Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Hosting Indoor Yard Sale
The Gilbreath Recreation Center in Lindale is hosting an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, March 14 from 7 AM – 12 PM.  The center is currently booking vendors for the sale.  Sellers can purchase a table for $10 or two tables for $15.  Table sharing is not allowed. Vendors will set up on Friday, March 13 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM and can take advantage of an “Early Shopper’s Special” that will be closed to the public. Betsy Hampson, Recreation Manager, stated, “In a time when everyone is looking for ways to save, this event provides a great opportunity for families to purchase affordable goods and also a fun way to bring in some additional cash.” All proceeds from the table fees will support recreation center programming.  Vendors need to reserve their tables by Friday, March 6. Click here to book your table or visit the Gilbreath Recreation Center (map).

Northside Swim Center Now Taking Rental Reservations posted Jan 30
The Northside Swim Center is now booking for summer season private rentals. The swim center features a newly refurbished pool and twirling slide with splash area. Poolside amenities include concessions, playground and picnic pavilions. The pool rental season begins May 23 and runs through September 1. The pool will accommodate groups up to 250 people and is popular for birthday parties, church groups and family reunions. The swim center is available Monday through Sunday for private rentals and rates start at $100. The Northside Swim Center is located on Kingston Ave. NE at the corner of Church St. NE. Click here to check out pool rental details or call 706.291.0766

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Awarded District Basketball Tournaments posted Jan 16
Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) has awarded Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority (RFPRA) hosting rights for the 2009 Boys & Girls District Basketball Tournaments. Larry Powell, Sports Manager, represented the RFPRA to present the tournament bid at the District Athletic Committee Session. An estimated forty-two district teams including eight local teams will be invited to attend the tournament which starts February 20 and will run approximately a week. The RFPRA will host district tournament for boys and girls age divisions 9-10, 11-12, and boys age division 13-14.    Winning teams at the district level will compete at the state tournaments on March 6 – 7. The RFPRA will host state tournament divisions for boys and girls ages 8 and under and girls ages 10 and under.

Richard Garland, Executive Director of Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority stated, “We are excited to serve again as district and state tournament hosts and especially pleased to be awarded hosting rights for all age divisions in district. Hosting more divisions brings more visitors to Rome and provides a stronger economic impact to the community as well as strengthening our foothold as a sports tourism destination city.” The public will be invited to attend the games and support our local teams.

Challenger Basketball Season Start Delayed posted Jan 14
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority has delayed the start of the Challenger Basketball program one week due to severely cold weather.  The games were scheduled to start this Saturday, January 17, but are postponed to start one week later on Saturday, January 24 at 10 am at the Fielder Recreation Center.

2009 Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony to be Held at Berry College
The 2009 Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame ceremony will be held in a new location this year at Ford Hall on the Berry College Campus. The event takes place Monday, March 2, 2009 and will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by a dinner banquet. Tickets are $30 and go on sale this Monday, January 12, 2009.  Purchase tickets online or call 706.291.0766.  The cost of the Sports Hall of Fame program is solely supported by ticket sales and sponsorships. Event sponsorship packages are still available. The event is hosted by the Sports Hall of Fame Committee and Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority. For sponsorship information, contact Lisa Nash at 706.291.07666 or visit the Hall of Fame Sponsor Page.

Winter Gymnastics – Register Now
The Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is registering for 2009 “Winter Blast” Gymnastics starting Monday, January 5.  Classes will be held at the Memorial Gym for all ages starting at 18-months and begin Monday, January 12. Registration runs one week from January 5 through January 9. A wide variety of recreational and competitive gymnastic programs are offered for all ages and abilities. Register at the Memorial Gym on W. Third Street or online at rfpra.com. For more information contact the Gymnastics Coordinator, Karen Armstrong at 706-295-4962, karmstrong@rfpra.com. Click here for a complete list of classes and to register online.

Authority Board Announces Sports Hall of Fame 2009 Inductees posted Dec 29
The Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Board unanimously voted to induct three new members into the Sports Hall of Fame. Three inductees will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in sports and include Gary Tillman for Amateur Athlete, Ken Irvin for Professional Athlete and Jim Van Es for Lifetime Achievement.

