Swain County Recreation Park has taken a major step forward in youth sports and community programming by joining the National Alliance of Youth Sports.
“Our coaches are now required to complete classes and national background checks,” said Taylor Woodard, park director. “Membership offers specialized training and opens up opportunities for new grants.”
NAYS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides training, resources, and support to more than 3,000 organizations, coaches, officials, and parents nationwide, aiming to ensure safe and positive youth sports experiences.
Youth programs are open to children ages 4 to 13, and include wrestling, soccer, travel and regular flag football, cheerleading and T-ball. Registration deadlines are approaching: travel flag football closes March 20, regular flag football closes May 1 and cheerleading registration closes April 24. While the soccer program is full, the park is still accepting other registrations. Regular flag football kicks off May 4 and runs through the first week of August.
Adult programs are expanding as well. Registration for the co-ed church league softball tournament is open at $150 per group. The three-tournament league will be held on three Saturdays this summer, with registration closing April 10, though extensions may be allowed. Indoor soccer will take place from 3-6 p.m. every other Saturday, and adult flag football is open to ages 14 and up through May 8. Spring golf registration closes March 27, with tee-off set for May 5.
Senior Games for participants 50 and older begin April 1, featuring more than 100 events from cycling and running to arts competitions. Registration runs through March 20, with a $20 entry fee; additional charges apply for lunch during bowling and golf events.
“I would love more participation,” Woodard said.
Swain County Recreation Park is also investing in facilities. The pool and slide are slated to open on Memorial Day, with swimming lessons available for infants in July and regular classes for all ages in morning and evening sessions. Construction on a new 36-by-36-foot baby pool near the splash pad will begin in May, featuring water jets, a mushroom and horseshoe, complete with a walk-in entry descending no more than 18 inches in depth.
Playground renovations and trail improvements are also underway. Once the batting cages are repaired and the walking trail around the little league and baseball fields is paved—expected in about three weeks—playground construction will begin. The lower-level playground kitty-corner from the park building has been cleaned up.
A community cleanup day is being scheduled for this spring.
The park gymnasium remains open year-round, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday until 5 p.m. The park is closed on Sundays.
This summer, health department-approved hot and cold food trucks will be allowed near the pool upon registration.
For more information or to register, residents can call 828-488-6159 or email recpark@swaincountync.gov.