2009 Summer Program Report 1 Jun 09 ~ 7 Sep 09 5 Oct 09 For presentation to the CRPR Board

Centre Region Parks & Recreation . . . Summer 2009

Centre Region Parks & Recreation operates as a result of the ongoing cooperation of the five participating municipalities... with cooperation that has been “making smiles happen” for over 40 years. Our residents enjoy the opportunities that result from this cooperation; this report documents their participation. But 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

2009 was once again a very good year for summer day camps. Wee KIDVenture registrations exceeded up and CRPR was were able to provide another great summer of special events, theme weeks, and special moments for the 3-5 year olds that attended. KIDVenture Camp was able to run for 8 weeks at the Park Forest site and 7 weeks at the South High School South Building.  Both sites had super staff and enthusiastic campers. The Wild Wednesday Get-a-Way Field Trips for teens were popular this summer. We chose exciting destinations and ran 3 out of the 4 trips.  Finally, the addition of “Camp Bill”, a theatre camp offered in partnership with the Nittany Valley Shakespeare Festival, was a success for its first year.  We look forward to continuing that relationship to provide these terrific programs.
                                                             Beth C. Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events

Summer was a successful season for the nature center with two Canoe Camps, the new Bass Fly Fishing for Youth Camp, the Trout Fly Fishing Camp, Wonderful Wetlands Camp and hosting two “Camp Bill” Theatre Camps. While camps were going on, the nature center also offered family programs, walks, adult programs, Discovery Days programs and children’s Birthday Parties. The Recreation Supervisor received a lot of positive feedback from families and groups. 
                                                     Molly A. Hetrick, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center

During 2009, additional Start Smart programs were added and we will look to add more sports in 2010. The tennis lesson numbers were reduced thanks to the renovation of the High School’s “Community Court,” and we were not able to host as many lessons at Spring Creek Park. We will look to add an additional tennis site in 2010. Additional track meets may also be added in 2010.                                              Jeff R. Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness

This was the 21^st year of offering the Centre County Senior Games. There were 235 participants enjoying bocce, bowling, basketball hot shot, water volleyball, table tennis, softball throw, indoor walk, golf & outdoor walk.           

*The method used to calculate program statistics was revised. Prior to July 2008, the count included all OLLI program visits within the Centre Region. With CRPR Board approval, the new method includes all Senior Center programs (all locations) and only those OLLI programs hosted at the Senior Center.       
                                                               Carol Clitherow,, Senior Center Supervisor (Acting)

AQUATICS

While total visits increased by 34% from 2008, the reduced attendance/interest at Welch Pool was evident. Note that (the old) Park Forest Pool closed for the summer on 3 Aug 08 to permit the pool renewal to proceed; the new facility opened on 13 Jun 09.

Overall, the summer weather for 2009 was poor for operating swimming pools, but the new Park Forest facility numbers and program numbers certainly didn’t suffer as a result. Operations were smooth and the patrons were excited about the new pool. The Park Forest ‘First Splash’ Ceremony was a great success, as was the Welch ‘Last Splash’ Ceremony.       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 2009 included:

Holmes-Foster Park - An additional swing set will be installed by the end of the year.

Sidney Friedman Park (formerly Central Parklet) - On August 18, Borough Council officially renamed the park in memory of Mr. Friedman. The installation of the stage and canopy has been completed.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center - A 200 ft. expansion to the boardwalk has been completed and lighting will be installed in the wetlab this fall.

Fasick Park - A new recycling station for cans & plastic items is ready for use.

Tom Tudek Memorial Park - The park expansion which includes 2 tennis courts, a second pavilion, picnic area, 2 drinking fountains and additional parking has been completed. In addition, a preschool fun center will be installed in the fall to replace the dinosaur climber.

Circleville Park - The expansion to the park is complete with sand volleyball courts, an adult softball field, a new drinking fountain and additional parking.

Green Hollow Park & Oakwood Park - Both parks had backstops renovated.

Woodycrest Park - The backstops were renovated.                                 Greg L. Roth, Parks Supervisor

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