The Sports Hall of Fame was started in 1971 in order to recognize amateur and professional athletes and those who contribute to the growth and development of sports.  Nominations are submitted in four categories: amateur athlete, professional athlete, meritorious service and lifetime achievement. Nominations for the Sports Hall of Fame are submitted by the general public and are received year-round. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Rome Forum on Monday, March 2.

The evening consists of a reception, banquet and awards ceremony. Event sponsorship packages are still available. Tickets will go on sale in January. The cost of the Sports Hall of Fame program is solely supported by ticket sales and sponsorships. The event is hosted by the Sports Hall of Fame Committee and Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority. For sponsorship package information, please contact Lisa Nash, Event Coordinator: 706.291.0766, lnash@rfpra.com

2009 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

Gary Tillman
Amateur Athlete
Gary Tillman will be honored in 2009 Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and contributions in track and field. Tillman started setting records in high school and holds the Rome High School track records for ½ mile (4:22.3) and the 880 (1:57.7).  He attended the University of Georgia on a track scholarship where he received the UGA Varsity Pin by Coach Vince Dooley and lettered in track in 76-77.  Tillman continued his sports accomplishments at Cumberland University where he achieved All American in Outdoor Track, Indoor Track and Cross Country. He also placed at the NAIA indoor Nationals in Kansas City. After finishing college, Tillman pursued his love for track field and coached Ladies Track and Men’s Cross Country teams at Berry College and assisted with the Rome Relays Invitational Track meets.  

Ken Irvin
Professional Athlete
Ken Irvin will be honored in the 2009 Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on and off the field during his professional football career.  Irvin is a three sport Letterman at Pepperell High School for football, basketball and track. As the Captain of Pepperell Football, he helped lead his team to the 1980 State Championship. Irvin went on to play for Memphis State University as a four year college starter at defensive back under a full athletic scholarship. He made numerous achievements including Sports Illustrated Player of the Week, 1994 Defensive Player of the Year and 1994 Team MVP.  Irvin went on to play eight successful years for the Buffalo Bills, one season with the New Orleans Saints, and three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Off the field, Irvin supported many charities and received the Athletes in Action Award in 2002.  He was also awarded the Byron Wizzard Humanitarian Award in 2004 and created the Antonio Hall Jr. Scholarship Fund after the passing of his high school team mate Antonio Hall.   

Jim Van Es
Lifetime Achievement
Jim Van Es will be honored in the 2009 Sports Hall of Fame for his forty years of dedicated work as an educator and a coach.  Van Es started his career in 1968 at Darlington and has coached various teams including: Varsity Football, Varsity Baseball, Varsity Basketball and JV Basketball. Through his strong leadership, he set the varsity basketball coaching record: 540-374.  He coached five teams to State Tournaments and led one team to the Final Four. Van Es is a two time North West Georgia Coach of the Year.  He has been recognized numerous times for his coaching abilities including the 1996 Tip-Off Club Recognition, Scholastic Coach Magazine’s 1989 National High School Basketball Coach Gold Award and is Member of Franklin Select Circle of Basketball Coaches.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Awarded District Class A Basketball Tournament posted Dec 5
Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) awarded Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority (RFPRA) hosting rights for the 2009 Boys & Girls State Class A Basketball Tournaments. Larry Powell, Sports Manager, represented the RFPRA to present the tournament bid at the State Athletic General Assembly. Teams will participate in the tournament on March 6 - 7, 2009. The tournament will host divisions for boys and girls ages 8 and under and girls ages 10 and under. State Tournament games will be played at the Anthony and Gilbreath Recreation Centers. The public will be invited to attend the games and support our local teams.

Barron Stadium Closed posted Dec 4
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is closing Barron Stadium and Maddox Track for the week of December 15 - 22 for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championship.  The Authority apologizes for any inconvenience, and welcomes the public to visit our check out our alternate walking trails and exercise facilities.

New Hours at Etowah Park Driving Range posted Dec 4
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority has new seasonal hours for the Etowah Park Driving Range from December through March 7.  The driving range is now open Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 to 7:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 to 6:00 PM. The driving range is located in Etowah Park on 1325 Kingston Hwy and is situated on the back side of the park. Fees will remain the same at $8 for a jumbo bag and $6 for a large bag.

