Reference Publications

Southeast region - Recreation and Parks

Parks & Recreation, July, 2003

"Lunchtime Walking" was a Hearts N' Parks program started for Oldsmar, Fla., city employees in March. Participants were encouraged to initially walk two times per week and work up to two miles. Miles were tracked for each participant and recorded on a bulletin board. During each walk, a healthy-tip sheet was given to participants along with a heart-healthy recipe. Participants were offered an unusual and effective incentive to join the group--they were able to end their work day a half hour earlier than usual if they joined the walking sessions.

The League of American Bicyclists has designated the first recipients of its Bicycle-Friendly Community awards. Fourteen communities around the U.S. have been recognized. Cary, N.C. received a bronze-level award. A number of communities received honorable mention distinctions, including Auburn, Ala., Blacksburg, Va. and Orlando, Fla. For more information, go to www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/.> Former President George H.W. Bush was the keynote speaker at the grand opening of The First Tee of Richmond in May. Timothy Finchem, commissioner of the PGA Tour, also spoke. The First Tee of Richmond is the city's first public golf complex. It was developed in partnership with The First Tee, an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, and it is the 100th First Tee facility in North America. The goal of The First Tee of Richmond, as well as that of The First Tee, is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. The $1.5-million complex consists of a driving range, including 18 covered and heated tees that will make year-round practice possible, putting and chipping greens, a practice bunker, a three-hole adult par-three course and a three-hole par-three youth training course. It also includes a clubhouse with a pro shop, snack shop and two indoor instructional tees. "The First Tee of Richmond is a jewel in the heart of the city," says Richmond City Manager Dr. Calvin Jamison. "Not only does it offer golfers in the city a convenient state-of-the-art place to practice year-round, through its teaching programs it will open doors to the world of golf for hundreds of our city's children who otherwise would never know the game."

The Oxford (Miss.) Park Commission has received a one-time cash grant of $25,000 skatepark grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation. The park commission in conjunction with the Oxford Skatepark Committee has a goal to raise $150,000 to build a 100' x 100' skatepark. Over the last six months, the committee has raised approximately $42,000. Some the methods to raise money have included a phone-a-thon and a food and beverage booth at the annual 4th of July celebration. The anticipated date of construction is this fall.

Up until now, those without a membership in a private club didn't have access to a tennis pro or a place to buy a can of balls or a soft drink. Through a state grant and private funds, Fort Smith, Ark. can now boast a clubhouse and tennis pro. Now the community can benefit from a league and get more young people interested in tennis, and the pro will be available to give lessons, string racquets and just be available for assistance.