WHETHER YOU take the kids for a refreshing dip in the zero-depth entry pool at Russell Sims Aquatic Center, with its water buckets, palm trees, beach area, and splash playground, or shoot 18 holes “above par” at CrossWinds Golf Course, you can vacation right here in our own backyard with the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation (BGPR).
Preston Miller Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball court, a 1-mile walk/ run course, shaded seating, and a playground that is wheelchair accessible. Located on 17 acres in the heart of downtown, Roland Bland Park offers a place to enjoy inline skating, biking and rails, ramps, bowls, and half pipes for skateboarding. Easily accessible within our historic district, Covington Woods Park offers three covered pavilions complete with grills and electric outlets, a romantic gazebo, a large playground for the kids, regulation-sized tennis courts, and a space for croquet all within range of the Paul Walker Golf Course, which offers nine holes. If you don’t have time to play a full 18, Hobson Golf Course now offers a driving range.
Stay cool inside the F.O. Moxley Community Center, offering billiards, ping-pong, and foosball tables, two high school regulation basketball courts, and a TV room filled with popular board games. The state-of-the-art Kummer/Little Recreation Center offers two basketball courts where you can enjoy dodgeball, volleyball, and free play. Above the court is a comfortable walking track with vending machines and a welcoming space for gathering.
If you’re eager to dive in and get your hands dirty, you can rent a plot in the community garden and grow your own vegetables and flowers or take part in a variety of activities at the Parker-Bennett Community Center. If you want to lose weight, build strength, increase your stamina and flexibility, or stay active creatively, join line dancing, Silver Sneakers, or access the healing qualities of a sauna at BGPR Fitness. It’s a must with zero contracts, no enrollment fees, and affordable pricing.
Recreation Manager Cameron Levis said, “Summer is our time to shine in the world of parks and rec! We have so many awesome programs and services we offer to the community during the summertime, starting with the best aquatic experience in South Central Kentucky! The Russell Sims Aquatic Center is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers sun, slides, and smiles to our entire community. Whether with a season pass or a day visit, anyone who comes to the water park is sure to have the best experience.
“We offer various special events like ‘Journey to Neverland Night’ and ‘Christmas in July,’ as well as full-scale concessions with everyone’s favorite treats. In addition to the aquatic center, we host three different summer camp programs, including one that is specifically for individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities called ‘Camp Happy Days.’ Summer is also a time for all sorts of sports programs, such as baseball, softball, T-ball, tennis, and more.”
BGPR and its staff exhibit an unwavering passion for enriching and uplifting the community through vibrant green spaces, engaging programs, and boundless dedication.
Levis said, “Our main mission at Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for those living in our community through parks and recreation. We recognize the opportunity we have to take life to the next level for those who call Bowling Green and Warren County home by providing fun, exciting, and unique experiences to engage with the community around them. My goal as a park and recreation professional is to help create the moments where people can make memories that last a lifetime in our parks. Because we approach all of our programs, events, and services with this mindset, you can be guaranteed to have a great time at anything BGPR offers!”
BGPR is also pleased to offer adaptive programs that guarantee everyone in the community can enjoy sports and recreation. It offers programs for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and goalball, as well as a wide variety of sports through the Special Olympics.
“One of the philosophies we have is that we would never offer any event or program that we would not enjoy participating in ourselves. Therefore, you can rest assured that your experience in the park will be a good one. We, as a department, want to do our part in making Bowling Green and Warren County the best place to live, work, and play. So this summer, we look forward to seeing everyone at the park!” GN
