Parks and rec a big plus




Mary Henkel Judson

Mary Henkel Judson

Last month, South Jetty reporter Joe Martinez wrote a story about Sunset Sounds marking its 17th year. That, my friends, is only the tip of the iceberg known as the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department.

Sunset Sounds is but one of programs the department has been sponsoring for years. Birding on the Boardwalk is another one. The programs at the community park pool, such as water aerobics, add strength to the department that was revived to take on programming after an absence since the early 1980s due to budget constraints. The department was resurrected with the construction of the Port Aransas Community Park in the 1990s.

The programs run year round, but at a particularly frenetic pace during winter to accommodate our many winter visitors, and in summer to accommodate the youth of this community.

The parks and rec department strikes a great balance between providing programs for year round residents as well as our long-term visitors who contribute so much to our community. It offers activities for all ages and the focus is on fitness, creativity, the beauty of our environment and the lessons to be learned from it, the arts and more.

Elizabeth Villines was the first director of the reincarnated parks and rec department, and she is due credit for the Beach Walk Adventures, Sunset Sounds and more. She handed the baton to Gary Mysorski who ran with it – ran like the wind! Gary finished his lap and the baton now resides with David Hyde. All three directors have been supported by able assistants, notably Pam Greene who started her tenure with Mysorski and continues with Hyde. There are others – too many to name, but all who have added so much to the quality programming this department offers.

Between what is offered by parks and rec year round, JELM in fall and winter and all the other activities that Port Aransas offers from the beach to fishing, anyone who is bored lacks a pulse.

Parks and rec programs, as well as those offered by the JELM, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and others, add infinite value to the quality of life in Port Aransas, not only for residents but for visitors as well.

Kudos to the former city fathers who saw the merit in resurrecting the parks and rec department, and kudos to subsequent city councils who have seen the wisdom in maintaining not only a strong, but a vibrant parks and recreation department.

It makes Port Aransas a better place to live and play.

Mary Henkel Judson is editor and co-publisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at editor@portasouthjetty.com, (361) 749-5131 or P.O. Box 1117, Port Aransas, TX 78373.


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