by Greg Hudson
As we look back at 2015, we are proud of our accomplishments, however this would not be possible without the support of so many.  We realize that the support of the community is what really makes a difference in any program or organization. With that said, we would like to thank all who have supported our programs this year, from the coaches, umpires, referees, businesses, churches, parents, players, to the county government and our local news organizations.

The changes that were made to the youth baseball and softball programs in 2015 received an 80% approval rating and some small adjustments have been made to address minor rule changes to improve the program in 2016. As with any program that undergoes change, small adjustments are most often made to improve on the quality of the program.

As most people know, our youth basketball program is underway and changes have also been made to the program this year. So far the approval rate is extremely high, especially in the Kindergarten – 2nd Grade division. The coaches are a huge part of this success by working together to conduct a mini clinic the first two Saturdays of the season, teaching the basic fundamentals that will prepare the players as they start games in January.

Facility and Program Update
There have been improvements made at all of our park facilities this fall and we hope to add new programs in 2016, however this will be based on the needs assessment survey we will conduct in February, so please take time to fill out the survey and let us know what you want to see in 2016.

Parks and Recreation Mission
We believe it is important for the community to understand what the mission and vision of the Parks and Recreation department is so we felt it important to put it in this news letter.

Mission Statement               
The Edmonson County Parks and Recreation Department is committed to serving all residents of Edmonson County, by providing recreation and leisure activities, events, facilities, and other services that promote health, relaxation, and learning in a safe environment.

Vision Statement           
Our vision is to develop a sustainable park system while serving the ever-changing needs of our community.

Our Values               
We take great pride in providing excellent service, outstanding programming, maintaining attractive parks, and facilities, and professionalism toward our customers, coworkers, and community.

Our Philosophy
We believe that recreation and leisure are important to overall quality of life and the social well being of our individual citizens and our community as a whole.

As we move into a new year, we ask for your continued support for our programs and facilities. We want to provide you with quality programming and excellent facilities, but ask for your help in keeping our parks clean and reporting any issues to us. You may contact us at 270-597-9301 and leave a message if we are not in the office.

Beginning January 4th, our normal office hours will be 8:00am – 4:00pm. Our office is located in the basement of the Health Department at 221 Mammoth Cave Road (the Hwy 70 Sports Complex).
    
Again, thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve you in 2015 and we look forward to serving you in 2016.
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Sincerely,
The Parks and Recreation Department

The Edmonson County Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball Board is now accepting resumes for a concessions worker. You must me certified in food preparation or willing to become certified in food preparation. 

Anyone wishing to apply, please send resume to:
Edmonson County Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball Board
PO BOX 93
​Brownsville KY 42210

Madison Harrison, Alex Shae Horn, Emma Rose Vincent, and Lauren Ballance presented a legislative bill at the Kentucky Youth Assembly.

This bill passed the House and the Senate and is now awaiting presentation to the governor.

These students are 8th graders at Edmonson County Middle School.
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Local disc golfers are making an effort create a more organized group of players in the area. Currently, there are several who meet on Sundays at 10 o'clock that are playing for $5 each for random draw doubles, with an additional $1 optional ace pool.

According to one group organizer Tim Johnson, they have recently begun using $1 from the $5 fee to go towards an Edmonson County Disc Golf Club for course improvements.

The group is also looking to host their own tournaments and are in search of sponsors that might be interested.

Parks and Rec Program Director Greg Hudson said that while the club is not affiliated with county Parks and Rec, the county has given them permission to make course improvements, and according to Hudson, they've done a good job of doing so, thus far. 

Helping with the club are Tim Johnson, Ronnie Wilson, Kevin Mills, and Carl Mills. For more information, contact Tim Johnson via Facebook by clicking here.

Melissa Newkirk, contributor
On any given weekend, Blue Holler Off Road Park is bustling with ATV activity, but slinging mud and racing through hills and hollers are not the only things this off road park is good for. In the spirit of “it’s better to give than receive,” manager Leonard Hill forfeited the $15.00 gate fee during the month of November for those patrons who brought a toy to benefit Toys for Tots. He even had another local business owner join-in; Josh Casey at C&C Firearms donated his time to collect toys at the gate.

With just over a year in business, Hill felt that it was time to give back.

“It’s not so much the recognition of the park, but more so about where the donations are going," he said.

He said he hopes the awareness of this year’s donation will help future efforts for the Toys for Tots program, as the program's needs will increase.

Sponsored by the US Marine Corp, Toys for Tots is a not-for-profit assistance program that provides toys to disadvantaged children during the Christmas season. Nationally, more than 7 million children benefit from Toys for Tots.

Local director Lynette Saling was more than thrilled with the generous donation from Blue Holler Off Road Park. “I’ve been doing this for twenty years and I worry every year that we won’t have enough toys for the children of Edmonson County, but then an elf shows up with a donation like this, and my worry subsides," she said.

Tis the season for giving. It is not too late to join Blue Holler Off Road Park in spreading some Christmas cheer. Donations can still be made to local director, Lynette Saling, at Edmonson County 5/6 Center’s Family Resource Office, which will benefit Edmonson County’s Toys for Tots. ​