Sports and Leisure - Coweta Living 2010-2011

Sports andLeisure

A publication of The Times-Herald

[Sports & Leisure]

70 Coweta Living 2010-11

Wherever you live inCoweta, there’s

a rec departmentfacility nearby

By Alex McRae

70-79_sports_leisure 7/26/10 10:17 AM Page 70

reat

shopping,

fine dining

and a wealth

of lifestyle

choices aren’t

the only

reasons thousands of

newcomers have flocked to Coweta

County in recent years. A well-

rounded community also offers first-

rate recreational opportunities and

Coweta has something for every

member of the family.

As the summer of 2010

began, local kids were thrilled

when the county’s newest

recreational offering – the

Lynch Park Pool – opened to the

Coweta Living 2010-11 71

Falcons defender AustinO'Brien reaches out to

get a hand on Titansrunning back Graden

Treadwell during the 11-12-year-old Super Bowl

game at the CowetaCounty Recreation

Department last fall.

70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM Page 71


[Sports & Leisure]

The water slide is without a doubt themost popular attraction at the newLynch Park Pool.



public in downtown Newnan.

The pool’s water slide became

an instant hit and youngsters and

adults alike quickly learned to love

cooling off under the

mushroom water fountain

or swimming laps to stay

in shape.

“We tried to design it

to accommodate different

users and activities,” said

Cleatus Phillips, Newnan’s

director of Community

Development. “We tried

to make it versatile.”

The Lynch Park Pool

is open from 1 p.m. to 7

p.m. on weekdays, from 11

a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday

and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, making it

easy to work off a few of those

Sunday dinner calories.

Swimming lessons are offered

on Tuesday and Thursday mornings,

and grownups can enjoy adult-only

swims each Friday morning. The

pool may also be rented for private

Saturday evening parties.

Team sports are also a major

focus of local recreational offerings.

Sports facilities including football

fields, softball fields and baseball

diamonds are spread across the

county and walking trails are

available at many venues.

“No matter where you live in

Coweta County, there is a

recreational facility close to

you,” said Carl McKnight,

director of the Coweta

County Parks and Recreation

Department. “We ask what

people want and then try to

provide it. We have

thousands of people taking

part in programs sponsored

by the county recreation

department every year.”

The Temple Avenue

Complex, located on

Hospital Road, caters to

those seeking to stay fit or

looking to have fun. The complex

features a gymnasium, meeting

rooms, a kitchen, three tennis

courts, one football field, seven

baseball fields, one softball field, an

[Sports & Leisure]

Experience a unique and

memorable day filled with fun,

excitement, good food and more!

Our goal is to put asmile on your face and bring back

simple childhood memories!

Just a short drive away!Call for additional information.

The fun starts with your call!

Wholesome Family Fun!Wholesome Family Fun!Wholesome Family Fun! 706-663-7400

Melanie Gramling, program director for theswimming pool at Willie Lynch Park, shows off thenew pool's mushroom water feature.


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softball fields, a special needs field,

four youth baseball/softball fields, a

walking trail and two tennis courts.

The Clay-Wood Community

Center, located at 135 Heery Rd. on

Coweta’s west side, is a full-service

community facility that includes a

learning lab, conference room,

kitchen and large meeting room.

Recreational areas include a

gymnasium with a weight room,

locker rooms and a basketball court.

Outdoor amenities include a

playground, two tennis courts, a

basketball court and a pavilion with

picnic tables.

Team sports for children age 4

through adults are offered through

both the Parks and Recreation

Department and volunteer, non-

profit organizations who partner

with the county to use local facilities.

Team sports include T-Ball, YAA

baseball (formerly Pony League),

Little League, AABC baseball,

basketball, men’s and women’s

softball, flag and tackle football,

cheerleading, soccer and volleyball.

outdoor pavilion, the Tommy

Thompson Senior Center and the Art

House.

The Complex’s Johnny Brown

Center offers a large space for

meetings and classes, including dog

obedience, square dance and baton

instruction.

The Hunter Complex on east

Highway 16 offers three football

fields, a gymnasium, two adult

[Sports & Leisure]

A free basketball camp for youthwas held at the Clay-WoodCenter in December withinstruction provided by membersof the University of West GeorgiaWolves basketball team.

The 9-10-year-old Spurs basketball team played in the CowetaRecreation Department’s winter league. Team members included, atfront, Frances Powell, Jocilyn Burston, April Peek, Kaylen Madrey; andat back,Coach André Sparks, Amelia Smith, Miranda Hill, Alexis Estradaand Kenyia Morrow.



“We know how important

offering good recreational facilities

are and we make an effort to give

people what they want,” said

McKnight. “And we don’t just settle

for what’s in place. We are always

ready to provide new activities and

courses when we see the need. I

think we’ve done a good job of that.

