Huntington honored as SI Sportstown

W.Va. community's Parks and Rec recognized for diverse programming

By Jody Woodman

Through programs that challenge the mind and body, the Greater Huntington (W.Va) Park and Recreation District has built a healthier population -- and for those efforts, it has been recgnized as the Sports Illustrated Sportstown for West Virginia.

“Huntington is all about supporting a healthy lifestyle by positioning sports as a way to reduce the high prevalence of chronic disease in the Tri-state area,” the SI Sportstown judging panel said in announcing Huntington's selection. “(By) teaching youth proper skill development and supporting volunteer training, Huntington has a sports lineup that is attractive to young and old as a way of building a healthy and happy community.”

Rick Abel, the GHPRD's deputy director, knows the strength of the organization's programs lies with the legion of residents who participate. In Huntington, each citizen is given a wide array of sports programs to choose from.

“Our goal is to provide opportunities to people that they can’t provide for themselves,” Abel said, noting that the department provides programs for both physical and emotional fitness. “We have a very dedicated staff that works weekends and evenings and holidays. We know no limits other than what (the public) demands.”

Falling within its jurisdiction is a youth roller hockey program and tennis program that Abel said are without peer statewide.

The roller hockey program moved into a new home at the Veteran’s Memorial Field House in May. In addition to a near NHL-size rink complete with dashing boards, the facility also features a new "Spider Tile" floor and has a seating capacity of 4,000.

The GHPRD tennis program boasts an 11-court home at Ritter Park, where countless state champions -- and Wimbledon competitor Jeff Morrison, who won his 2002 first round match at the elite tournament -- have trained.

Aside from these marquee programs, the GHPRD also continues to serve its residents in a variety of other ways. Abel emphasizes that what consitutes "recreation" varies from person to person, so there is a need for diversified programming to serve all the community's needs. Non-sports activities range from photography to painting and nature clubs to outdoor theatre.