By Bernie Moussad

For the FCT

The Russellville Parks and Recreation Department has been working for years to bring joy to the children of the city. Each year the department provides opportunities for children to get out, make friends and just enjoy themselves. There are numerous opportunities for children of all ages to get involved this summer, with a full schedule of activities.

Now through Aug. 13, Parks and Recreation is holding fall sports registration. Registration fee for all sports is $30, and available sports include:

• Indoor soccer for ages 3-5
• Outdoor soccer, which will have an 8U and 10U league. (If there are enough participants, there will be separate leagues for boys and girls.)
• Flag football
• Volleyball
• Fall baseball
• Fall softball

Youth basketball will be offered again in the winter. Biddy Body basketball will be available for ages 3-5.

Additional activities are as follows:

May 31- Russellville City Pool opened. Call 256-332-8790 to schedule swimming lessons.

June 15 – Therapeutic Activities for children with special needs at the Rec Center. Parents are welcome to join. Call 256-332-8770 to inform them of your desire to participate)

July 2 – Fishing Rodeo at Sloss Lake

July 3 – Movie in the Park at Sloss Lake (Movie TBA)

July 4 – Jam on Sloss Lake

July 18-20 – Youth Basketball Camp at RMS and RHS gyms (Registration fee, $30)

An activity that is already in action is Tiny Tykes T-Ball. There are 109 children divided up into ten teams. They play Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In addition to the fun times, Parks and Rec offers the Summer Feeding Program, which started June 1 and will end July 22. From 8 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday, all children are welcome at the Recreation Center or the Chucky Mullins center for a free meal.

Parks and Recreation Director Chad Sears said he has made it his goal to constantly improve these programs to give the children all of these opportunities. He said he wants to “allow them to have a summer that’s enjoyable.” In addition to promoting fun activities, Sears said boasting a full slate of recreation could help decrease childhood obesity. According to the World Health Organization, “42 million young infants and children were overweight or obese” in 2013.

Sears is not the only one putting his all into this program. He said his staff have all come to support and help him in his endeavors. “I’ve got great staff members who have become on fire about all rec activities,” Sears said.

So children looking for something to do this summer can have a summer of fun. Stopping by the pool, enjoying the movie in the park or participating in any of Parks and Rec’s activities will make this summer one a child will never forget.

For more information on any Parks and Recreation programs, call 256-332-8770.