KINGSPORT — School is back in session and summer is winding down. Yet, there’s still time this year for children to enjoy the warm weather by paying a visit to the Riverview Splash Pad.
The splash pad — located at 1101 Martin Luther Jr. Drive — is still open to the public, but it will soon be closing for the season. The last day the splash pad will operate this year is Sunday, Sept. 8.
The splash pad will be active from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day until then and can be turned on during these hours by rubbing the silver activator pad located on the wall between the restrooms.
“With everyone leading such busy lives, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department just wanted to remind parents and grandparents the splash pad will be open the next couple of weekends,” said Parks and Recreation Superintendent Chassy Smiley. “So, if you have time this week, come on down and enjoy this great recreational asset.”
The Centennial Park water feature will continue to operate into October before closing for the winter season.
For more information about the splash pad, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
Kingsport Aquatic Center closed until Sept. 23
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Aquatic Center will be closed through Sept. 22 to allow for needed maintenance and key improvements to the locker rooms, family bathrooms, the lazy river and all of the pools at the facility.
DWR Aquatics will be performing the work for the city, which will include the following:
New starting blocks installed to the Olympic-sized lap pool.All indoor pools drained, re-caulked, cleaned and repaired (as needed).Locker rooms and family bathrooms painted with new shower fixtures installed.Fresh paint on the outdoor water slides and lazy river.Other facility maintenance as needed.
The cost of this maintenance and improvement project is approximately $500,000. The facility is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 23. The Kingsport Aquatic Center typically shuts down every three to four years for maintenance/repairs with the previous project taking place in 2019.
“We strive to have a world class aquatics facility, so this shutdown will help us achieve this goal,” said Assistant Aquatic Manager Jessie Charlton.
Learn more about the Kingsport Aquatic Center at www.swimkingsport.com.
Kingsport offering Intro to Skateboarding
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department will offer an entry-level course for children interested in learning how to skateboard. Students will be guided through the fundamental techniques and safety measures essential for mastering the sport.
The Introduction to Skateboarding classes will be held from 6-7 p.m. every Monday from Sept. 9-30. The first class (Sept. 9) will be held at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex (301 Louis St.) to allow children to get acclimated to standing on a skateboard. The remaining classes will be held at the Scott Adams Memorial Skatepark (2016 Brickyard Park Drive).
Participants will learn the basics of skateboarding in a friendly, safe environment. Parents are encouraged to remain onsite during the class. Bring your own skateboard if you like. Water will be provided.
The cost for the lessons is $30 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents. The lessons are open for boys and girls ages 7 to 12. The maximum number of participants is 10.
To register for the lessons, visit https://bit.ly/3M60VfQ. Or click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “skateboarding” in the search bar.
Trout Rodeo signups underway
CHURCH HILL — Registration for the Church Hill Parks and Recreation Department’s annual trout rodeo at Jaycee Park is now open.
The trout rodeo with divisions for youth ages 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16 will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8:30-10 a.m. The free event is sponsored by VFW Post 9754, Buffalo Springs Trout Hatchery, Casva Angus Farm, Food City and First Community Bank.
A trophy will be awarded for the first fish in each age division and the first to catch a limit of three. An overall trophy will be awarded to the youth angler with the largest catch of the day.
There will be free doughnuts, drinks and fun for everyone. Youth will have an opportunity win bicycles.
Stop by the rec league office, located at City Hall, to sign up. To learn more, call 423-358-8162.
Touch-A Truck set for Sept. 14
ROGERSVILLE — The Summer of Fun Touch-A-Truck event will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. until noon in the old UGO parking lot.
Bring the entire family out to see 30 or more pieces of equipment and vehicles. Admission is free.
Church Hill flag football signups continue
CHURCH HILL — Registration continues for the Church Hill Parks and Recreation flag football leagues.
Two divisions will be offered: 4-6 co-ed and 7-9 co-ed. The deadline to register is Oct. 9. Sign up online at churchhilltn.gov or stop by city hall.
For more details, call 423-358-8162 or email recdirector@churchhilltn.gov.
Small Weight Cardio moves indoors
ROGERSVILLE — Rogersville Parks and Recreation and Moving-U Fitness will continue the Small Weight Cardio class with ACE-certified personal trainer Neal Ewing on Monday nights from 6-7 p.m. at the Rogersville Parks and Recreation building.
The fee is $5 per class on site. Bring two light hand weights (3-10 pounds), a mat and water. To learn more, call 423-272-2545 or email MattS@rogersvilletn.gov.
Kingsport parks get new playground equipment
KINGSPORT — New playground equipment has been installed at two Kingsport parks. The playgrounds at Riverview Park and Riverfront Park were temporarily closed last month while crews removed the old equipment in preparation for new equipment being installed. The work took less than two weeks to complete, and all of the new equipment is ready for children.
Riverview Park received a Track Rider, Vista Arc Sphere, X-pod steps and Hanging Pod Links. Riverfront Park received a new seesaw and swings, including one specifically for an adult and child to swing at the same time.
The Riverview Park equipment was funded through an $80,000 State of Tennessee Built Environment Grant.
Kingsport offers adaptive exercise classes
KINGSPORT — Kingsport Parks and Recreation A.S.P.I.R.E. (Adaptive: Sports Programs Inclusive Recreation Experiences) inclusion classes will be held Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon through May 2025 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex.
Classes are open for participants ages 22 and above. No registration is required, and the program is free. Caregivers will need to stay onsite for the duration of the classes.
The A.S.P.I.R.E. inclusion classes will include warm-up exercises, stretching, running games, team games and a craft. Participants are asked to bring a lunch and eat with their fellow athletes at V.O. Dobbins.
Adaptive programs are for people with disabilities or physical limitations and are designed to ensure fair and equal competition among participants.
“This class is not just about physical activities. Rather, it’s about creating a welcoming environment where everyone’s differences are embraced and celebrated,” said Program Administrator Renee Ensor.
For more information about the classes, contact Renee Ensor at 423-229-9459. To learn more about Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
Baseball, softball Skills & Drills starts Sept. 4
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering Baseball & Softball Skills and Drills courses beginning Sept. 4 for children interested in learning the basics.
Classes will be held Sept. 4-18 from 5:45-7 p.m. at Domtar Park (1414 Riverport Road) or — in the case of rain — at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis St.).
During the course, children will learn the essential skills of baseball or softball, including how to throw, field and hit a ball as well as going over drills to improve speed, footwork and agility. Children must be registered in the Kingsport Parks and Recreation fall 7-9 baseball or softball leagues to participate.
The registration fee is $20 per player per session. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3XcoPfV. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “skills and drills” in the search bar.
Fall archery course starts Sept. 4
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department will offer beginner archery lessons this fall on Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. at the Lynn View Community Center (257 Walker St.). The classes run from Sept. 4 through Oct. 2. The cost is $35 for city residents and $40 for non-city residents.
The lessons, open to anyone ages 7 and older, will cover all aspects of basic archery. All equipment will be provided. The program is limited to 12 participants.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/4flz6xg. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or by going to www.kingsporttn.gov and clicking on the “CivicRec” link, then searching for “archery” in the search bar.
Basketball Skills & Drills returns Sept. 4
KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Basketball Skills and Drills course for children interested in learning the basics of basketball.
Classes will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. every Wednesday from Sept. 4-25 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis St.). During the four-week course, children will learn dribbling, shooting and passing skills, as well as drills to improve speed, footwork and agility.
The registration fee is $40 per person for city residents and $45 per person for non-city residents. The course is open for children ages 7 and up.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3WXbmZm. Or click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “basketball skills” in the search bar.
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