UP's Parks And Rec Programs Are A Result Of Community Support

My wife and I have lived in University Place since 1968. Our two sons graduated from Curtis in 1978. During this time we have seen lots of changes, incorporation, growth, and now real economic pain among all of us.

Last year, in order to help support our Senior and Community Center with grants and funds that are only available to tax-exempt organizations, my wife and I began the difficult process to established a tax-free 501c3. Little did we realize that this effort would result in not only the opportunity to help support the Senior/ Community Center of University Place, but also all of the recreation programs and parks of our city.

In August of this year this 501c3 was granted tax-exempt status. UP Community Supported Parks and Recreation was now an entity.

The objective of my writing this column is not to raise funds, but to inform people in University Place on an ongoing basis about the activities, programs, and opportunities to participate as volunteers and participants. Or perhaps just enjoy our beautiful Parks in University Place.

To start this off, Youth Basketball League signups are in full swing. Now that the school construction is finished, the gyms are ready to go. Sign up deadline is Nov. 19th. Cost is $70 for UP residents and $75 for non-residents. Each player will receive a uniform, play in 8 games, and participate in a preseason jamboree. Practices start in December with games starting in January. Register online at www.cityofup.com or call the recreation department of University Place at 253-460-2530, or drop in at the recreation office at 3715 Bridgeport Way W. (Located in Windmill Village)

Thanks to a Pierce County Block Development grant, the University Place Senior/Community center is offering weekly transportation to its meal site program and bi-monthly transportation to local shopping centers. The city is using its 14-passenger shuttle to pick up seniors from their homes, take them to the designated destination, and return them to their front door. To qualify for this service, you must:

• Live within University Place or Fircrest city limits.
• Be independently mobile or aided by a care-giver. The bus driver cannot escort shoppers.
• You must be 61 year of age or older.

For more information to sign up call the University Place Senior Center at 253-564-1992.

In following columns I will be writing about:

Ski and Snowboard lessons are being offered at the Summit at Snoqualmie beginning in January 2011.

The 8th Daddy Daughter dance

Programs being run at Adriana Hess Park

Thanks for reading,

Jim