Centre Region Council of Governments
Centre Region Parks & Recreation
2643 Gateway Drive #1, State College, PA 16801
Serving the Borough of State College and the Townships of College, Harris, Ferguson & Patton

2008 Summer Program Report

1 May through 1 Sep 08 (Labor Day)

26 Sep 08

For presentation to the CRPR Board on 9 Oct 08

Report Compiled by Todd A. Roth, Aquatics Supervisor, & Ronald J. Woodhead, Director

Centre Region Parks & Recreation . . . Summer 2008

Centre Region Parks & Recreation operates as a result of the ongoing cooperation of the five participating municipalities... with cooperation that has been “hard at work” for over 40 years. This report quantifies the many public recreation programs that took place this past summer. However, programs represent only one aspect of our service to each municipality; an equally important responsibility involves maintaining municipal park facilities for residents to utilize for recreation on their own (as a family or with a group). Thanks to continued community support, it was an exciting summer for the agency and for Centre Region residents. “CRPR - Where Everyone Plays!”

                                                                                    Ronald J. Woodhead, Director

2008 proved to be another great year for the CRPR Summer Day Camps. Wee KIDVenture registrations were dramatically increased and we were thrilled to provide a fun and safe program for these children. KIDVenture Camp also had a great year. Overall, the 7 weeks that were offered were very well attended and everyone seemed to have a great summer full of lasting memories and good times! Attendance for the Wild Wednesday Get-a-way Trips for teens were down significantly, so we will look into new programs for 2009. Finally, the agency offered a few new events throughout the summer: Bike-In Movies held at 3 municipal parks; the Nittany Valley Shakespeare Festival that offered live theater at Orchard Park and Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. The summer of 2008 was very busy and we look forward to 2009.

                                                          Beth C. Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events

* Some of these numbers were also included in the Winter/Spring 2008 Report.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center again hosted many group programs during this time period, as well as offered family activities, events, and birthday parties for children. Summer camps, including two Canoe Camps, Fly Fishing for Youth, and Wonderful Wetlands Camp, were very successful this year. MMNC also received a grant to offer a Youth Flyfishing for Bass Camp through the PA Fish and Boat Commission, which will be offered next summer. The Program Coordinator and two summer interns were instrumental in the success of the summer programs and the positive feedback the Recreation Supervisor received from families and groups.

                                                                             Molly A. Hetrick, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center

The Start Smart programs continue to grow and will be expanded in 2009. We are looking into the possibility of expanding the Adult Outdoor Volleyball program to a league at Spring Creek and/or Dalevue Park. Both youth and adult tennis lessons remain very popular and more sessions may be added as space allows in 2009.

                                                    Jeff R. Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness

The method used to calculate program statistics has been revised. Prior to July 2008, the count included all OLLI program visits within the Centre Region. With CRPR Board approval, a new method was used starting in July which includes all Senior Center programs (at all locations) and only those OLLI programs hosted at the Senior Center.

This was the 20^th year of offering the Centre County Senior Games. There were 225 participants enjoying the following sports: bocce, bowling, basketball hot shot, water volleyball, table tennis, softball throw, indoor walk, golf & outdoor walk.                                                                            Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director

AQUATICS

Note that Park Forest Pool closed for the summer on 3 Aug 08 to permit the pool renewal to proceed as scheduled.

The summer weather for 2008 was fantastic for operating swimming pools. Operations were smooth and the patrons are excited about the upcoming pool projects. The Park Forest ‘Closing Ceremony’ was a great success and construction is underway of the new facility. The “Family Fun Nights” at the pools were again very successful and will be continued in 2009.                                                                                               Todd A. Roth, Aquatics Supervisor

Parks Maintenance and Municipal Park Improvements

Our residents are fortunate to benefit from the park improvement projects by each participating municipality, coupled with those that involve CRPR resources. Some park projects from Summer 2008 include:

• STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH

Sunset Park: A new tot fire engine has been installed in the playground and two fitness areas (one for adults and one for youth) have been completed.

• COLLEGE TOWNSHIP

Spring Creek Park: The addition to the maintenance building has been completed.

Fogleman Fields: A new restroom / storage building was constructed and an automatic irrigation system for the three athletic fields has been installed. The irrigation system was funded by the Centre Soccer Association.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center: A 1,200 foot addition to the boardwalk was completed - thanks to funding provided by a Growing Greener grant to Penn State University.

• HARRIS TOWNSHIP

Kaywood Park: A new composite play structure has been installed.

Fasick Park: A new tot swing and belt swings have been installed.

Blue Spring Park: The older play equipment has been replaced with a “web” climber.

• FERGUSON TOWNSHIP

Tudek Park: The construction of an additional pavilion, two tennis courts and a parking area is now underway. An additional horse pasture was constructed.

Suburban Park: New playground equipment has been purchased and will be installed.

• PATTON TOWNSHIP

Circleville Park: Another addition is planned to begin this fall. New facilities will include an adult softball field, another pavilion, sand volleyball courts, bocce courts, more parking and additional walking paths.

                                                                                                Greg L. Roth, Parks Supervisor