Published: May 17, 2008 03:59 pm            

New Albany-Floyd County Parks offices moving to Sports Center

Sam Peden would be proud.

The iconic former superintendent, who died several years ago, laid the foundation for the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department during his tenure. Now, Roger Jeffers and the parks board are trying to add a new chapter to what Peden started.

Beginning June 2, the new Parks Department office will be moved from its location along Ekin Avenue to the Southern Indiana Sports Center, located at 620 Park East Blvd. in New Albany.

Jeffers, his administrative assistant and the parks athletic director will be housed on the second floor of the facility. There also will be a receptionist on the first floor who will take payment for programs, shelter rentals and league sign-ups. After June 2, all registrations will be handled at the Sports Center.

“The Ekin location is not accessible and has limited parking, and when you have something this nice, you want to showcase it,” said Jeffers, who took over the superintendent’s role earlier this year. “We have more space here and a lot of people still don’t know that this is our facility.”

Kathy Wilkerson, director of recreation, will remain at the Ekin Avenue office and the parks department will still hold events at that facility.

The Sports Center, which was donated to the Parks Department by the Blue Sky Foundation in May 2006, is open daily for basketball, volleyball and walking. It will also be the location for several specialized day camps this summer for youth.

“This facility is awesome,” Jeffers said. “We want more kids and adults to come in and look it over. That was another reason why we moved our offices here. When people come in and register, they can check out the facility.”

The Parks Department has increased its summer programming this year. Besides the day camps, there are several activities offered to adults and youth. Programs are listed on a free brochure and can also be accessed online at www.nafcparks. org.

While the summer is usually loaded with activities, Wilkerson said it was important to increase programming this year since Camille Wright Pool has closed.

She also said she is excited about the new day camps, which begin June 2. There are seven separate camps which include everything from nature and arts and crafts to basketball, science and math. The camps will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“This will not be a day-care setting,” she said. “From the time the kids get out of their vehicles to the time they are picked up, we will have them doing activities. It’s an opportunity for kids to learn and have fun.”

Jeffers said the board is still studying plans to build a new public pool, or repair Camille Wright.

“We want to get the public involved. We want people to give us ideas about a pool or possible locations,” Jeffers said. “Safety is our main concern. The pool has been well maintained, but it has a lot of leaks.”

The Floyd County Flying Fish swim team will practice this season at Hazelwood Middle School.

        

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