A series of exercise videos and social media activities designed to keep community members active during the coronavirus outbreak have been introduced by officials from the Bristol, Tennessee Department of Parks and Recreation, along with a reminder that more than 30 scenic city parks remain open to the public.
“When we made the decision to close the Slater Community Center in the interest of public safety, we immediately realized that about 500 community members who participate in more than two dozen exercise classes each week would be impacted,” said Recreation Superintendent Mike Musick. “To keep them active, we created a series of exercise videos featuring some of their favorite Slater fitness instructors.”
The videos are available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watchBTNTV and are being shown periodically on the City’s BTN-TV, available to BTES cable subscribers on channel 16 and to Charter/Spectrum subscribers on channel 192. Program specialist Becky Olinger leads the first series of 15-minute videos, which include a varying levels of cardio workouts and chair aerobics. Musick and Recreation Programmer Karen McCook also are featured in the videos, demonstrating ways the exercises can be modified for every fitness level. A series of yoga videos will be added next.
And while Slater Community Center and the Steele Creek Nature Center are currently closed, all City parks remain open to the public, said Parks & Recreation Director Terry Napier. Gate fees at Steele Creek Park are currently being waived, allowing the public to enter for free, and Steele Creek Golf Course is operating during regular business hours with standard fees. The only change is that shelter and equipment rentals, including golf carts, have been suspended, he said.
“This is the perfect time of year to get outside and experience all that Bristol’s parks have to offer,” Napier said. “Take a hike through Steele Creek, play a round of golf, walk your dog at Charlie Robinette Bark Park, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the changing seasons at any of the other three dozen parks located within the City. Our buildings are closed, but some of our greatest community resources remain open.”
A full list of City parks and the amenities featured at each is available at www.bristoltn.org/parks.
For those with a creative streak, the department recently announced an Easter Egg Art Contest for community members of all ages. To enter, create an egg using the materials and medium of your choice, take a digital photo, and attach the photo to the entry form. Winners in a variety of categories will be awarded prizes bearing the city’s brand logo. Additional details are available at www.bristoltn.org/eggcontest.
Facebook users are invited to share an uplifting message in sidewalk chalk this weekend through the Chalk the Walk event. You may find details on the City’s website at https://www.facebook.com/CityBristolTN A Quarantine-o-ween event will be announced Sunday on the City’s Facebook page.
For additional information about these and other programs offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation, please call (423) 764-4023.
