As this is typically the time of year individuals reflect on the past 12 months and ponder on what changes they’d like to make in the looming new year, Greenville Parks and Recreation may be something to consider.
Children and adults alike have felt the stifling impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly two years now in the form of impediments to mental and physical health.
Somewhat of a remedy likely lies in the various programs and activities Greenville Parks and Recreation has to offer.
Jasmine Grant, Art Coordinator for Parks and Recreation, discussed some of the ongoing programs and the upcoming events planned which present several opportunities for the community’s youth and their parents at Tuesday’s regular city council meeting.
“We actually have a lot of things going on at the park (Ward’s Recreational Center). We have Monday Night Madness and that’s every Monday where you get a one hour workout and can take away exercises or something you’ll be able to do at home,” Grant said, highlighting an ongoing special of $25 for all city employees.
Monday Night Madness General registration cost for four weeks is $35 and those interested can stop by Buster Brown Community Center, 400 Robertshaw St. to register or by calling 662-378-1670.
Grant’s fitness programs include step aerobics, whereas one steps onto a stationary platform and, also, glute aerobics.
“That’s more of a dance workout and we also have “Fit Fun” — that’s when we pull out all of the equipment because we want to make use of it and take advantage of all those things we ordered for our kids and make them available to parents of the park and make sure that our parents also feel appreciated,” she noted.
Greenville Parks and Recreation has also begun a free homework assistance program.
Grant’s goal is to get enrollment for the program up as much as possible with the assistance of the city and the Greenville community.
She said on the new program, “Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we’re at a different recreational facility so we can tackle those kids that are in those communities where they aren’t able to get to us.”
An event Grant was especially delighted to announce, given her background in the sport, was the annual Cheer Competition.
“Typically it’s a cheer and dance competition, but that makes it difficult because the event would be so long, especially for those that are not parents of both sports,” she pointed out.
The cheer competition is slated for April 3, 2022 and the dance competition will follow four weeks after on May 1, 2022.
Grant has also solicited the help of Greenville High’s band director, Clover Lacy Jr., who has agreed to assist her with developing a music program whereas young children would learn to read music and have a foundation to build on once they begin middle and high school.
With that, plans to host a Battle of the Bands in March 2022 are in the works.
Grant told the city council their assistance in whatever capacity possible is needed and welcomed, whether it be in tutoring or participation in a fitness class.
Essentially, rallying support for local youth is an effort she would like everyone who will to take part in.