When it comes to recreation, we

really feel like we can offer

something for everyone.”

Mommy & Me courses and

classes in art, dance, karate and

kickboxing are also offered through

the county. For more information

about county recreation programs,

call 770-254-3750 or 770-254-3740.

Those who prefer to spend their

leisure time in the great outdoors

will want to take advantage of the

new 3,300-acre Chattahoochee Bend

State Park, which is currently under

construction in north Coweta along

the banks of the Chattahoochee

River.

Chattahoochee Bend is the sixth

largest park in the Georgia parks

system and the first new state park

built in Georgia in 40 years.

Miles of hiking trails are already

being cleared and when completed,

the park will also include a visitor

center and camping options that

include RV camping, platform and

pioneer camping. There will also be

areas for daily use, a playground, a

boat ramp and residences for park

staff.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park

is scheduled to officially open in July

2011, and state employees and

volunteers are working each day to

make sure it does.

If recreational activities are an

important part of your active

lifestyle, you won’t find life any

better than right here in Coweta

County.

[Sports & Leisure]

The Asa M.Powell, Sr.

Expo Center is located

on Temple Avenue

in Newnan ...

...and the

Coweta County Fairgrounds

and Conference Center

is located on

Pine Road in Newnan.

For information on booking callKaren Beatenbough at the Fairgrounds (770-254-2685) or Patricia Hood (770-252-6429) at the Expo Center.

The Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Center275 Pine Road, Newnan

The Asa M. Powell, Sr.Expo Center

197 Temple Ave., Newnan

Coweta County has twopopular facilities for residents to host

weddings, receptions, banquets,birthday parties, family reunions, meetings

and more!

www.coweta.ga.us

Recent dog obedienceclass graduates at theCoweta RecreationDepartment included,from left, JacobMcIntyre and Sirus,Debbie Martin and Thorr,George Hart and Jake,and John Hallam andLula.

70-79_sports_leisure 7/21/10 7:11 PM 5

http://www.coweta.ga.us


meaning, there are grandpas who

could double bagel (6-0, 6-0) their

grandsons and it happens all the

time. In tennis, youth doesn’t

necessarily matter because if you

practice you can continually improve

your game, adding variety and

incorporating strategies.

Finding ways to play is easy. There

are several recreational leagues:

• Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association

(ALTA) altatennis.org

• The United States Tennis

Association (USTA)

ustasoutherncrescent.com

• Beyond Atlanta Ladies League

(BALL) balltennis.net

• T2Tennis t2tennis.com

• K Swiss Tennis

ultimatetennis.com

Not ready to join a tennis team?

Some local facilities offer lessons,

round robins, drills and clinics, as well

as social tournaments. Places to play:

Summit Family YMCA

1765 Highway 34 East

Newnan, Georgia 30265

770-254-5933

Newnan Country Club

1356 Highway 29 North


770-253-9856

Canongate

924 Shaw Road

Sharpsburg, Georgia 30277

770-463-3342

Coweta County Parks and Recreation

39 Hospital Road


770-254-3750

So if you’re not playing tennis

now, and want to, there’s no excuse.

Grab your racquet (even if it’s dusty

and hidden in your garage), a can of

balls, and head to the courts. Bring a

buddy (or not). Either way, there are

people who would love to meet you.

The author and her daughter,

Anna Marie, are also active members

of the United States Tennis Association.

een anyone toting a

racquet lately? With metro

Atlanta having been

dubbed the “Tennis

Capital of the World,” it

should be no surprise to see

people ranging in age from eight to

eighty playing tennis all over Coweta

County. It’s a trend that’s growing.

Some of your friends and neighbors

already know the secret—tennis is a

perfect way to get fit, meet new

people, have fun, socialize and learn

the value of teamwork. Tennis has

been called the sport of a lifetime.

This game can change your life!

Seriously, tennis is a sport for

everyone, no matter your age or skill

level. Beginning players need not

worry about being zonked by a ringer

(advanced tennis player), because

happily, there are leagues for those

just starting to play as well as ones

that cater to teaching pros and ex-

collegiate players. Oftentimes skill

has nothing to do with age –

[Sports & Leisure]

Played since: I played in highschool in Faribault, Minn. Then,in 2008, ALTA and USTAleagues.

Reasons I play: Began playingagain in 2008 when my little girlstarted kindergarten and mylittle boy started preschool. Ifinally had some extra time onmy hands and wanted achange from my regularworkout routine.

Favorite tennis memory: My

Thuy Hollenbeckdad taking my five brothersand me to the courts to playwhen I was about 5 or 6. Hesaid he would take us to DairyQueen afterwards if we playedwell. We would always go,even if I didn’t hit one ball overthe net!

Favorite player on the pro tourand why: Lleyton Hewitt.Because he is really hot. ElenaDementieva. Because of herpowerful and pretty groundstrokes.

