Upload
the-times-herald
View
220
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Sports and Leisure
Citation preview
Sports andLeisure
A publication of The Times-Herald
[Sports & Leisure]
70 Coweta Living 2010-11
Wherever you live inCoweta, there’s
a rec departmentfacility nearby
By Alex McRae
70-79_sports_leisure 7/26/10 10:17 AM Page 70
reat
shopping,
fine dining
and a wealth
of lifestyle
choices aren’t
the only
reasons thousands of
newcomers have flocked to Coweta
County in recent years. A well-
rounded community also offers first-
rate recreational opportunities and
Coweta has something for every
member of the family.
As the summer of 2010
began, local kids were thrilled
when the county’s newest
recreational offering – the
Lynch Park Pool – opened to the
Coweta Living 2010-11 71
Falcons defender AustinO'Brien reaches out to
get a hand on Titansrunning back Graden
Treadwell during the 11-12-year-old Super Bowl
game at the CowetaCounty Recreation
Department last fall.
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 71
72 Coweta Living 2010-11
[Sports & Leisure]
The water slide is without a doubt themost popular attraction at the newLynch Park Pool.
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 72
Coweta Living 2010-11 73
public in downtown Newnan.
The pool’s water slide became
an instant hit and youngsters and
adults alike quickly learned to love
cooling off under the
mushroom water fountain
or swimming laps to stay
in shape.
“We tried to design it
to accommodate different
users and activities,” said
Cleatus Phillips, Newnan’s
director of Community
Development. “We tried
to make it versatile.”
The Lynch Park Pool
is open from 1 p.m. to 7
p.m. on weekdays, from 11
a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday
and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, making it
easy to work off a few of those
Sunday dinner calories.
Swimming lessons are offered
on Tuesday and Thursday mornings,
and grownups can enjoy adult-only
swims each Friday morning. The
pool may also be rented for private
Saturday evening parties.
Team sports are also a major
focus of local recreational offerings.
Sports facilities including football
fields, softball fields and baseball
diamonds are spread across the
county and walking trails are
available at many venues.
“No matter where you live in
Coweta County, there is a
recreational facility close to
you,” said Carl McKnight,
director of the Coweta
County Parks and Recreation
Department. “We ask what
people want and then try to
provide it. We have
thousands of people taking
part in programs sponsored
by the county recreation
department every year.”
The Temple Avenue
Complex, located on
Hospital Road, caters to
those seeking to stay fit or
looking to have fun. The complex
features a gymnasium, meeting
rooms, a kitchen, three tennis
courts, one football field, seven
baseball fields, one softball field, an
[Sports & Leisure]
Experience a unique and
memorable day filled with fun,
excitement, good food and more!
Our goal is to put asmile on your face and bring back
simple childhood memories!
Just a short drive away!Call for additional information.
The fun starts with your call!
Wholesome Family Fun!Wholesome Family Fun!Wholesome Family Fun! 706-663-7400
Melanie Gramling, program director for theswimming pool at Willie Lynch Park, shows off thenew pool's mushroom water feature.
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 73
74 Coweta Living 2010-11
softball fields, a special needs field,
four youth baseball/softball fields, a
walking trail and two tennis courts.
The Clay-Wood Community
Center, located at 135 Heery Rd. on
Coweta’s west side, is a full-service
community facility that includes a
learning lab, conference room,
kitchen and large meeting room.
Recreational areas include a
gymnasium with a weight room,
locker rooms and a basketball court.
Outdoor amenities include a
playground, two tennis courts, a
basketball court and a pavilion with
picnic tables.
Team sports for children age 4
through adults are offered through
both the Parks and Recreation
Department and volunteer, non-
profit organizations who partner
with the county to use local facilities.
Team sports include T-Ball, YAA
baseball (formerly Pony League),
Little League, AABC baseball,
basketball, men’s and women’s
softball, flag and tackle football,
cheerleading, soccer and volleyball.
outdoor pavilion, the Tommy
Thompson Senior Center and the Art
House.
The Complex’s Johnny Brown
Center offers a large space for
meetings and classes, including dog
obedience, square dance and baton
instruction.
The Hunter Complex on east
Highway 16 offers three football
fields, a gymnasium, two adult
[Sports & Leisure]
A free basketball camp for youthwas held at the Clay-WoodCenter in December withinstruction provided by membersof the University of West GeorgiaWolves basketball team.
The 9-10-year-old Spurs basketball team played in the CowetaRecreation Department’s winter league. Team members included, atfront, Frances Powell, Jocilyn Burston, April Peek, Kaylen Madrey; andat back,Coach André Sparks, Amelia Smith, Miranda Hill, Alexis Estradaand Kenyia Morrow.
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 74
Coweta Living 2010-11 75
“We know how important
offering good recreational facilities
are and we make an effort to give
people what they want,” said
McKnight. “And we don’t just settle
for what’s in place. We are always
ready to provide new activities and
courses when we see the need. I
think we’ve done a good job of that.