Get directions to Etowah Park

The new 2009 program guide is here! posted Nov 13
Get information on recreation and sports programs for the months of January through June 2009.
The guide provides youth and adult registration details on sports, recreation center programs, outdoor programs, special needs programs, parks facilities, rental facilities, and events including:

Spring break & Summer Day Camps | Swimming Lessons | Pool Coupons | Active Adult Activities

Click here to download The Guide now!

RFPRA Youth Basketball Registration Ends November 13 posted Nov 6
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority has extended basketball registration until Thursday, November 13.  The Youth Basketball season is starting early this year on Saturday, December 13.  Registration is open for boys and girls ages 5-14.  The registration fee is $45 for ages 5-6 and $65 for ages 7-14. As a new service to the public, participants can now register for youth basketball online at rfpra.com. The public is still welcome to register in-person at our main office located on 300 W. Third Street. For more program details or online registration information, visit rfpra.com or call 706.291.0766.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Football Heritage Bowl Games this Week posted Nov 4
The public is invited to attend the Unified Football Heritage Bowl Game Playoffs on Tuesday, November 4, Thursday November 6 and Saturday, November 8. Tuesday and Thursday games will be held at Riverside Park behind the levy. The Saturday, November 8 games will be held at the Boys and Girls Club on 100 Gadson Street and will crown the Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee, and Mites Division Champions. Game admission is $3 for adults and $1 for ages 12 and under. Concessions will be available at all games. Get game details, brackets and schedules.

Adult Basketball Registration posted Oct 15
Register your team now for Adult Basketball. Leagues are forming for Men’s Open and Men’s Church divisions. The 5 on 5 full court men’s basketball program offers a 7 game season plus a single elimination post season tournament. The season runs December through February. The team registration fee is $ 450 per team. As a new service to the public, participants can now register for Adult Basketball online. The public is still welcome to register in-person at our main office located at 300 W. Third Street. Team managers should plan to attend a meeting scheduled for Monday, December 1 at 6 PM in the Fitness Plus conference room. Deadline for registration is Friday, November 28. More adult basketball program details.

Unified Football & Cheerleading Night with Shorter College Football posted Oct 3, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is partnering with Shorter College to provide a free night of college football to all Unified Football & Cheerleading participants on Thursday, October 23 at 7 PM. Unified Football Players and Cheerleaders are invited to participate in the Parade of Champions as part of the pre-game festivities and will help welcome the Shorter Hawks players onto the field.  Unified Football and Cheerleading participants in uniform will get special seating and are invited to stay and watch the game for free. Accompanying parents can watch the game for half price admission of $5 per person. The game will be held at Barron Stadium where gates open at 5:30 PM.  Unified Football & Cheerleading participants must arrive in jersey or uniform and assemble in the Fitness Center parking lot by 6:00 PM for the pre-game parade. The game will start at 7:00 PM.  For more information contact your coach or Rick Haase at 706-291-0766 x 20, rhaase@rfpra.com

Ridge Ferry Farmers Market – Last Week posted Sep 29.2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Farmers Market is in the last week of operation for the 2008 selling season.  The market is open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1 and Saturday, October 4. These are the last two days the public can purchase locally grown produce, organic produce, baked goods, canned goods, jellies, herbs, fresh cut flowers and craft items.  The market will reopen again in May 2009.

RFPRA Hosts Candidate’s Forum to Benefit Floyd County Special Olympics posted Sep 25, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting Candidate’s Forum 2008 on Tuesday, October 21 at the Senior Adult Recreation Center on Kingston Road to benefit Floyd County Special Olympics. The Candidate’s Forum is a public non–partisan event open to all candidates running in the 2008 Election designed to help the community feel better informed on key issues in this year’s election. Candidates will be allowed three minutes to speak with a three minute closing statement. Doug Walker of Southern Broadcasting will moderate by asking candidates questions furnished by the audience and local news media.

The evening event will begin at 5:30 PM with a dinner and silent auction followed by the candidate’s speeches at 6:00 PM.  Candidates and local business are encouraged to support the event by donating items for the silent auction, contributing to the dinner and purchasing ads in the forum program made available to all attending.  All proceeds will benefit the Floyd County Special Olympics. Ads are available at $95 for a full page, $75 for half page, and $50 for a quarter page. Businesses contributing to the dinner will be acknowledged in a full page program ad.   

