2017 To Bring Recreation Updates And Innovations For Parma Heights

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Ever since my first day in office, I have been committed to ensuring that the programs offered by our Recreation Department are numerous and varied and open the door to participation by residents of all ages. With that in mind, 2017 will see renovations to the Cultural Center building in the Greenbrier Commons along with recreation program updates including online registration and the addition of new activities.

Especially exciting is our new ability to accept online registration for Recreation programs in addition to in-person registration. Beginning in March, and as each registration season opens, residents and non-residents will be able to register and pay with a credit card just by visiting our website www.parmaheightsoh.gov.  More information will be available as the first registration date approaches. Keep an eye out for announcements in my Cityview Mayor’s newsletter, on our social media, on the electric sign outside City Hall, and right here, in the Parma Observer.

Renovations focusing on our Cultural Center building that houses the Cassidy Theatre have already begun. We are receiving a $50,000 Capital Improvement grant from the State of Ohio and are using the funds for electrical system upgrades and the installation of new flooring and ceiling tiles in the community rooms in the lower level. These rooms are available for resident rentals and will serve as the location for some of our new health-related recreation programs that will be coming later this year.  

Meanwhile, in the theatre itself, technicians are working on constructing a new sound booth that will allow for the integration of new technologies to enhance audience listening pleasure. 

In addition to the new improvements to the Cultural Center, this year Recreation Director Tom Moran is also working to form a Girls Recreation Sand Volleyball League and to bring the latest recreation craze, pickleball, to the Greenbrier Commons.

According to USAPA (USA Pickleball Association), pickleball is “a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn.” Combining the elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes and can be played as doubles or singles on a badminton-sized court. There are over 2.5 million pickleball players in the United States. The sport is so versatile that in addition to being integrated into high school sports programs across the country, senior living centers are also introducing pickleball to their residents as a great form of recreational exercise.

We will release details on these exciting new programs as soon as they become available.