the
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[Sports & Leisure]
The water slide is without a doubt the most popular attraction at the new Lynch Park Pool.
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[Sports & Leisure] public in downtown Newnan. The pool’s water slide became
and grownups can enjoy adult-only
county and walking trails are
swims each Friday morning. The
available at many venues.
an instant hit and youngsters and
pool may also be rented for private
adults alike quickly learned to love
Saturday evening parties.
“No matter where you live in Coweta County, there is a
cooling off under the
recreational facility close to
mushroom water fountain
you,� said Carl McKnight,
or swimming laps to stay
director of the Coweta
in shape.
County Parks and Recreation
“We tried to design it
Department. “We ask what
to accommodate different
people want and then try to
users and activities,� said
provide it. We have
Cleatus Phillips, Newnan’s
thousands of people taking
director of Community
part in programs sponsored
Development. “We tried
by the county recreation
to make it versatile.�
department every year.�
The Lynch Park Pool is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday
The Temple Avenue Melanie Gramling, program director for the swimming pool at Willie Lynch Park, shows off the new pool's mushroom water feature.
and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, making it
Team sports are also a major
Complex, located on Hospital Road, caters to those seeking to stay fit or
looking to have fun. The complex
easy to work off a few of those
focus of local recreational offerings.
features a gymnasium, meeting
Sunday dinner calories.
Sports facilities including football
rooms, a kitchen, three tennis
fields, softball fields and baseball
courts, one football field, seven
diamonds are spread across the
baseball fields, one softball field, an
Swimming lessons are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings,
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Our goal is to put a smile on your face and bring back simple childhood memories! Just a short drive away! Call for additional information. The fun starts with your call!
n! u F ly i m a F e m 706-663-7400 Wholeso MILES WEST OF 0INE -OUNTAIN ON "UTTS -ILL 2OAD OFF 5 3 (WY s WWW BUTTSMILLFARM COM Coweta Living 2010-11
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[Sports & Leisure] softball fields, a special needs field, four youth baseball/softball fields, a walking trail and two tennis courts. The Clay-Wood Community Center, located at 135 Heery Rd. on Coweta’s west side, is a full-service community facility that includes a learning lab, conference room, kitchen and large meeting room. Recreational areas include a gymnasium with a weight room, locker rooms and a basketball court. Outdoor amenities include a playground, two tennis courts, a basketball court and a pavilion with picnic tables. Team sports for children age 4 through adults are offered through both the Parks and Recreation Department and volunteer, nonprofit organizations who partner with the county to use local facilities. Team sports include T-Ball, YAA baseball (formerly Pony League), Little League, AABC baseball, basketball, men’s and women’s softball, flag and tackle football, cheerleading, soccer and volleyball.
A free basketball camp for youth was held at the Clay-Wood Center in December with instruction provided by members of the University of West Georgia Wolves basketball team.
outdoor pavilion, the Tommy Thompson Senior Center and the Art House. The Complex’s Johnny Brown Center offers a large space for meetings and classes, including dog obedience, square dance and baton instruction. The Hunter Complex on east Highway 16 offers three football fields, a gymnasium, two adult
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Coweta Living 2010-11
The 9-10-year-old Spurs basketball team played in the Coweta Recreation Department’s winter league. Team members included, at front, Frances Powell, Jocilyn Burston, April Peek, Kaylen Madrey; and at back,Coach André Sparks, Amelia Smith, Miranda Hill, Alexis Estrada and Kenyia Morrow.
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[Sports & Leisure] “We know how important offering good recreational facilities are and we make an effort to give people what they want,” said McKnight. “And we don’t just settle for what’s in place. We are always ready to provide new activities and courses when we see the need. I think we’ve done a good job of that.
Recent dog obedience class graduates at the Coweta Recreation Department included, from left, Jacob McIntyre and Sirus, Debbie Martin and Thorr, George Hart and Jake, and John Hallam and Lula.
