Haw Ridge Park and the North Boundary and Gallaher Bend greenways will be closed for hunts in the Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area on several dates starting this weekend, the City of Oak Ridge said. The closure on Haw Ridge includes the portion of Melton Lake Greenway through the park, from the lake to the parking lot on Edgemoor Road.
The hunts will take place on the following dates:
The 2015 Children’s Halloween Party is Thursday, October 29.
The party is hosted by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department. It’s scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 29, at the Oak Ridge Civic Center.
“The Halloween party is primarily for preschool and elementary-aged children; however, older children attending with their families are welcome,” a press release said.
Activities include carnival games, inflatables, toddler game room, Halloween cartoon videos, face painting, concessions, glow room, and craft room. The Scary Room will have a haunted castle theme. A hayride is planned for Bissell Park, weather permitting. [Read more…]
Racing in the USRowing Club National Championships in Oak Ridge on Saturday, July 19, 2014, consisted of heats and semifinals setting up the second round of finals on Sunday, July 20. (Photo by USRowing)
An engineering company will start geotechnical testing next week along Melton Lake Greenway for the installation of an eighth rowing lane, officials said Thursday.
Work will be done by Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon Inc. engineering, the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department said. The testing is scheduled to begin Monday, October 12, and be complete on Friday, October 16, weather permitting.
The testing areas will be concentrated between Palisades Parkway and Amanda Drive, a press release said. During the geotechnical testing process, the use of Melton Lake Greenway may be disrupted. [Read more…]
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department has created a co-ed adult dodgeball league that will start in fall 2015.
“This pilot program offers adult teams of eight players the chance to participate in an exciting, entertaining, and low-cost team sport to be played at the Oak Ridge Civic Center gymnasium,” a press release said.
Cost for participating in this new and exciting league is $150 per team, and all non-resident participants will be subject to a $20 non-resident fee, the press release said. Teams must consist of a minimum of eight players, and at least two of those players must be women.
There will be an organizational meeting and organized free play night on Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. [Read more…]
The next session of the swimming lessons offered by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department starts Tuesday, August 11.
This session’s classes are on Tuesdays and Saturdays. These classes include Preschool Aquatics (for children to start developing good attitudes and safe practices around the water and to be able to separate from their parents), Parent-Child (for children 6 months to 3 years with their parent), and additional levels of 1-6 and adult.
There are eight classes, each 30 minutes. The fee is $65 with a $10 non-resident fee for children who reside outside Oak Ridge. Registration is at the Civic Center Front Desk with payment due at the time of registration. Cash and checks are accepted. Enrollment is limited.
Visit http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov or call (865) 425-3450 for more information about this or others programs offered by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department.
The Oak Ridge Municipal Swimming pool is having a swim challenge.
The pool is open 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday through Friday for lap swimming the 100-meter course only, a press release said. If you would like to participate, come swim the 100-meter course and post your mileage.
Last year Claudia and Tom Raudorf, Jim Brant, Christy Buzzard, and Anne Roush all completed the 50-mile-plus swim by posting their laps on the Swimming Down the Clinch poster at the pool.
For more information about this program and others, contact the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450 or orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov.
The Third Annual Drug Awareness Day is at the Oak Ridge Municipal Pool on Saturday, June 6.
It’s hosted by the Oak Ridge Chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. The pool is located at 172 Providence Road, near Oak Ridge High School.
Drug Awareness demonstrations will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. June 6 inside the pool area. Hundreds of prizes will be given away to those participating in a drug awareness activity, a press release said. Some of the prizes include T-shirts, coloring books, and Frisbees.
This event is a partnership with Anderson County Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, Oak Ridge City Recreation and Parks Department, Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition, and the Tennessee Meth and Pharmaceutical Task Force. [Read more…]
Hundreds of swimmers enjoy the cool water at the Oak Ridge Municipal Pool on Memorial Day, 2012. (File photo)
The Oak Ridge Municipal Swimming Pool is scheduled to open full time May 30 and close August 2. Season passes, swimming lessons registration, and ORCA swim team registration all open May 1 at the Oak Ridge Civic Center front desk.
The Municipal Swimming Pool will have some new activities and schedule changes this summer. On May 23, 24, and 25, the pool will be open noon-6 p.m. for Memorial Day weekend. On May 29, the pool will be open to the public from 1 to 6 p.m. for “The Last Day of School” celebration.
On May 30, the pool will open full time with new hours. Saturday and Sunday, the pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, the pool will be open to the public from noon-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, the pool will be open for lap swim only on the 100-meter course from 11 a.m. to noon. Wednesday nights, the pool will re-open from 7:30-9:30 p.m. for public swimming under the lights. Other than Wednesdays, the pool is available for private party rentals from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Visit the website at www.orrecparks.org for information on all of the swimming classes, swimming level guides, pricing, and Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department programs.
Registration for the 2015 Summer Camp sponsored by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department began on Wednesday, April 1. A link to ActiveNet online registration will be available at orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov.
Space is limited and the camp fills up quickly, so early registration is recommended. Online registration will be available 24/7 beginning at 8 a.m. April 1. Payment plans are available to online registrants only. All payments must be completed by June 1. Convenience fees will apply to all credit card payments and payment plans. Walk-in registration, for cash or check payment, will be available during regular Civic Center hours, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., beginning at 8 a.m. April 1. Walk-in registrants should complete an online profile/account before coming in to register. The staff will complete the registration at the front desk. [Read more…]
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will host the 2015 Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. Hundreds of children are expected to participate in this annual spring event, a press release said. More than 15,000 candy- and prize-filled eggs will be hidden in Alvin K. Bissell Park with a first-, second-, and third-place prize egg in each age group.
This event will be held rain or shine so participants should dress for the weather. If severe weather prevents hiding the eggs outdoors, they will be given away in the gym and a drawing will be held for the prizes. [Read more…]
The Environmental Quality Advisory Board and the City of Oak Ridge are sponsoring the 30th Annual Arbor Day Observance at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Woodland Elementary School.
This ceremony also marks the 27th year that the City of Oak Ridge has been recognized as a Tree City USA. It will also mark the first year that the city will receive the Tree Line USA designation.
Tree City USA, a National Arbor Day Foundation program, recognizes U.S. towns and cities that develop comprehensive urban forestry programs. Tree Line USA is also a National Arbor Day Foundation program that recognizes utility providers who adopt best practices in utility line arboriculture. At the ceremony, district foresters with the Department of Forestry will present the Tree City award and flag to city representative Mayor Warren Gooch and Steve Kenworthy, chairman of the Environmental Quality Advisory Board. [Read more…]
Jon Hetrick
Jon Hetrick has been appointed director of the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department, City Manager Mark Watson announced Friday. Hetrick has been the acting director since Josh Collins retired in October.
As director, Hetrick will manage and direct the activities the city’s recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities, including the Civic Center, and Scarboro and Senior centers, as well as the Centennial Golf Course. His work responsibilities will include overseeing summer programs and supervising a staff of more than 80 seasonal and regular employees. [Read more…]
