By Steven Snow, Board member
The Lakeland Parks and Recreation/Natural Resources Advisory Board met Tuesday (4.9.19) at City Hall for their monthly meeting. In attendance were Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Rooney; Recreation Program Supervisor Wendi Haley; Board of Commissioners Liaison Michele Dial; Senior Center Manager Kim Odom; Chairman Mark Donley; and Board Members Steve Snow, Mark Mangione and Chad Reynolds. Also in attendance was Amber Sawyer with Dick’s Sporting Goods, who was present to introduce herself and express an interest in future cooperative ventures between her company and the Parks and Rec Department.
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/836
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
The two studies required by the state (archaeological and hydrologic) have been completed. While the archaeological survey found no evidence of any cultural artifacts, the results of the hydrologic tests weren’t as positive. A large area of wetlands was confirmed in the area initially planned for the six multi-use fields. These findings will necessitate a rethinking of the original plans and some compromise on the number, location and type of fields to be completed in the first phase of the long-term project.
PARKS UPDATES
Mr. Rooney reported that after several months of decreased loitering and littering at Zadie E. Kuehl Memorial Park, there have been recent incidents of after-hours activities. City staff has been alerted and is increasing their visits to the park. The SCSO (Shelby County Sheriff’s Office) continues their regular patrolling of the Park and the surrounding community in an effort to curb the activities. Girl Scout Troop 10006 will be cleaning and replanting the flower beds around the memorial in the park.
Plantation Hills Park has also been the site of unwanted activities. Park staff are performing more checks and the SCSO has been alerted to add the park to its patrols.
In case it hasn’t already been noticed, Windward Slopes’ tennis courts recently underwent resurfacing made possible by a grant from the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the new courts and thank the USTA for their generous donation will take place at the tennis courts at 4 p.m. April 30th. Officials and dignitaries from the City and the USTA will be in attendance.
Mr. Rooney has met with a resident of Heron’s Ridge HOA about the Oak Ridge Park. The HOA is very interested in helping to fund improvements to their community park. Additionally, plans are progressing in hopes of obtaining a $250,000 grant from the state of Tennessee for an inclusive playground at the park.
IH Park is undergoing many internal and external improvements and upgrades. Two Eagle Scouts are making plans to install new benches around the lake and new picnic tables. Bids were completed and, pending BOC approval, work will begin to repair the leaky roof and fascia boards around the gutters. Once all of the leaks and water damage have been addressed, efforts will begin to purchase 40 new tables and 160 new chairs for the conference room.
Also at IH, discussion continues with a private group who is interested in partnering with the City for a disc golf course. They have the baskets and stands necessary and are willing to donate them, if sufficient useable land adjoining the park can be found for their use.
ARBOR DAY
Arbor Day 2019 will be celebrated on Friday, April 26 with a ceremony at City Hall from 3:30 to 5 that afternoon. An expert will be on hand to explain proper planting, care and maintenance of trees. Three hundred saplings will be given out to anyone attending. Come and help make Lakeland greener.
LAMP CONCERTS
Two musical groups have been scheduled for this summer’s LAMP Concert series. On June 22 the concert will feature the Mighty Electric St. Jude Band for the adults and Patty Shukla providing entertainment for the young ones. This concert is being held in conjunction with the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. On July 27 country star Will Tucker will bring his musical talents to the concert stage. Several other groups are being considered for the open dates of June 1, August 24, and September 28. Stay tuned. A snack bar and local food vendors will be available at each concert, as well as fun activities for the children.
SENIOR CENTER
Ms. Odom reported the March attendance for the center was 485. The center continues to be a hub of artistic and social activity for Lakeland’s seniors. Planning is underway for a Stars and Stripes dinner on June 22nd. Sponsored by Trustmark Bank, the event will feature prize giveaways and Memphis blues great Joyce Cobb. Tickets are $10.
SPORTS & PROGRAMS
- Summer T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball registration is underway for ages 3-9. Registration ends April 28. The season runs through June and July and games will be played at the City Hall fields.
- Spring soccer has begun and continues through May 18. Games are played Saturdays at City Hall fields. Registration is now available for Summer Soccer Camp, which is offered for full or half days, June 10 – June 14 or June 17 – 21.
- Youth and Adult Tennis Clinics are also underway and will continue through May 12. Six adults and eighteen young people are currently registered for the clinics, which are conducted at the newly resurfaced Windward Slopes Tennis Courts. There will be additional clinics offered this summer. Summer Tennis Camp registration is now open. Camps are on Tuesday and Thursday nights, June 4 – June 13, as well as Saturday afternoons, June 15, 22 and 29.
- Safe Sitter registration is open and ends next week on April 19. A one-day class on April 27 for kids in grades 6-8. The class will be held at the IH Clubhouse.
- Lego Club Classes begin on today (4.11.19) at the IH Clubhouse and will run for six consecutive weeks. Ten children are registered for the spring session.
- Recreation Cheerleading registration is now open for ages 6-11. The team will cheer for the City’s 8 and under and 10 and under tackle football teams in the fall. They will also cheer for the Junior Grizzlies basketball program in the winter. Competitive Recreation Cheerleading tryouts for ages 6-11 are today (4.11.19) and tomorrow (4.12.19) from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School). This team will also compete in three local competitions from this August through January 2020 and will also cheer for football and basketball.
- Flag Football registration is now open for ages 5-9. The season will begin in August and games will be played at the City Hall fields.
- Tackle Football registration is now open for ages 7-10. Our 8 and under and 10 and under tackle football teams will play teams within the Municipal Football League (MFL), along with other non-league Shelby Youth Sports (SYS).
- Memphis Grizzlies Summer Youth Basketball Camps are now open for registration. This will be the 3rd consecutive year the local NBA team has held a camp in Lakeland. The camp will held at LMPS July 15-18.
- Coding Camp is being offered June 3-7 and June 10-14 at the IH Clubhouse from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Children will create their own games, art and digital stories taught by a certified instructor.
To register for any of these programs or for additional information, please visit www.lakelandtn.gov/leagues or contact Wendi Haley, recreation program supervisor at whaley@lakelandtn.org, phone 867-5407
