OUR COUNTY
D. GARY DAVIS
COUNTY MAYOR
Parks and Recreation, Promoting Fun, Health and Well-Being
The winter basketball season for the Bradley County Department of Parks and Recreation is now history. 61 teams competed in the end of season tournament which took place during the first week of February. The champions are: 5th Grade Division, Ross Lady Rockets, Coach Doug Fuller, North Lee Rams, Coach Brian Copeland, 3rd Grade Division, North Lee Lady Rams, Coach David Hancock, North Lee Rams, Coach Keith Maynard.
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 Ocoee Middle, Lake Forest Middle, Cleveland Middle, Mayfield, Prospect and Stuart for hosting the annual tournament which would not be possible without the school’s cooperation.
With the basketball season behind them the Parks and Rec Staff began immediately to prepare for the upcoming baseball season. The coaches have been given the registration dates for both the baseball and softball seasons and have ordered uniforms for both leagues. Be sure to look for flyers and signs with the registration dates throughout Bradley County. But just in case you miss it they are: Thursday and Friday, February 18-19 from 6 PM to 8 PM and Saturday February 20 from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The baseball season’s opening day is scheduled for March 27th. The Staff will be busy with an umpire’s meeting on Sunday March 7th. It will be held at the County Recreation Park at 2 PM with team practice beginning the next day on March 8th.
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 want to thank Dicks Sporting Goods for signing on as a sponsor this season. Bradley County will receive $7,500 of supplies for both baseball and softball. The company will also sponsor a Bradley County Parks and Recreation Day on March 6 and participants can receive up to 25% off purchases.
I am proud of the Bradley County Parks and Recreation Department which has been providing team sports opportunities for County residents since 1983. The Department oversees or manages the baseball and softball programs, elementary basketball and cheerleading programs, youth football league, and the BMX track.
Parks and Recreation Director Paul Wyrick and his staff maintain more than 200 acres of recreation facilities including the old McDonald School property. That acreage will increase when Elrod Park is complete on Minnis Road. Permits for Elrod Park have been completed and when they are approved by TDEC, we will begin accepting bids for the park’s phase 1.
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 on 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.