If you wish to participate in the Candidate Forum or support the event with a contribution or ad purchase, please contact Tammy Bryant at 706.234.0383, tbryant60@peoplepc.com, by October 13, 2008.

Shannon Park Closing posted Sep 24, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is closing Shannon Park and the Shannon Scout Hut facility for SPLOST renovations and construction starting Monday, October 6, 2008. Areas where access is closed will be fenced off until the facility reopens at the completion of construction. The public will still have access to ball fields. Construction will include an addition to the Shannon Scout Hut, renovations to the existing facility, improvements to the park grounds and paving of the parking lot.  The park is located on 40 Minshew Road off of Gaines Road. The Authority apologizes for any inconvenience and welcomes the public to visit our website for alternate parks and recreation facilities and for weekly updates on the construction progress.

RFPRA Youth Basketball Season Begins Early – Register Now
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Youth Basketball season is starting early this year on Monday, December 8.  Registration is now open for boys and girls ages 5-14.  The registration fee is $45 for ages 5-6 and $65 for ages 7-14. As a new service to the public, participants can now register for youth basketball online at rfpra.com. The public is still welcome to register in-person at our main office located on 300 W. Third Street. Register now.

Register Now for Fall Break Camps posted Sep 11, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting several fall break camps October 6-10 to coincide with city and county school breaks. The recreation centers in Lindale, Garden Lakes and East Rome will host Hooray for Hollywood camps where kids will join RFPRA staff for an exciting week of red carpet activities including a talent show, celebrity ball, games, crafts and Popcorn Theater. Camps will run from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. The cost for a week of camp is $85 at the Anthony or Gilbreath Center and $45 at the Fielder Center. The registration deadline is Friday, September 19.  Register at the recreation center nearest you. For more information call Betsy Hampson at 706.291.0766 x 11.

Baseball and softball lovers are invited to register for Cage Days, a Fall Break baseball & softball Camp. Cage Days will be a hitting instruction camp filled with fun. Pizza, movies and games will compliment the hard work of the participants. This camp will be held at The Cage, RFPRA’s batting cage facility and is open to ages 6 -14.  The camp will run from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM and costs $43 for the week.  The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30. For more information call Daniel Stockdale at 706-291-0766 x 21.

Ridge Ferry Farmers Market – Final Weeks of 2008 Season posted Sep 11, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority Farmers Market will continue to sell locally grown fresh produce at the Ridge Ferry Farmers Market Pavilion until Saturday, October 4. The market runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Vendors sell locally grown produce, organic produce, baked goods, canned goods, jellies, herbs, fresh cut flowers and craft items.  The last day the market is open during the 2008 selling season is Saturday, October 4 and will reopen again in May 2009.

Free Outdoor Movie at Ridge Ferry Park posted Sep 8, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority invites the public to attend Horton Hears a Who, a free outdoor movie at Ridge Ferry Park on Saturday, September 27.  All ages will enjoy this popular animated feature, which is presented by Chick-fil-A Dwarf House, on our giant 30 foot screen.  Movie concessions, including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, will be available for sale when the gates open at 6 PM. The movie will start after sunset.  Bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating.  Coolers and pets are not allowed. For more information check events.

RFPRA Gymnastics Exhibition & Open-house posted Sep 4, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority (RFPRA) will host a gymnastics exhibition featuring our RFPRA team members who competed and won in the 2008 state and nationals championships.  The exhibition will be held at the Memorial Gym located beside Barron Stadium on West Third Street on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m.  The public is also invited to come early at 6:00 p.m. for an open-house to meet the winning gymnasts who competed in state and nationals and to learn more about gymnastic programs offered.

The RFPRA is proud of our gymnastic teams who won several placements at the State Level Meet including First Place State Champions for Prep-Op 1 and 2 teams.  The RFPRA sent twenty team members, the largest contingency to represent Georgia, to compete in the Nationals where twenty team members won 38 gold metals and eleven gymnasts achieved All-round National Champions. Gymnasts competed in floor, beam, vault and bars events. RFPRA coaches Karen Armstrong and Haley Murray coached our winning gymnasts to both State and Nationals. Get gymnastics program details.

