Summer time is a busy time for lots of us, but especially for the City’s Parks and Rec team that helps create so many special memories for local families. July is also recognized as Parks & Recreation month, so it's only fitting that we shine a light on all the good work coming out of this City department!
This year nearly 750 young people registered for summer camp at the City’s 10 community centers, the City’s 2 outdoor pools have seen thousands of visitors this summer, and Parks & Rec plays a huge part in our free weekly Kid-A-Riffic program.
But this year, did you know, there are also 2 new summer programs?
TEEN ONLY CAMP
The City is offering its first teen-only camp at Cal Johnson where kids are not only having fun, they are earning important life skills. They recently competed in a pitch competition assisted by our Summer in the City interns, they learned about the judicial system and held a mock trial with DA Charme Allen, they participated in a cooking class, and much more!
SWIM TO PADDLE
We are also conducting a pilot class, called Swim to Paddle. This class is focusing on creating a space for adults from underserved populations to learn to swim, to explore the fundamentals of using PFDs and kayaks in a pool, and then they are using those skills in open water. Nearly 20 people are registered (6 for swim lessons, 12 for the paddling portion that begins 7/31/23). Parks and Rec Director Sheryl Ely is calling this program a huge success, “I am loving seeing all the smiling faces at the swimming lessons and I am looking forward to sharing the kayaking skills that I have learned over the last few years! I hope we can continue this program in the future."
SUMMER ADVENTURES
This Summer, outside of hosting 8 different arts camps, the Knoxville Arts Center also hosted kids from all 10 of Parks & Rec's KORE Summer Camps and led a pop-art printmaking project that was wildly popular with the students!
VIDEOS OF SUMMER FUN
City Videographer Shawn Davis also tagged along on some of Park & Rec’s summer adventures. Check out these videos to see all the fun and how some of your neighbors are spending these summer months!