When it comes to recreation, we
really feel like we can offer
something for everyone.”
Mommy & Me courses and
classes in art, dance, karate and
kickboxing are also offered through
the county. For more information
about county recreation programs,
call 770-254-3750 or 770-254-3740.
Those who prefer to spend their
leisure time in the great outdoors
will want to take advantage of the
new 3,300-acre Chattahoochee Bend
State Park, which is currently under
construction in north Coweta along
the banks of the Chattahoochee
River.
Chattahoochee Bend is the sixth
largest park in the Georgia parks
system and the first new state park
built in Georgia in 40 years.
Miles of hiking trails are already
being cleared and when completed,
the park will also include a visitor
center and camping options that
include RV camping, platform and
pioneer camping. There will also be
areas for daily use, a playground, a
boat ramp and residences for park
staff.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
is scheduled to officially open in July
2011, and state employees and
volunteers are working each day to
make sure it does.
If recreational activities are an
important part of your active
lifestyle, you won’t find life any
better than right here in Coweta
County.
[Sports & Leisure]
The Asa M.Powell, Sr.
Expo Center is located
on Temple Avenue
in Newnan ...
...and the
Coweta County Fairgrounds
and Conference Center
is located on
Pine Road in Newnan.
For information on booking callKaren Beatenbough at the Fairgrounds (770-254-2685) or Patricia Hood (770-252-6429) at the Expo Center.
The Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Center275 Pine Road, Newnan
The Asa M. Powell, Sr.Expo Center
197 Temple Ave., Newnan
Coweta County has twopopular facilities for residents to host
weddings, receptions, banquets,birthday parties, family reunions, meetings
and more!
www.coweta.ga.us
Recent dog obedienceclass graduates at theCoweta RecreationDepartment included,from left, JacobMcIntyre and Sirus,Debbie Martin and Thorr,George Hart and Jake,and John Hallam andLula.
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 75
76 Coweta Living 2010-11
meaning, there are grandpas who
could double bagel (6-0, 6-0) their
grandsons and it happens all the
time. In tennis, youth doesn’t
necessarily matter because if you
practice you can continually improve
your game, adding variety and
incorporating strategies.
Finding ways to play is easy. There
are several recreational leagues:
• Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association
(ALTA) altatennis.org
• The United States Tennis
Association (USTA)
ustasoutherncrescent.com
• Beyond Atlanta Ladies League
(BALL) balltennis.net
• T2Tennis t2tennis.com
• K Swiss Tennis
ultimatetennis.com
Not ready to join a tennis team?
Some local facilities offer lessons,
round robins, drills and clinics, as well
as social tournaments. Places to play:
Summit Family YMCA
1765 Highway 34 East
Newnan, Georgia 30265
770-254-5933
Newnan Country Club
1356 Highway 29 North
Newnan, Georgia 30263
770-253-9856
Canongate
924 Shaw Road
Sharpsburg, Georgia 30277
770-463-3342
Coweta County Parks and Recreation
39 Hospital Road
Newnan, Georgia 30263
770-254-3750
So if you’re not playing tennis
now, and want to, there’s no excuse.
Grab your racquet (even if it’s dusty
and hidden in your garage), a can of
balls, and head to the courts. Bring a
buddy (or not). Either way, there are
people who would love to meet you.
The author and her daughter,
Anna Marie, are also active members
of the United States Tennis Association.
een anyone toting a
racquet lately? With metro
Atlanta having been
dubbed the “Tennis
Capital of the World,” it
should be no surprise to see
people ranging in age from eight to
eighty playing tennis all over Coweta
County. It’s a trend that’s growing.
Some of your friends and neighbors
already know the secret—tennis is a
perfect way to get fit, meet new
people, have fun, socialize and learn
the value of teamwork. Tennis has
been called the sport of a lifetime.
This game can change your life!
Seriously, tennis is a sport for
everyone, no matter your age or skill
level. Beginning players need not
worry about being zonked by a ringer
(advanced tennis player), because
happily, there are leagues for those
just starting to play as well as ones
that cater to teaching pros and ex-
collegiate players. Oftentimes skill
has nothing to do with age –
[Sports & Leisure]
Played since: I played in highschool in Faribault, Minn. Then,in 2008, ALTA and USTAleagues.
Reasons I play: Began playingagain in 2008 when my little girlstarted kindergarten and mylittle boy started preschool. Ifinally had some extra time onmy hands and wanted achange from my regularworkout routine.
Favorite tennis memory: My
Thuy Hollenbeckdad taking my five brothersand me to the courts to playwhen I was about 5 or 6. Hesaid he would take us to DairyQueen afterwards if we playedwell. We would always go,even if I didn’t hit one ball overthe net!
Favorite player on the pro tourand why: Lleyton Hewitt.Because he is really hot. ElenaDementieva. Because of herpowerful and pretty groundstrokes.
