The Daily Times

The spring-like weather that is luring joggers and walkers to the Greenway is a reminder the Parks and Recreation Commission is accepting reservations for spring and summer programs.

The range of activities Parks and Rec offers to get couch potatoes up and active is impressive.

Here’s just a partial listing of sporting activities: recreational and competitive swimming, softball, youth football, soccer, golf instruction, gymnastics, tennis, summer basketball, volleyball and triathlon training.

But there’s more to Parks and Rec than sports. That’s why they call their publication that was inserted in Wednesday’s Daily Times “Discover Parks & Rec.”

There are the community recreation centers that have regularly scheduled activities and also are available for public rental: Everett Recreation Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Springbrook Recreation Center.

The John Sevier and Springbrook pools are always summertime favorites.

For people who like to mix music and exercise with entertainment, classes are offered in ballet/jazz, hip-hop dance and belly dance. The Wagon Wheelers Western square dance is open to all ages.

Karate instruction, Zumba fitness and yoga classes also are scheduled, including prenatal yoga.

Parks and Rec is not all about fitness. Other offerings range from an arts and crafts show to a kite festival to a fishing derby.

Summer camps include day camps specializing in activities such as drama, environmental awareness and the Camp Chickababa Day Camp for disabled persons. Parks and Rec is also heavily involved in Area 15 Special Olympics and is always looking for volunteers to help with those events.

The Parks and Recreation Commission of Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County is unique in Tennessee. It is a joint venture among the three governments in 1970 and is the only joint venture of its type in the state.

Over the years, through cooperative efforts by the cities and the county, the commission board and staff, Parks and Rec has grown and adapted to the changing needs of Blount Countians wanting to participate in organized activities that foster individual improvement and community togetherness.

For more information or to register visit http://www.parksrec.com or call 983-9244.

For those who are ready to join the joggers walkers, click on the Greenway Trail Map link on the Parks and Rec website and get a head start on spring.

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