The Youth Athletics program, which includes hundreds of softball, baseball, and soccer teams, is one of the last such programs in a major American city that is free. The Future I grew up in the parks. We used to play cricketball, back then, says Sherman Jones, recalling a childhood spent honing his athletic skills at Memphis playgrounds. Like all of the City s community centers, the recently renovated Gaston offers basketball and volleyball courts for practice and supervised games. In addition, community centers provide game rooms, activities for senior citizens and youth, and meeting places for clubs and neighborhood associations.
Many centers offer low-priced lunches for seniors.
All community centers offer Summer Day Camp for ages 5-12. Community centers are the heart and soul of the Division of Park Services, says Director Wayne S. Boyer. Majorette competitions, Valentine s Day parties, ceramics classes, and quilting bees are alive and well at community centers throughout Memphis and are only a few examples of the activities offered. Director Boyer has increased hours and plans more comprehensive programming, including a greater emphasis on special events and visual and performing arts, to serve the City s increasingly diverse population. Playground revitalization is a priority.