Teamwork Big Role In Program’S Success

Sat., April 22, 2000

Lance Bridges Special To Handle

The Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Department was officially born in October 1999.

The department offers basic sports programs for youth, such as flag football and basketball for boys and girls in third through sixth grade. The soccer program offers both a fall and spring soccer season, with two divisions of play.

The department’s goal is to get everyone in the community more involved in physical activity, to learn teamwork and to have fun.

This summer, the department will sponsor some special family events. The Hershey Track Meet will be held in early June, and the popular Wild Waters Day is coming again in July.

The department is looking for volunteers to help with the first annual Parks and Recreation Golf Marathon, which will be held in late summer. This special event is for adults who think they can golf 100 holes in one day.

The community has had baseball, softball and soccer programs for many years. There once was an arts council, as well.

The program gets many calls in City Hall requesting information regarding leisure activities and how the city can help process information regarding activities. The department will become a clearinghouse of information regarding what there is to do in Rathdrum.

All of these activities and special events will allow residents to stay in the area to enjoy their leisure time instead of going elsewhere to fulfill their recreational needs.

With the department being so new, the success to date is because of the volunteers and donations provided by the community, the Lakeland School District, local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and many other groups in the community.

Volunteers coach the sports teams, assist in the office and with the scheduling of events.

These individuals and groups have become major players in the development of a parks and recreation system in Rathdrum.

The teamwork involving elected officials, city staff, civic groups, business leaders and the community provides a positive outlook in the growing community of Rathdrum.

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