Celebrating 15 Years of Service

This year marks 15 years of service as a full-scale Parks & Recreation Department here in Airway Heights. In January 2008, the city officially combined the two services of Recreation Services and parks maintenance, from two different City departments to form the Parks & Recreation Department. The bringing together of these two services under one department for the first time since the City was incorporated in 1955, paved the way for great things to Come. For the first time in the City’s history, dedicated staff to focus on key elements of making Airway Heights a healthier and connected community.

Since 2008, Airway Heights Parks & Recreation has been committed to “Creating Community and Quality of Life through People, Parks, and Programs”. The vision then (and now) centered around strengthening our community’s fabric, and health and well-being by creating places and opportunities for residents’ to recreate, enjoy family time, and seek true community engagement. Over the last 15 years Parks & Rec has accomplished some truly remarkable work. We’ve expanded the park system adding Landreth Park, Cleveland Park and Traditions Park, and over 5 miles of walking trails. Of course a crowning achievement for our community was the passing of the Rec Center bond in 2019, with a super majority vote, that opened the region’s premier health and recreation facility with an additional  5 acres of sports fields. The Recreation Center has provided an incredible opportunity to expand health and recreational offerings to the entire West Plains community. 

In 15 years, Airway Heights Parks & Recreation has been able to offer some amazing programs focused on leading healthy and active lifestyles, enhancing community connection and creating pride throughout our community. The future is bright, and focus will remain on building traditions that bring the community together and creating memorable experiences that will be treasured by residents for a lifetime. As the city continues to grow, we will continue to look to find ways to expand our services to meet the evolving needs and interests of our residents and Members. We understand fully that the success we have had over our first15 years is based solely on the support that we have received from our residents and community partners.

Thank you all for a an amazing 15 years and look forward to what the next 15 years have in store.