The girls champions are: Second and Third Grade Girls, Division A, coached by David Hancock at North Lee; Second and Third Grade Girls, Division B, coached by Jill Spann at E.L. Ross; Fourth and Fifth Grade Girls, Division A, coached by David Hancock at North Lee; and Fourth and Fifth Grade Girls, Division B, coached by Adam McCracken at Taylor Elementary.
The boys champions are: Second and Third Grade Boys, Division A, coached by Brian Collins at E.L. Ross; Second and Third Grade Boys, Division B, coached by Darrell Kibler at Oak Grove Elementary; Fourth and Fifth Grade Boys, Division A, coached by David Moses at Prospect Elementary; and Fourth and Fifth Grade Boys, Division B, coached by Rod Dunn at Blythe Bower.
I want to congratulate the winners and all the teams for their good sportsmanship and fair play. I commend the parents for encouraging their children to take advantage of team sports in Bradley County. As Bradley County mayor, I also want to express my appreciation to the administrators and parents of North Lee, Taylor, E.L. Ross, Prospect, Oak Grove and Blythe Bower schools for hosting the annual tournament which would not be possible without the schools’ cooperation.
January was a busy month for the Parks and Recreation staff. In addition to supervising the basketball tournament which involved 116 games in eight days, the staff began preparing for the spring baseball/softball season. This year they also had the added responsibility of overseeing repairs to Blue Springs Park as well as meetings with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to review construction bids for Elrod Park.
Preparations for the new season are on schedule. The coaches have been given the registration dates and have ordered uniforms for both leagues. Registration is now under way so look for flyers and signs with the registration dates.
Just in case you missed it, registration will continue through Feb. 18. Girls softball registration is being held at Bradley County Park on Urbane Road. Other registrants are to go to the park in which they wish the child to play. The dates and times are: Feb. 16 & 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The baseball season’s opening day is scheduled for April 2 with team practice beginning March 5 through March 31. The staff will be busy with umpire meetings for baseball on Sunday, March 11. The meetings are scheduled for 2 p.m. at the County Recreation Park. The department has scheduled a League Shopping Day at Dick's Sporting Goods on Saturday, March 10, beginning at 10 a.m.
Bradley County BMX will begin racing on March 24. Sign-up and registration will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for all new riders and established riders.
A lot of what is accomplished in the Bradley County Parks and Rec Department is made possible through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and, of course, the sponsors. I am proud of the Bradley County Parks and Recreation Department which has been providing team sports opportunities for county residents since 1983.
Parks and Recreation Director Paul Wyrick and his staff maintain more than 200 acres of recreation facilities. That acreage will increase when Elrod Park is complete on Minnis Road.
The mission of Bradley County Parks and Recreation is to provide professional, safe recreational programs and facilities for the citizens of Bradley County. We are fortunate to have nice parks for our children to play in and a variety of programs for their enjoyment. When you and your family participate in these team activities you are helping the department promote health through physical activity and connect children with the outdoors.
For more information on any of the programs offered by the department, please call Director Paul Wyrick at 728-7035 or visit their website at the Parks and Recreation page at www.bradleyco.net.
