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July 2008

Cobb Spawns Swimmers of Notoriety
Cobb County Parks' Aquatics program has reason to be proud. Two swimmers from their facilities have obtained international notoriety. Bryan Lundquist recently broke a world record in the 4 x 100 meter free relay at the World Swimming Championships in Manchester, England. He has now set his eyes on Beijing this summer. Kristine Polley, also of Cobb County, was recently featured in Swimming World, a monthly publication that all serious swimmers know and receive. Kristine has obtained two Olympic Trial cuts and is working on obtaining a third. She is being sought after by many colleges and universities.

Bryan and Kristine both are Cobb County Swimmers, getting their start with the Cobb County Summer Swim League and practicing at Cobb County aquatic facilities. Bryan also worked as a lifeguard for the Mountain View Aquatic Center. Bryan is a 2003 graduate of Lassiter High School and will be graduating from Auburn University this fall with a degree in Building Science. Kristine is currently attending Sprayberry High School with plans to swim in college.

The Cobb County aquatics program is nationally recognized as one of the best and received the 2007 National Recreation and Park Association's Excellence in Aquatics Award. Cobb has four indoor aquatic facilities located in Marietta, Northeast Cobb, West Cobb, and South Cobb, and two outdoor facilities in East Cobb and Powder Springs. You can learn more about Cobb's aquatic program here.

Gymnastics Center Participation More Than Doubles In Size

It has been one full year since the Cobb Gymnastic Center re-opened after a complete renovation, which doubled the size of the facility. With the increased size of the facility, more classes and programs have been offered to meet the needs of the community.  Prior to the renovation typical participation for the gymnastics lessons served about 450 each quarter registration period. This summer quarter the Gymnastics Center has registered over 1,100 participants, an increase of 244%.

The new gym is fully equipped with 2 floor exercise platforms and many of each gymnastics apparatus as well as 2 foam pits for practice landings. There are areas in the gym dedicated for pre-school classes; practice areas with low beams; tumble track; men’s high bars, rings and pummel horse: and many special training equipment items.

The Gymnastics Center offers classes from parent-tot programs through USA Gymnastics team competition.  For the summer session, there are still some classes that are still open.  Registration is available on-line or in person.  Gymnastics on-line registration is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week or you can register in person at the new center located a 540 Fairground Street in Marietta, Monday - Friday between 9:00am and 8:30pm or Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm. Call (770) 528-8475 for further information on the gymnastics program.

Nature Adventure Days

Natural Resource Management staff will be at East Cobb Park on the last Wednesday of the summer months for children and parents to enjoy guided nature walks, nature related activities and crafts. These Nature Adventure Days will be held 9:00am to noon on June 25 and July 30 at the East Cobb Park upper pavilion. Staff members will lead guided nature walks every 30 minutes. The last guided walk will leave the pavilion at 11:00am. You can also venture on your own with family or friends and complete the “Raccoon Ramble” - details available at the park. Other activities will be available. Walks will last approximately one hour. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Kaye Wilson at (770) 528-8824 or kaye.wilson@cobbcounty.org.

Showcase Your Talent at RARC

Ron Anderson Recreation Center presents… 'ShowTime at RARC'!!!  RARC is looking for all talents of all ages. The winners will receive a trophy and have a spotlight during our back to school bash. The majority of the proceeds from the talent show will be used to support Christmas in July.  The show will be held Friday, July 12, 2008 from 6:00pm–10:00pm.  The fee to enter is $3.  Admission to the show is $5 (ages 13 and up and $2.00 (ages 5-12).  Or, you can bring an unwrapped toy for free admission!!!  For more information please call the Ron Anderson Recreation Center at (770) 439-3611.  The deadline to enter the talent show is July 5, 2008.  If you are not participating, come out and enjoy the show!!!  It will be a fun and entertaining evening.

Summer Performance Camps for Kids

There is still time to register for summer performing arts camps at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta. For more information or to register, call (770) 528-8490.

ETC Camp is an energy-filled fun and educational camp for rising 3rd through 9th grade students who enjoy performing and want to be on stage. Campers should have equal interest in singing, dancing and acting. No experience is required — just high energy and enthusiasm. At the end of each camp week, on Friday evening, the campers will perform their show for family and friends.
Camp dates: July 7-11; 14-18; 21-25 , 9:00am - 12:30pm.
Cost: $80

Prompt Camp is a training camp where rising fifth through ninth grade participants develop the skills and discipline necessary to perform in musical theater. Campers will focus on vocal and dance techniques, stage presence and good audition pieces for musical theater. No experience is required, just a serious interest in perfecting performance skills. This is a great follow-up for ETC campers.
Camp dates: July 7-11; 14-18; 21-25, 1:00 - 3:30pm.
Cost: $40

Outdoor Pools Are Open For Business

The outdoor pools opened Memorial Weekend. The water is clean, clear and refreshing.

Sewell Pool is located at 2055 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta and Powder Springs Pool is located at 3899 Brownsville Road in Powder Springs. Both facilities still have swim lesson openings which you can register on-line or in person.

Indoor Aquatic Centers Have Swim Lessons Available

There are still openings in several swim classes at the indoor aquatic centers during July and August sessions.. It is best to call the center of your choice and inquire about the classes that are of interest to you.

All the Aquatics programs for indoor and outdoor pool at listed in the Front Row Magazine which can be viewed on the Department’s web site www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov.

Wright Environmental Education Center Open House
Come on in and explore the park.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the back deck.   
July 15 10:00am - 2:00pm
For more information, call (770) 528-8824

Staff Notes