Metro Parks In The News
BIRCH AND JOHNSON HONORED BY PARK BOARD
Justice Adolpho A. Birch, Jr. and Karen Johnson were honored by the Parks Department for their service on the Board. Park Board Chair Ivanetta Davis Samuels and Interim Director Tommy Lynch presented Birch and Johnson with an iconic rendering of The Parthenon. The tribute came during the September Park Board meeting. L/R: Davis, Birch, Johnson, Lynch.
METRO PARKS AWARDED GRANT FOR PHASE ONE TRAIL LINKAGE
Nashville, TN --- Bob Parrish, Metro Parks’ Superintendent of Natural Resources, and Friends of Warner Park Executive Director Eleanor Willis show the Park Board the ceremonial check from the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s 2010 Transportation Enhancement Grant.
The grant of $1,273,143.00 will be matched by $318,286.00 from local funding, and will make possible the design and construction of a pedestrian underpass beneath Highway 100 and the CSX railroad track in Davidson County.
The project, titled Warner Parks Trail Linkage - Phase One Improvement, will connect the original Warner Parks acreage to the Hill Property Parkland that has recently been acquired through the efforts of the Friends of Warner Parks. Governor Phil Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely presided over the grant award ceremony on August 31st, 2010, at the State Capitol in the Old Supreme Court Chambers. Mayor Karl Dean and representatives of Metro Parks and FOWP were present to receive the ceremonial check.
NELOMS RECOGNIZED FOR ENGAGING HISPANIC COMMUNITY
Stevon Neloms, director of Coleman Park Regional Community Center, was recognized by Metro Park Board members during the September board meeting.
Stevon was recently honored by the Bethel World Outreach Hispanic Church for providing a wide range of diverse programming and events for the city’s Hispanic community and for his personal role in ensuring Coleman maintains a welcoming environment for people of all ethnicities.
Pastor Phillip Steele acknowledged Stevon, who has initiated a number of innovative outreach programs at Coleman Community Center, for actively engaging the Hispanic community in the programs and services offered by the center.
The Metropolitan Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation operates 23 recreation centers throughout the city. These facilities provide a wide range of programs and services to all members of the community. Our larger community center facilities, including Coleman, East, Hadley and Hartman, offer enhanced amenities and programs as well as extended hours.
A year-round priority for our community centers is programming for school-aged children. During the school year, a primary focus of community centers is after-school programming, while during the summer, the focus shifts to our youth enrichment day program. Programs for senior citizens are offered at most recreation center locations, while Elizabeth Center is dedicated solely to serving senior patrons. In addition, programs designed specifically for patrons with disabilities are offered at the Hartman Community Center location.
Fitness Facilities and Programs
Coleman, East, Hadley and Hartman Community Centers offer state-of-the-art fitness centers as well as organized group fitness classes. Fitness membership rates are very reasonable. Daily fees for adults are $3.00, and seniors aged 62 and older pay a discounted rate of $1.50 per day. Ten-visit punch cards for adults and seniors and monthly memberships are also available for even further discounts. Additional nominal charges may apply for group classes taught by guest instructors. Other neighborhood centers have fitness rooms and offer informal programs at no cost. Contact any location for information on their fitness programs.
After School and Summer Enrichment Activities
Children can participate in an organized program that includes competitive sports, organized games, cultural arts, environmental awareness, fitness activities and homework help. Sports include softball, track and field, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and flag football. Games such as table tennis, billiards, roller-skating, card tournaments, relay races and table games are also part of the program. Offerings in the area of cultural arts include dance, drawing, music, drama and multi-cultural events. Environmental awareness is focused on through outdoor recreation activities and summer camps, as well as Boy and Girl Scouting programs. Programs emphasize fitness through group exercise classes, walking/hiking groups, and weight training. Each center also schedules time for homework help. Staff and volunteers assist students with their daily assignments in various subject areas. Specific activity information and schedules are available at each recreation center.
Senior Activities and Disabilities Recreation Programs
Most locations offer recreation programs specifically tailored for senior patrons, while Coleman, East, Elizabeth and Hadley Centers have dedicated facilities and specialized staff offering programs and activities exclusively for seniors. Some programs also offer a free lunch service on weekdays. Information on senior programs can be obtained by calling any center location. For more information on the program and services, offered by Coleman Regional Community Center, call (615) 862-8445.
BLACK HAWK LANDS AT MCCABE
Nashville, TN --- The landing of a Black Hawk helicopter at McCabe Golf Course on Labor Day weekend to kickoff Metro Parks Second Annual Patriot Day Tournament was drew a large crowd. The landing of the Black Hawk at McCabe to honor and support military families was the brainchild of McCabe Golf Course Manager Loren Personnett (shown seated below in the Hawk). Golfers who played Nashville Fairways, Metro Parks’ portfolio of seven courses, from September 3 – 6, were asked to donate $1 to benefit Folds of Honor®, a non-profit organization that provides educational support and opportunities to military families.