When it comes to recreation, we really feel like we can offer something for everyone.” Mommy & Me courses and classes in art, dance, karate and kickboxing are also offered through the county. For more information about county recreation programs, call 770-254-3750 or 770-254-3740. Those who prefer to spend their leisure time in the great outdoors will want to take advantage of the new 3,300-acre Chattahoochee Bend State Park, which is currently under construction in north Coweta along
Coweta County has two
popular facilities for residents to host weddings, receptions, banquets, birthday parties, family reunions, meetings and more! The Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is located on Temple Avenue in Newnan ...
the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Chattahoochee Bend is the sixth largest park in the Georgia parks system and the first new state park built in Georgia in 40 years. Miles of hiking trails are already being cleared and when completed, the park will also include a visitor center and camping options that include RV camping, platform and pioneer camping. There will also be areas for daily use, a playground, a boat ramp and residences for park
...and the Coweta County Fairgrounds and Conference Center is located on Pine Road in Newnan.
staff. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is scheduled to officially open in July 2011, and state employees and
For information on booking call Karen Beatenbough at the Fairgrounds (770-254-2685) or Patricia Hood (770-252-6429) at the Expo Center.
volunteers are working each day to make sure it does. If recreational activities are an important part of your active lifestyle, you won’t find life any better than right here in Coweta County.
The Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Center 275 Pine Road, Newnan
The Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center 197 Temple Ave., Newnan
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[Sports & Leisure]
A ‘Love’ for Tennis in Coweta By Kimberly Campbell
een anyone toting a
meaning, there are grandpas who
Summit Family YMCA
racquet lately? With metro
could double bagel (6-0, 6-0) their
1765 Highway 34 East
Atlanta having been
grandsons and it happens all the
Newnan, Georgia 30265
dubbed the “Tennis
time. In tennis, youth doesn’t
770-254-5933
Capital of the World,” it
necessarily matter because if you
Newnan Country Club
practice you can continually improve
1356 Highway 29 North
people ranging in age from eight to
your game, adding variety and
Newnan, Georgia 30263
eighty playing tennis all over Coweta
incorporating strategies.
770-253-9856
should be no surprise to see
County. It’s a trend that’s growing. Some of your friends and neighbors
Finding ways to play is easy. There are several recreational leagues:
Canongate 924 Shaw Road Sharpsburg, Georgia 30277
already know the secret—tennis is a perfect way to get fit, meet new
• Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association
770-463-3342
people, have fun, socialize and learn
(ALTA)
Coweta County Parks and Recreation
the value of teamwork. Tennis has
• The United States Tennis
39 Hospital Road
been called the sport of a lifetime.
Association (USTA)
Newnan, Georgia 30263
This game can change your life!
ustasoutherncrescent.com
770-254-3750
Seriously, tennis is a sport for
altatennis.org
• Beyond Atlanta Ladies League
So if you’re not playing tennis
everyone, no matter your age or skill
(BALL) balltennis.net
now, and want to, there’s no excuse.
level. Beginning players need not
• T2Tennis t2tennis.com
Grab your racquet (even if it’s dusty
worry about being zonked by a ringer
• K Swiss Tennis
and hidden in your garage), a can of
(advanced tennis player), because
ultimatetennis.com
balls, and head to the courts. Bring a
happily, there are leagues for those just starting to play as well as ones
buddy (or not). Either way, there are Not ready to join a tennis team?
people who would love to meet you.
that cater to teaching pros and ex-
Some local facilities offer lessons,
collegiate players. Oftentimes skill
round robins, drills and clinics, as well
Anna Marie, are also active members
has nothing to do with age –
as social tournaments. Places to play:
of the United States Tennis Association.
The author and her daughter,
Thuy Hollenbeck Played since: I played in high school in Faribault, Minn. Then, in 2008, ALTA and USTA leagues. Reasons I play: Began playing again in 2008 when my little girl started kindergarten and my little boy started preschool. I finally had some extra time on my hands and wanted a change from my regular workout routine. Favorite tennis memory: My
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Coweta Living 2010-11
dad taking my five brothers and me to the courts to play when I was about 5 or 6. He said he would take us to Dairy Queen afterwards if we played well. We would always go, even if I didn’t hit one ball over the net! Favorite player on the pro tour and why: Lleyton Hewitt. Because he is really hot. Elena Dementieva. Because of her powerful and pretty ground strokes.
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[Sports & Leisure]
Mubashir Anwar watched every match on television. I learned how to play just by watching. The game has always interested me. Now that I am PTR Certified (professional level), I love coaching kids and being able to give them the opportunity to be taught properly – something I never had.
and counting).