RFPRA Announces Town Hall Meeting: Shannon Recreation Center Plans posted Aug 18, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to share plans for the new Shannon Recreation Center. The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 4 at the Shannon Park Scout Hut. Shannon residents and the public are invited to attend and learn more about the approved plans and construction timelines for the recreation center.

Northside Swim Center: Labor Day Admission Special postec Aug 25, 2008
The Northside Swim Center’s last day for public open swim is Labor Day, Monday, September 1. The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is offering a Last Day Swim Special: Buy One, Get One Free! Purchase one admission and receive one free admission. The pool will be open from 11 AM to 5 PM. The swim center will NOT be open the Saturday prior. The pool will close September 2 and will reopen next May. The Northside Swim Center is located on Kingston Ave NE at the corner of Church St. NE. Get pool details.

Fall Adult Softball – Last Week to Register Aug 22, 2008
Register now for Fall Adult Softball. Leagues are forming for Men’s Open, Men’s Church and Coed Open. All divisions offer 1-up HR, 3 HR, 0 HR Limits. The season starts September 15 and ends October 16. Team fee is $305 and player fee is $15 ($30 non-resident). Deadline for registration is Thursday, August 28. Visit rfpra.com for registration forms and league information or contact Sports Coordinator, Rick Haase, 706.291.0766. Get adult softball details.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Fall Baseball New Age Division Aug 5, 2008
RFPRA is now holding registration for the 2008 13-15 year old Fall Baseball program. The player age control is prior to May 1, 2008. The Registration fee is $65. Coaches and umpires are still needed. Register at the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority on 300 West Third Street by Monday, August 11, 2008. For more information contact Daniel Stockdale at 706-291-0766 ext 21. Get fall baseball details.

Barron Stadium Reopens July 31, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority has reopened Barron Stadium and Maddox Track to the public. The public is welcome to use the track during park hours from dawn to dusk, but is asked to refrain from walking in the field to allow the grass to continue to grow.  Renovations to both the field and stadium were completed in preparation for upcoming high school and college football as well as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championship.

Northside Swim Center Rental Dates Extended July 31, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority has extended available rental dates for the Northside Swim Center to include select weekday evenings in August. The swim center is available for private rentals between the hours of 5:30 – 8:30 PM, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from August 1 to August 28. All weekend dates are already booked. Northside Swim Center is located on Kingston Ave NE at the corner of Church St. NE. Get rates and details on pool rentals.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Prep Middle School League Registration is Open July 30, 2008
Teams and coaches must register now for the 2008 Prep Middle School Softball program. Teams  are formed from the middle schools that players attend. The 10 game season will begin on September 8th and will be played at Alto Park. Interested coaches and teams can contact Larry Powell at The Rome-Floyd Park and Recreation Authority at 706-291-0766 for more information.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Free Football Camp July 23, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting a free football camp for all registered Unified Football players this Saturday, July 28 at the Riverview Football Complex from 5 - 7 PM.  Coach Jones, Shorter College Head Coach, will facilitate the camp along with his coaching staff.  The camp will focus on game fundamentals with no contact drills.  Participants should wear t-shirts, shorts and cleats; no other equipment is needed. For more information contact Rick Haase at 706-291-0766 x 20.

Learn more about Unified Football.

Rome-Floyd Recreation and Sports Program Guide Now Available July 17, 2008
The Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority (RFPRA) invites the public to pick up the recently published program guide to get information on recreation and sports programs for the months of July through December 2008. Copies of The Guide are available at all RFPRA staffed facilities. The guide provides youth and adult registration and activity details on sports, recreation center programs, outdoor programs, special needs programs, parks facilities, rental facilities, and events.  

RFPRA Announces Town Hall Meeting: Youth Activities Incorporated July 2,2008
The Board of Directors of the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority  is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss Youth Activities Incorporated (YAI) at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 17 at the Senior Adult Recreation Center. YAI rents Riverview Park to facilitate the “Levee Baseball” program in March through July.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum to discuss this year’s playing season and to gain a better understanding of needs surrounding the program. The public is welcome to attend.