Gymnastics Center Re-Opens After Major Renovation and Expansion

The fully renovated and expanded Cobb Gymnastics Center reopened after Memorial Weekend. The building has been extended and will include 7,300 square feet with additional program area, new offices, concession area, restrooms, lobby and mezzanine spectator area. The additional floor area will enable the County to expand the gymnastics class offerings and competitive team opportunities. The summer programs are listed in the Front Row Magazine.

Cobb to Host Festival Rhythmic Gymnastics National Championships and USA Gymfest

Special Olympics GA-Cobb and USA Gymnastics are hosting the Festival Rhythmic Gymnastics National Championships and the USA National Gymfest on June 8-10 in Marietta, Ga. In conjunction with the competition, Special Olympics North America is sponsoring a Rhythmic Gymnastics Coaches Workshop. Over 200 athletes from all over the United States to compete in this event. Opening Ceremonies and a Welcome Party will be held on Friday, June 8 at Lost Mountain Park Ward Recreation Center at 7:00pm. The competition will be held at Harrison High School Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Special Olympian athletes with unified partners will compete in this competition. The competition will give special Olympian athletes the opportunity to compete with typical gymnasts and meet friends from all over the United States. Cobb athletes have been training under Coaches Cindy Bickman and Joey Burgess at the Chattooga School of Gymnastics.

Sweat Mountain Park Named 'Best Dog Park in Summer' by Atlanta Magazine

"One of the largest public parks in the metro area, Sweat Mountain is almost all shade, making this the perfect place for dogs in the summer-time - especially if they are easily overheated or especially furry." 

Atlanta Magazine - June 2007    more info

Super Summer Art & Music Celebration at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

Open your eyes and ears and get ready to be dazzled by the best of Atlanta's arts scene. The Super Summer Art & Music Celebration at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre takes place on Saturday, June 30th from 4:00 - 10:00pm. This premier art and music festival is a fun, family - friendly, free event that treats you to an evening of the arts, including artistic demonstrations, performing arts including song and dance numbers by local performers, the Atlanta Workshop Players, the Broadway Dreams Foundation, and more.

There will also be a Children's Creative Corner and Play Pavilion, an artists' market and live music featuring trumpet player extraordinaire Joey Sommerville and his exceptional band. Joining Joey will be special guests Ron James and Alex Lattimore, recent winners of the Future of Jazz Competition.

Admission is free and reserved tables for four is available for the concert at a cost of

$25.00 with all proceeds collected benefiting the programs and events offered by the South Cobb Arts Alliance.

U.S Paralympic Track and Field Championships to be Held in Cobb

The world's top Paralympic track & field athletes will be in Cobb June 30-July 2, 2007, to compete at the 2007 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships at Marietta High School.  BlazeSports America will host the competition.  Over 200 athletes with physical disabilities will be competing representing over 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, and several European countries.  This competition is the sole qualifying event the Parapan American Games Rio 2007, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, August 12-19.  Many volunteers are needed to help make this event a success.  If you would like to become a volunteer for this prestigious event, please call Brandy Fraly at (770) 850-1516.

Harrison Tennis Center Selected To Host National Prototype Program

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has selected Cobb's Harrison Tennis Center as a national facility to roll out their new 36/60 youth tennis program.  The 36/60 is the working title that relates to the dimensions of the courts.  The courts are small size and the balls are foam rubber or sponge like.  This program is scheduled to roll out nationally at the US Open in September.  The program offers instruction and league play for ages 6 and under and ages 8 and under children.  Each of the Cobb Tennis Centers will be offering this new program.  The smaller court and modified ball enable children to learn to play very quickly.  Contact any of the Cobb Tennis Centers for more information about this exciting program.

Ron Anderson Recreation Center To Open This Summer
The Ron Anderson Community Center is a well known gathering place for family and friends in the Powder Springs community. The center has served as the site for weddings, banquets and family reunions for many years. Now, thanks to a partnership between the City of Powder Springs and Cobb County, the Ron Anderson Community Center is being transformed into a full-fledged recreation center. The new Ron Anderson Recreation Center will be a 25,000 square-foot facility that will include a large gymnasium, a game room, multi-purpose activity rooms and meeting space. The old community center has been incorporated into the new design and will continue to serve as a place for meetings and family gatherings.

Programs planned for the new center will include summer and holiday camps; youth, teen and adult classes; special events; tournaments and a youth basketball/cheerleading program. Community input on programming ideas will be a welcome part of the operating philosophy. The facility will also be available for rentals. Join us this summer as we cut the ribbon and start the fun at the new Ron Anderson Recreation Center!!!!

Parks Bond Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings Announced
Listed below are the meetings that have been set by the Committee:

• June 18 at 7:00pm

All meetings are held in the 3rd Floor Board of Commissioners Conference Room. 

Larry Bell Park Track Renovation

The Larry Bell Park Complex includes a 440 yard asphalt track which has long been popular among runners, walkers, and joggers.  A small stream is piped beneath the length of the track.  This metal pipe has deteriorated over the years and has to be removed and replaced, forcing the temporary closure of the track.  This construction project and necessary closure has given the department the opportunity to make some welcomed improvements that will give the area more of a passive park setting.  Current plans include installing a rubberized surface on the asphalt track, grading, grassing and adding a new pathway across the interior of the track oval, planting new trees, upgrade of the lighting, and adding one or more pavilions with picnic tables. These improvements are scheduled to be completed by August 1st.  A second phase of the project will include expanding the walking track with trail segments meandering around the tennis courts and adjacent to the wooded area to the south of the track.

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