Variety and fun are the two ingredients in full abundance for the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department for 2017.
As the summer sun hits the region, Recreation Manager David Nanney said it was important to offer a variety of opportunities for community members to get out and enjoy what’s available.
“We want to make sure we have the activities available for the public,” Nanney said. “Whether it’s flag football, basketball, walking groups or the pool. We always want to make sure that we have activities the community would enjoy and we make sure to take in the community input when planning out the events.”
Parks & Rec recently opened the Franklin Pool to the public on Saturday, May 27, and Nanney added that support was there but, some curve balls were tossed in.
“We did have a leak in the main line,” Nanney said. The Department thanked the efforts of the Water Resources Department for quickly fixing the problem.
“It was a steady for the weekend,” Nanney said. “The first week or two, it’s always about getting the word out and letting people know we’re open.”
The pool will be opened Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:40 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parks & Rec added the pool employs 15 seasonal workers for the swim season.
Season ticket passes for the pool can be purchased once again for $80 this year. The passes are good for 40 daily admissions and can be used by more than one family member.
Regular admission is set at $3 with children under the age of five years old admitted for free with a paying adult. All children under the age of 12 years old must also be accompanied by a paying adult.
One exciting future addition to Franklin Pool in the splash pad, Nanney said.
“We’re hoping to begin work in the fall and have it ready by next season,” he added.
The Department is also seeing a heavy amount of traffic with the coed volleyball league and flag football each boasting eight teams apiece.
While the activities are in full swing, the Department added recent renovations have caused an increase of summer attendees at each of their parks.
During Thursday’s City Council meeting, Parks & Rec will await approval from members for road closure to have their annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4 from noon until 4:30 p.m. with music, vendors and a kids’ parade.