Southeast region - Regional Reports

Parks & Recreation, August, 2003

"Park It Friday" was held at the Oldsmar (Fla.) Hearts N' Parks magnet center at the end of July for children. Tbev played CATCH games, were instructed in tennis and went on a fitness trail walk. There were also clowns, face painting, balloon animals for kids as well as heart-healthy lunches of chicken sandwich, fruit and vegetables (instead of hot dogs and chips!). In August Oldsmar held "Celebrate Oldsmar" with blood pressure screening, healthier food choices such as chicken and low-fat ice cream, rock wall walks and games for kids.

Yonth After School (YAS) Program provides after-school care for middle school students in Loudoun County, Va. A wide range of recreational and educational activities are provided for the partcipants, including life-skills trainings and structured home work time. There is always a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity daily. The program operates for three bouts and averages 24 participants per site; participants represent the growing diversity of the area. This program is an exampie of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. For more information, contact Mary Beahm at mbeahm@loudoun.gov or 703-737-8804.

The Hearts N' Parks Magnet Center in Tamarac, Fla. held All American Games on July 4 that were also heart-healthy. They included an egg toss, water balloon toss, three-legged race, potato sack race, volleyball tournament, bounce house, climbing wall and a tent with Hearts N' Parks information. Red, white and blue heart-healthy desserts were provided for the kids (strawberries, yogurt and blueberries) as well as other activities such as live band and fireworks were enjoyed by the 4,000 crowd. In Athens, Ga., the Hearts N' Parks Magnet Center was promoted to 40,000 July 4 celebrators. Hearts N' Parks program information was displayed in a tent, along with other health and wellness information and participants played bingo, CATCH games and had a nutritional cake walk.

New Barn, N.C. has a new after-school program that's part of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. It averages 20 youth a session and runs two days a week for a total of 45 minutes each day, with the greatest emphasis upon physical activity. For more information, contact Thurman Hardison or Anthony Boggan at recdir @admin.ci.new-bern.nc.us or 252-6364060.

The United States Tennis Association offers a program specifically designed for those people teaching tennis programs in the park. With over 75 percent of all play on public courts, the USTA is dedicated to helping parks and recreation agencies expand their tennis program. Mobile (Ala.) is the site of a workshop on Sept. 27. For more information, contact Melissa White 225-304-0886

Beech Spring After School Program in Spartansburg, S.C., operates during the work week for children ages 9-12 immediately after school dismissal. The program also operates on days when school is on holiday breaks or teacher work days. There are 60 youth participating on a regular basis. There is a group rotation of activities including snack, homework, recreational games, guest speakers, arts and cultural projects. The program ends each evening at 6:00 p.m. This program is an example of NRPA's work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mobile Outreach Project. For more information, contact Ann Cunningham at acunningham@spartan burgcounty.org or 864-595-5356.

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson named Michael Heitz as director of Louisville Metro Parks. Heitz, 54, has built a reputation during his 18 years in Austin as an accomplished manager and a problem solver in several posts, including parks and recreation director. Heitz was director of Austin's Watershed Protection and Development Review Department, an expansive agency that oversees flood control, water quality protection, planning and zoning, development and building and environmental inspections.