A ‘Love’ for Tennis in CowetaBy Kimberly Campbell



Favorite shot to hit: Forehanddown the line and inside outforehand, but anything overthe net and in is good too!

Tennis philosophy: Smile. It’s justtennis.

Age: 36

Racquet: Head

Level: 4.0 USTA

Home Court: SummerGrove

Played since: 1989, in highschool at Georgia MilitaryPrep School. I went on toplay at the Georgia MilitaryCollege.

Reasons I play: When I wasyounger and living in SaudiArabia, I never touched atennis racquet but I

watched every match ontelevision. I learned how to playjust by watching. The game hasalways interested me. Now thatI am PTR Certified (professionallevel), I love coaching kids andbeing able to give them theopportunity to be taughtproperly – something I neverhad.

Favorite tennis memory: In 2010,I hung out with Jennifer Capriatiin South Beach, Fla.

Favorite player on the pro tourand why: Roger Federer.Because of the legacy (16Grand Slam singles titles . . .

[Sports & Leisure]

St i l l Bu i ld ing Legends. . .One At a Time

and counting).

Favorite shot to hit: Forehand –when I want to hit hard andend the point.

Tennis philosophy: Stay cooland calm. Don’t let themoment get you too workedup.

Age: 36

Racquet: Babolat

Level: 4.0 USTA

Home Court: Summit FamilyYMCA

Mubashir Anwar


http://www.teamsewellmarine.com


Played since: Early 1980swith my wife, Gail. Weused wooden racquetsback then, and playedjust for fun. When weretired, we took drills andthen joined USTA andALTA teams in 2006.

Reasons I play: At mywife’s urging! Also, for theexercise, friendship andcamaraderie. I genuinelyenjoy the game.

Favorite tennis memory:Winning my first men’sdoubles match. Also,winning a tough three-setmatch with Gail againsttwo 20-year-olds!

[Sports & Leisure]

51-A Market Square Road, Newnan, Georgia

CRESCENTVETERINARYHOSPITAL

770-304-8900www.CrescentVet.com

A Full Service Animal Hospital

For All Your Pet’s Needs

Accredited Practice

at SummerGrove

Since 1979

SPORTING GOODS

77 Turkey Creek Rd.

Newnan, Georgia

770-251-0418

770-683-LOGOWe are located in the Marathon Shopping Plaza along

with Dunkin Donuts & Subway. Just East of I-85.

Butch Jones

KatieDavis

country but tennis is myfavorite! There is nothingbetter then a beautifulspring day on the tenniscourt with friends! It’s asport that I really enjoyand always have.

Favorite tennis memory:Elizabeth Rand and I were10 and about to start aUSTA doubles match. Wewere playing older girlsand were pretty nervous.

When Elizabeth opened the canof balls, she cut her hand. Shestarted bleeding and had tobandage her hand beforeplaying. This made us even morenervous, but we were able to winthe match. We are doublespartners on the Newnan HighSchool tennis team and still laugh

Played since: I was five yearsold. My mom and dad bothenjoy playing so I learned howat a young age.

Reasons I play: Sports havebeen important to me mywhole life. I have playedsoccer, volleyball and run cross


http://www.crescentvet.com


EverythingHappens Here!

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2010 Princess Cruises, Ships of Bermudan registry.

Call Uniglobe McIntosh Travel for industry best rates.

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about it while opening the can before ourmatches. My other favorite memory iswinning the Molly Shepard tennis tournamentwhen I was 13 years old at Newnan CountryClub on the hottest day ever – about 97degrees!

Favorite player on the pro tour and why:Novak Djokovic. He is an amazing player andis very competitive. To me, what sets himapart from the other great players is his witand sense of humor. I think his impersonationsof other pro tennis players are hilarious.

Favorite shot to hit: Forehand down the line.In doubles this shot is a definite winner nearlyevery time if you have the confidence to gofor it.

Tennis philosophy: Stay positive. Chances arethat getting angry will only make thingsworse. Make your opponent beat you; neverbeat yourself.

Age: 17

Racquet: Prince 03 Red

Level: Advanced (junior)

Home Courts: Newnan Country Club andNewnan High School

Favorite player on the pro tour andwhy: Roger Federer. Because of hisattitude and character.

Favorite shot to hit: Anything that hitsin the court!

Tennis philosophy: I’ve never gottena check after any match. It’s all forfun. My wife has taught me thethree C’s: Be cool. Be calm. Becollected. That’s me!

Age: 70

Racquet: Wilson

Level: 3.0 USTA

Home Court: White Oak subdivision

70-79_sports_leisure 7/22/10 10:45 AM Page 79

http://www.mainstreetnewnan.com

http://www.uniglobemcintosh.com

Sports and Leisure - Coweta Living 2010-2011

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