With the first day of spring here, pleasures such as the smell of freshly cut grass, warm afternoons, and daylight well into the evening are approaching. With that in mind, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation is announcing that the start of spring tennis and softball leagues, canoe tours, and bicycle rentals are just around the corner.

TENNIS

Tyson and West Hills tennis centers have plenty to offer all ages and all skill levels this spring. Singles and doubles adult tennis leagues are only $30 per person per session.

If you have never played or need to brush up on your game, adult tennis lessons are $80 per person for eight weeks. Junior lessons are $60 for eight weeks.

For more information on City tennis leagues, please call 865-522-3303 or visit www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation.

SOFTBALL

For those that prefer to get a little dirty when they recreate, the City still has openings for teams in three adult softball leagues: Men's ASA, Men's 50+ ASA and Co-Ed ASA. Team entry fees for the leagues are $400. Games are played two nights per week. Information on these leagues and more may be found at www.eteamz.com/cokathletics or call 865-215-1418.

CANOEING

On the other hand, someone who loves the water may be interested in the City's canoe tours. The aquatics division of the Parks and Recreation Department will hold canoe tours on Saturdays during April-October of 2009.

City aquatics officials take participants on Holston and Tennessee Rivers from Holston River Park to Gov. Ned McWherter Park/Riverside Landing. An Ijams Nature Center guide accompanies each tour to help paddlers locate and identify wildlife.

Cost per person for each canoe trip is $20. No experience is required, however all participants must be able to swim. For more information, please visit www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation or call 865-215-1406.

BIKING

Finally, if you prefer an adventure on land, River Sports Outfitters is offering bicycle rentals on Volunteer Landing on weekends starting in April. Bicyclists of all ages and sizes can explore the City greenway system along the river and travel to destinations such as Morningside Park, Ijams Nature Center, World's Fair Park, Tyson Park, and Sequoyah Park.

Cost to rent a bicycle is $10 for two hours. For more information, please call River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. 
 
"Knoxville is a great place to get recreation spring fever," said Joe Walsh, Knoxville Parks and Recreation Director. "We have a wide variety of recreation facilities and programs. Spring is the perfect time to get out, explore and try something new." 
 
The City of Knoxville has more than 80 parks and over 40 miles of greenways. For information on all programs and facilities offered by Knoxville Parks and Recreation, please visit www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation.