Lying around the house has become a normal habit for many people. But there is no reason to continue to waste away the summer when there is plenty to do at Douglass Park Family Center.
Comprised of 43 acres, this community park has a variety of activities for the youth and senior citizens.
“It has this community feel because of the neighborhood atmosphere,” said Paula Freund, public information officer of Indy Parks and Recreation. “It makes the children feel as if they are home and its neat because we have amenities that appeal to all ages.”
These amenities include a family center, swimming pool, playground, tennis courts, baseball and softball field, football, air hockey, ping-pong and much more.
According to Freund, they try to make the park accessible for everyone so people can bring their date on a picnic lunch, attend a wedding or family reunion or just come to enjoy the scenery.
“Because of high gas prices people are looking for recreational activities. We’re glad to be close by and to be able to provide these community resources,” Freund said.
The park is an environment where everybody can be themselves, and the staff truly cares about the community. With the diverse programs and a safe clean environment, this park is family-oriented according to the manager of Douglass Park Family Center, Robert Marshall.
Douglass Park not only provides fun, but it also provides education, employment and during the school year it also provides after school tutoring. It help kids with employment through their job ward and soon a computer lab will be open for the public to enjoy as well.
“Parks use to be the epicenter of communities. We’re way more equipped than we’ve ever been to be a resource in this community,” Marshall said. “We have a lot to offer. I encourage people to go check out the nearest park because they all have diverse programming.”
This summer don’t succumb to laziness. Turn the television off, get up from the couch and take the family out to a park nearby.
For more information call, (317) 327-PARK or visit www.indygov.org.
Sports
Men’s Open Basketball
Ages: 18 and up
Cost: $3
When: Now through Aug. 28
Time: Tuesdays and Thursday 6 p.m.—8 p.m.
Youth Open Basketball
Ages: 17 and under
Cost: Free
When: Now through Aug. 23
Time: Monday—Friday 12 p.m.—8 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m.—4 p.m.
2-Ball Tournament
Ages: 10 and under, 11—14, 15—18 and 19 and up
Cost: Free
When: July 7 and Aug. 4
Time: Mondays 6 p.m.—8 p.m.
Special Interest
Open Game Room
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free
When: Now through Aug. 23
Time: Monday through Friday 12 p.m.—8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Nintendo Wii Tournament
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free
When: July 9 and Aug. 13
Time: Wednesdays 5 p.m.—8 p.m.
CDC Supervised Playground Program
Ages: 6—12
Cost: Free
When: Now through Aug. 8
Time: Monday—Friday, 10 a.m.&mdash4 p.m.
Health and Fitness/Seniors
Seniors on the Move
Ages: 55 and up
Cost: Free
When: Now through Aug. 21
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.—11 a.m,
Seniors Recreation
Ages: 55 and up
Cost: Free
When: Now through
August 21
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.—12 p.m.
