Fall/Winter 2022 Director’s Letter

Letter from the Director

Fall is here, and winter is not far behind. As we wrap up a fantastic summer, that included a full days of camp programs, workouts in the park, amazing turnouts for our summer moonlight movies, and of course full return of Airway Heights Days, we are excited to be able to bring back a full slate of traditional activities that the community has always enjoyed. Free of any restrictions events such as the Trunk or Treat and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting are back to harness a greater sense of community, and help build healthy relationships by spending time with family, friends, and others in our community.  These special events strengthen relationships, bringing people from all walks of life together, building a stronger community identity and connecting members of the community together through shared experiences.  

This fall we will continue to charge forward, and move beyond the pandemic. This move will continue to bring a new set of challenges that we are all dealing with.  Families are feeling the pressures of uncertain economic times with the record inflation placing huge stresses on family finances and the threat of a potential recession raising those concerns even more.  Despite these issues the membership at the recreation center continues to pick up and the center is getting its energy back.  We are finally starting to feel like we are getting back to the vision we established prior to the outbreak of being the “heart of the community”.

The pages of this Activity Guide are full of programs new and old, that are sure to bring all community members of all ages together over the next four months. Our staff continue to find ways to create and build on programs, classes, and events that all residents, participants, members, and guests can enjoy. Our adult sports leagues are making a come back, fitness class participation ramping up, our Tot Time is seeing an expansion, and we are now back at Sunset Elementary before and after school for all our participating families.

After more than two years it finally feels like we are moving beyond the pandemic and getting back to a sense of normal. It is great to see participation numbers climb in many of our programs, as well as memberships here at the Rec Center.

More than anything we want to continue express our gratitude, and say thank you to everyone for your continued support and participation.  

J.C. Kennedy 

Parks & Recreation Director