Parks Department Reports Record August Golf Rounds, Youth Programs Participation

The Salina Parks and Recreation Department reported significant achievements in both golf participation and youth programming during the recent Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting.

According to Parks and Recreation staff, the municipal golf course experienced its highest number of August rounds in the past five years. Mike Hargrave, who oversees golf operations, provided this information during his report to the commission.

In addition to the record golf numbers, the First Tee youth golf program saw strong participation with 400 youth involved over the summer months.

Travis Scheele, Recreation Superintendent, noted that while August is typically the department's slowest month for recreation activities due to families preparing for the school year, youth programs continued to show strong participation numbers. Youth volleyball and soccer programs are currently gearing up with practices in preparation for their upcoming seasons.

The department also highlighted the success of the KSHSAA Coaching School, which returned for its second year and attracted over 500 coaches and vendors for the two-day event in Salina. The coaching school focuses on providing hands-on, practical demonstrations rather than classroom-style instruction.

Adult recreation programs are also showing positive trends, with adult softball numbers increasing. The department currently runs 29 teams across spring co-ed, late summer, and fall seasons. An adult kickball league has also been added to the department's offerings.