Paul Herbert came to Harrisburg by way of his hometown, Charlotte, as a parks and recreation professional with more than 20 years' experience in Mecklenburg County. His additional arts development and arts education experience in the non-profit sector offers Harrisburg an opportunity to broaden its base of cultural arts offerings. "Harrisburg is a wonderful Town and the opportunity to build upon the great work already in place and fulfill the community needs for parks, greenways and diverse recreation activities is a terrific opportunity!"

Harrisburg has a fresh new vision and energy to develop its parks and recreation master plan. That plan calls for new parks and recreation opportunities for a growing community. It cannot be realized without citizen participation as volunteers. Each month, the all-volunteer Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, meets to discuss ways to improve Harrisburg recreation offerings. Citizens are welcome to attend and share comments, concerns or ways to improve our parks, greenways or recreation programs. Click this link for directions and times. It is easy to participate in our short survey if you cannot attend the meeting and sign up for the Town newsletter. Either way, we value your feedback to let us know how we are doing and to get your ideas for future recreation facilities or activities.

Tennis for ALL Ages!

You may wonder as you drive by the tennis courts at Stallings Road Park, "What's going on?" You may see youth or adults playing tennis, increasing their skills, getting exercise and having fun! The gentleman you see standing with these participants is Neil Seufert. Neil is our local tennis instructor. He has been instructing tennis programs with the Town of Harrisburg for the previous three years. Neil is originally from Evanston, IL, just outside of Chicago, and home to Northwestern University. He came to the Parks and Recreation department three years ago after the construction of the tennis courts at Stallings Road Park with a passion and desire to bring the game of tennis to Harrisburg residents. Since then, tennis participants have benefited from the growing number of classes offered. Seufert says his goal is to "create more interest in tennis so both children and adults can learn to play and enjoy the game. It's a great social activity and has health benefits, too. My goals are to help my players improve skills and build confidence both on and off the court. I also make sure we have fun." Neil sees tennis as a fun game that one can play as a child into adulthood. It's a game that not only utilizes strategy and gets a player moving, it challenges the player mentally and physically. "I love that there are multiple layers to the games," Seufert says. Neil has ten years of experience coaching both children and adults and has attended both the Bollettieri and Van Der Meer tennis academies. He enjoys spending time with his family and trying to keep up with his 18-month old son. For a full listing of Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Tennis Programs please visit www.harrisburgnc.org.

Boone Linker Awarded the Mitch Upton Safety Award

The Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce Mr. Thomas "Boone" Linker as the recipient of this year's Town of Harrisburg Mitch Upton Safety Award. This award is presented annually to an employee who exhibits exceptional commitment to the safety of citizens, coworkers, and themselves. The award is dedicated to the late Mitch Upton, a town employee whose commitment to workplace safety set the benchmark by which all past and future recipients of the award are compared. Nominated by Park Supervisor Dale Freeman, Boone was selected by the Town's Safety Steering Committee. Boone sets an example to his fellow coworkers and citizens by adhering to proper safety procedures and the Parks and Recreation Department is proud of his recognition.

Athletics

Kevin Harbeson, Athletic Coordinator, has had the opportunity to get to know many wonderful residents since coming to the Town in June. He has spoken to players, coaches, spectators and parents who all share a common interest ... providing the best athletic opportunities for the citizens of Harrisburg. "I am excited to be a part of a community that not only embraces, but encourages a healthy athletic program."  

It is important to discuss some of the subtle differences in our youth programs, such as age division in youth sports. While everyone understands the need for different age divisions due to weight, height and maturity levels associated with youth sports, they are the building blocks for many other sports. Below are the guiding principles used to shape our age divisions.

• 3-4 "Pee Wee" Instructional Division
  This division is designed to introduce players to organized sports.  Rules are simplified, team rosters are reduced, and the playing season is compacted to allow maximum exposure in a limited time frame.

• 5-6 Division

  This division begins developing fundamentals for each specific sport.  Rules are modified to present the optimum playing experience for novice/entry level participants.
• 7-8 Division
  

  This division continues developing fundamentals for each specific sport.  Rules are modified to present the optimum playing experience for novice participants.

• 9-10 Division
  This division builds on basic fundamentals of given sport. Rules are slightly modified to present optimum playing experience for participants with limited exposure.

• 11-12 and 13-15 Divisions

  These divisions are designed to promote teamwork, sportsmanship and advance fundamental development. No rule modifications.   

As a player grows and moves through the age divisions, his/her skills and understanding of the game is improved and encouraged. While all players of all skills and experience are welcomed into any age division, the players that enter the Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Athletic Leagues at the earliest stages and continue through our leagues will benefit the most.