A ‘Love’ for Tennis in CowetaBy Kimberly Campbell
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 76
Coweta Living 2010-11 77
Favorite shot to hit: Forehanddown the line and inside outforehand, but anything overthe net and in is good too!
Tennis philosophy: Smile. It’s justtennis.
Age: 36
Racquet: Head
Level: 4.0 USTA
Home Court: SummerGrove
Played since: 1989, in highschool at Georgia MilitaryPrep School. I went on toplay at the Georgia MilitaryCollege.
Reasons I play: When I wasyounger and living in SaudiArabia, I never touched atennis racquet but I
watched every match ontelevision. I learned how to playjust by watching. The game hasalways interested me. Now thatI am PTR Certified (professionallevel), I love coaching kids andbeing able to give them theopportunity to be taughtproperly – something I neverhad.
Favorite tennis memory: In 2010,I hung out with Jennifer Capriatiin South Beach, Fla.
Favorite player on the pro tourand why: Roger Federer.Because of the legacy (16Grand Slam singles titles . . .
[Sports & Leisure]
St i l l Bu i ld ing Legends. . .One At a Time
and counting).
Favorite shot to hit: Forehand –when I want to hit hard andend the point.
Tennis philosophy: Stay cooland calm. Don’t let themoment get you too workedup.
Age: 36
Racquet: Babolat
Level: 4.0 USTA
Home Court: Summit FamilyYMCA
Mubashir Anwar
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:12 PM Page 77
78 Coweta Living 2010-11
Played since: Early 1980swith my wife, Gail. Weused wooden racquetsback then, and playedjust for fun. When weretired, we took drills andthen joined USTA andALTA teams in 2006.
Reasons I play: At mywife’s urging! Also, for theexercise, friendship andcamaraderie. I genuinelyenjoy the game.
Favorite tennis memory:Winning my first men’sdoubles match. Also,winning a tough three-setmatch with Gail againsttwo 20-year-olds!
[Sports & Leisure]
51-A Market Square Road, Newnan, Georgia
CRESCENTVETERINARYHOSPITAL
770-304-8900www.CrescentVet.com
A Full Service Animal Hospital
For All Your Pet’s Needs
Accredited Practice
at SummerGrove
Since 1979
SPORTING GOODS
77 Turkey Creek Rd.
Newnan, Georgia
770-251-0418
770-683-LOGOWe are located in the Marathon Shopping Plaza along
with Dunkin Donuts & Subway. Just East of I-85.
Butch Jones
KatieDavis
country but tennis is myfavorite! There is nothingbetter then a beautifulspring day on the tenniscourt with friends! It’s asport that I really enjoyand always have.
Favorite tennis memory:Elizabeth Rand and I were10 and about to start aUSTA doubles match. Wewere playing older girlsand were pretty nervous.
When Elizabeth opened the canof balls, she cut her hand. Shestarted bleeding and had tobandage her hand beforeplaying. This made us even morenervous, but we were able to winthe match. We are doublespartners on the Newnan HighSchool tennis team and still laugh
Played since: I was five yearsold. My mom and dad bothenjoy playing so I learned howat a young age.
Reasons I play: Sports havebeen important to me mywhole life. I have playedsoccer, volleyball and run cross
70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:12 PM Page 78
Coweta Living 2010-11 79
EverythingHappens Here!
Alaska Hawaii Tahiti Asia EuropeCaribbean Panama CanalCanada/New England South America/Antarctica Australia/New Zealand
770-253-164131-A Postal Pkwy., Newnanwww.uniglobemcintosh.com
2010 Princess Cruises, Ships of Bermudan registry.
Call Uniglobe McIntosh Travel for industry best rates.
More escape for less.
about it while opening the can before ourmatches. My other favorite memory iswinning the Molly Shepard tennis tournamentwhen I was 13 years old at Newnan CountryClub on the hottest day ever – about 97degrees!
Favorite player on the pro tour and why:Novak Djokovic. He is an amazing player andis very competitive. To me, what sets himapart from the other great players is his witand sense of humor. I think his impersonationsof other pro tennis players are hilarious.
Favorite shot to hit: Forehand down the line.In doubles this shot is a definite winner nearlyevery time if you have the confidence to gofor it.
Tennis philosophy: Stay positive. Chances arethat getting angry will only make thingsworse. Make your opponent beat you; neverbeat yourself.
Age: 17
Racquet: Prince 03 Red
Level: Advanced (junior)
Home Courts: Newnan Country Club andNewnan High School
Favorite player on the pro tour andwhy: Roger Federer. Because of hisattitude and character.
Favorite shot to hit: Anything that hitsin the court!
Tennis philosophy: I’ve never gottena check after any match. It’s all forfun. My wife has taught me thethree C’s: Be cool. Be calm. Becollected. That’s me!
Age: 70
Racquet: Wilson
Level: 3.0 USTA
Home Court: White Oak subdivision
70-79_sports_leisure 7/22/10 10:45 AM Page 79