By Heather Wood

As days get shorter and the temperature drops, it is not uncommon for the winter blues to set in.  All you want to do is stay indoors, curl into a ball, and eat.  Kernersville Parks and Recreation can help brighten things up and give you something to look forward to this season!

The Kernersville Father / Daughter Dance has become quiet the tradition in Kernersville.  Every February, dads and their daughters look forward to a magical evening of music, dancing, and memories that will last a lifetime.  The theme this year is “Frozen”, and you should expect a special visit from Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, and Kristoff.  This animated film recently released about the trials and love that a fearlessly optimistic ice princess endures with her reindeer and a hilarious snowman.  There is no age limit, so daughters and fathers of all ages are welcome.  It is a wonderful opportunity for dads to show their daughters a special time, and what it means to be respected and honored.  This event helps to build memories of first formal events for the girls, builds confidence, and truly builds stronger relationships between dad and daughter.  The Father / Daughter Dance will take place on Saturday, February 7 from 6:00-8:30p.m. at the Kernersville Community Recreation Center.

Pickleball is a growing sport in our community for people of all ages.  It is a sport in which two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, (similar to a whiffle ball), over a net.  It shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis with a few modifications.  Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children’s backyard pastime, but quickly became popular among adults as an enjoyable game for players of all skill levels.  Kernersville Parks and Recreation has partnered with the Senior Center to provide sessions, offered at the Fourth of July Park and the Kernersville YMCA.  Several players from this area qualified to play in the Senior State games in Raleigh this past October.  In order to qualify, these players had to medal at the local Senior Games offered here in the Triad.  Several players won medals in Raleigh, and have qualified to play in the Senior National games in Minnesota this July.  A few players are planning to make the trip and represent the Triad area.  Three of the players are from Kernersville and started playing here when Parks and Recreation and the Senior Center introduced the game.  The other players who have qualified are from the surrounding area (Walkertown, High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem).  We are very proud of their achievement and wish them all luck in Minnesota this summer, and hope they will bring back the gold!!!

Congratulations to those who metaled in Raleigh!

Singles:

60-64 (F) – Laura Patterson (Gold)

55-59 (M) – Les Massengale (Gold)

Doubles:

60-64 (F) – Tina Boston & Laura Patterson (Gold)

60-64 (F) – Gwen Deyton & Bonnie Hansel (Bronze)

65-69 (F) – Linda Bagley & Sandra Miley (Silver)

55-59 (M) – Paul Kindley & Les Massengale (Bronze)

65-69 (M) – Carl Parks & Bob Uber (Bronze)

Mixed Doubles:

55-59 – Tina Boston & Brent Russell (Bronze)

65-69 – Sandra Miley & Tom Whitlow (Bronze)

70-74 – Linda Bagley & Charlie Ryan (Gold)

Kernersville Cannons Lacrosse is gearing up for their spring season beginning this month. Lacrosse is currently the fastest growing game in America and is even being played at two local high schools in Kernersville (East Forsyth and Bishop McGuinness).  Our youth Cannons Lacrosse League will prepare young players to dominate the fields of local high schools and colleges.  The sport has grown in popularity, and because if this, this past summer the Town of Kernersville and the Forsyth County School System partnered to re-develop the land behind Cash Elementary for future Lacrosse and multi-purpose field use.  Currently registration is underway, and coaches are looking for new players who are interested in learning the game.  No experience is necessary, and we welcome boys and girls ages 7-15.  The season will run February 7- May 3; with games each Saturday, starting March 7.  All players need to provide their own stick.  First year players will be provided with protective equipment, and experienced players must provide their own.  Find out more information and registration at www.toknc.com/pr.

Refresh and Renew / Civitan Park Renovation Update:

Our 10-year Master Plan update, noted Civitan Park as one of the top-ranking objectives to Kernersville Parks and Recreation to focus on.  We will be conducting focus groups and meeting with area civic organizations in the next month to discuss recommended renovations and suggestions for improvement to Civitan Park.  Civitan Park was constructed in 1986, and has been untouched ever since.  There are aging tennis courts and shelters that need to be addressed.  Also, the playground and bathroom need a better location.  There are several amenities that need updating, and land that could be used more appropriately.  The Town will go after a PARTF Grant, LWCF (Land and Water Conservation), and possibly NC Trails to help with funding.  We will hold a General Public Input Session on February 10 from 5:30-7:00p.m. at Town Hall (134 E. Mountain Street).  We will also launch an online survey for the community to participate in as well.

We are excited to announce that our Movie in the Park, Summer Series will return beginning on March 27 at Harmon Park.  We will kick- off the event during school spring break week and will be showing Despicable Me 2 on Friday, March 27.  This is a great FREE, family event for the community to enjoy.  Kernersville Parks and Recreation is currently looking for main sponsors for March, May, June, and July.  Please contact Heather Wood at 336-996-6421 for more information.