Favorite tennis memory: In 2010, I hung out with Jennifer Capriati in South Beach, Fla.
Age: 36
Favorite player on the pro tour and why: Roger Federer. Because of the legacy (16 Grand Slam singles titles . . .
Level: 4.0 USTA
Favorite shot to hit: Forehand – when I want to hit hard and end the point. Tennis philosophy: Stay cool and calm. Don’t let the moment get you too worked up.
Racquet: Babolat
Home Court: Summit Family YMCA
Played since: 1989, in high school at Georgia Military Prep School. I went on to play at the Georgia Military College. Reasons I play: When I was younger and living in Saudi Arabia, I never touched a tennis racquet but I
Favorite shot to hit: Forehand down the line and inside out forehand, but anything over the net and in is good too!
Still Building Legends... O n e A t a Ti m e
Tennis philosophy: Smile. It’s just tennis. Age: 36 Racquet: Head Level: 4.0 USTA
J<N<CC D8I@E<# @E:%
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..'$),*$.00(.) K\dgc\ 8m\% E\neXe# >8 *')-* nnn%k\Xdj\n\ccdXi`e\%Zfd ?flij1 0$- D$=# 0$+ JXk%
Home Court: SummerGrove
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[Sports & Leisure]
CRESCENT VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Butch Jones Played since: Early 1980s with my wife, Gail. We used wooden racquets back then, and played just for fun. When we retired, we took drills and then joined USTA and ALTA teams in 2006.
770-304-8900 www.CrescentVet.com
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Accredited Practice
Reasons I play: At my wife’s urging! Also, for the exercise, friendship and camaraderie. I genuinely enjoy the game.
.BSLFU 4RVBSF at SummerGrove 51-A Market Square Road, Newnan, Georgia
Favorite tennis memory: Winning my first men’s doubles match. Also, winning a tough three-set match with Gail against two 20-year-olds! Since 1979
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77 Turkey Creek Rd. Newnan, Georgia 770-251-0418
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770-683-LOGO We are located in the Marathon Shopping Plaza along with Dunkin Donuts & Subway. Just East of I-85.
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country but tennis is my favorite! There is nothing better then a beautiful spring day on the tennis court with friends! It’s a sport that I really enjoy and always have.
Played since: I was five years old. My mom and dad both enjoy playing so I learned how at a young age. Reasons I play: Sports have been important to me my whole life. I have played soccer, volleyball and run cross
Favorite tennis memory: Elizabeth Rand and I were 10 and about to start a USTA doubles match. We were playing older girls and were pretty nervous. When Elizabeth opened the can of balls, she cut her hand. She started bleeding and had to bandage her hand before playing. This made us even more nervous, but we were able to win the match. We are doubles partners on the Newnan High School tennis team and still laugh
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Favorite player on the pro tour and why: Roger Federer. Because of his attitude and character. Favorite shot to hit: Anything that hits in the court! Tennis philosophy: I’ve never gotten a check after any match. It’s all for fun. My wife has taught me the three C’s: Be cool. Be calm. Be collected. That’s me! Age: 70
Everything Happens Here! nnn%dX`ejki\\ke\neXe%Zfd
Racquet: Wilson Level: 3.0 USTA Home Court: White Oak subdivision
about it while opening the can before our matches. My other favorite memory is winning the Molly Shepard tennis tournament when I was 13 years old at Newnan Country Club on the hottest day ever – about 97 degrees! Favorite player on the pro tour and why: Novak Djokovic. He is an amazing player and is very competitive. To me, what sets him apart from the other great players is his wit and sense of humor. I think his impersonations of other pro tennis players are hilarious. Favorite shot to hit: Forehand down the line. In doubles this shot is a definite winner nearly every time if you have the confidence to go for it. Tennis philosophy: Stay positive. Chances are that getting angry will only make things worse. Make your opponent beat you; never beat yourself.
770-253-1641 31-A Postal Pkwy., Newnan www.uniglobemcintosh.com
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Age: 17 Racquet: Prince 03 Red Level: Advanced (junior) More escape for less.
Home Courts: Newnan Country Club and Newnan High School
Call Uniglobe McIntosh Travel for industry best rates. 2010 Princess Cruises, Ships of Bermudan registry.
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