Centre Region Council of Governments
Centre Region Parks & Recreation
2643 Gateway Drive #1, State College, PA 16801 www.crpr.org
Serving the Townships of College, Harris, Ferguson, Patton, & the Borough of State College

Fall 2007 Program Report
September - December 2007

Centre Regional Recreation Authority/ Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board

2007

Cindy Solic, Chair                                   Patton Twp.
Sue Mascolo, Vice-Chair                         Ferguson Twp.
Kathy Matason, Secretary                        College Twp.
Roy F. Harpster, Treasurer                      Harris Twp.
Donna M. Ricketts PhD                            SCASD
Donna Conway                             State College Borough

2 Jan 08

Centre Region Parks & Recreation . . . Fall 2007

The staff of CRPR is pleased to present this report on the Fall 2007 programs offered to residents of the Centre Region. The long history of municipal cooperation for Parks & Recreation continues to benefit our residents. “CRPR - Where Everyone Plays!”                                          Ronald J. Woodhead, Director

Halloween Parade: The weather was absolutely perfect this year and that made for a wonderful turnout. We estimate over 2000 participants showed up and took part in the pared and the costume judging. The streets were lined with spectators as well, all along the parade route. The volunteers were invaluable and the partnership with the SC Lions Club continues to make this a successful community event. Dark in the Park: The weather outside was rainy and cold, so the event was moved and called in Dim in the Gym. Despite the weather and the change of venue, we attracted a large crowd of over 145 people. The stories were fun, enticing and even a bit scary at times. This fabulous community event is cosponsored by the Schlow Centre Region Library. We look forward to continued success in 2008. Hip Hop Dance Class: Fall marked the 2nd session of the CRPR Hip Hop Dance Classes. The kids learned the fundamentals of the popular form of dance from a wonderful, experienced instructor. The classes presented a show at the end of the session for parents and friends. It was great to see the pride and excitement they had from the new skills learned. We expect continued success with the program while Instructor Casie Goshow is in the area.

                                                                                                    Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events

CRPR’s youth swimming lessons continue their popularity. An influx of new instructors shows promise for continued success with these programs.                                                                                                     Todd Roth, Aquatics Supervisor

Gymnastics: This is the first year since I have been with CRPR that we have not been able to offer Tumble Tots and Jumpin Gymnastics. Despite strong efforts, many PSU class visits and posting several flyers around town, I was not able to secure enough staff to offer a safe, quality program, so I had to cancel these programs for the Fall. I am already looking for staff for hopefully offer those classes this Spring. Parent's Night Off: This program fluctuates in number each time, but the response is always the same from parents: “We love it!” So with this feedback I will continue to offer 2 or 3 of these evenings per season. The kids that attend enjoy the time with other kids playing games, making crafts and watching great movies.                       Beth Lee, Recreation Supervisor - Programs & Special Events

The Start Smart programs continue to gain popularity as 76 youths were registered in 3 programs. A youth wrestling program was added and will continued to be offered throughout 2008. The Adult Flag Football League expanded to 18 teams in 2008, which was split into 2 divisions. Yoga was added to adult fitness classes and they all remain very popular. Coed volleyball was dropped due to reduced availability of the school gyms.                                                   Jeff Hall, Recreation Supervisor - Sports & Fitness

Due to the cooperation of the Centre County Office of Aging, Mount Nittany Medical Center and Nittany Snow Shoe Home Health Service, the Senior Center provided 223 free flu shots to adults 60+. Tai Chi and Oil Painting classes were popular this fall and students are eager to start up again in the new year. Staff initiated the Healthy Steps in Motion Exercise Program, which enables seniors of varied abilities to improve their physical fitness. Students are pleased to have a program that is geared to their needs, and within two months they have noticed an improvement in their physical abilities.

                                                                                                    Barbara Lindenbaum, Senior Center Director

The increase in program visits in prior 2008 seasons has continued into the fall. Attendance at the 5^th Annual Historic Harvest Fest was the highest ever - with over 350 visitors. Several family programs were cancelled due to low enrollment, but birthday parties are gaining in popularity, and facility rentals were higher than in past years.

                                                                                                    Molly Hetrick, Recreation Supervisor - Nature Center

Parks Maintenance Highlights

Some park maintenance highlights from Fall 2007 include:

•            Over 1,000 feet of new boardwalk has been constructed at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. This new boardwalk section includes two overlooks to observe the rock vanes installed by PSU in Slab Cabin Run. The materials for the boardwalk were funded by a PA DEP “Growing Greener” Grant to Penn State; the labor was provided by CRPR. In addition, College Township completed a new section of paved bikepath along Puddintown Road from the bypass to Orchard Road.

•            A new restroom/storage building is under construction by College Township at Fogleman Fields and should be ready in the Spring.

•            Phase 2 of Circleville Park has been completed by Patton Township and includes 2 new pavilions and 2 basketball courts and an expansion to the frisbee golf course. Trails were also constructed linking this park to Patton Woods.

•            Ambleside Park has been completed by Patton Township and includes a pavilion, playground equipment for tots and elementary age children and a perimeter walking path.

•            A new tot swing set has been installed at Fasick Park with construction pending for new play equipment installations at Kaywood and Blue Spring Parks (in Harris Township).

•            A spring rider Fire Engine and new fitness equipment (for adult and youth) is being installed at Sunset Park (in State College Borough)

•            The new Foster Avenue bikeway is complete with a section running through Central Parklet (in State College Borough).

•            At Autumnwood Park, a new basketball court was installed this Summer by Ferguson Township.

•            A waterline has been installed to the Tudek Park Dog Park and large concrete storage bins were installed at the Community Gardens for compost and wood chips (in Ferguson Township)

                                                                                                    Greg Roth, Parks Supervisor