Get in touch
256.734.9157
info@cullmanrecreation.org
THIS IS
Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism is dedicated to improving quality of life through
exceptional parks, facilities, events, and recreational opportunities for all.
Conservation
Conservation is about ensuring the health of our environment to maintain healthy ecosystems, providing clean water and clean air, and preserving natural resources. At Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CPRST), conservation is one of the cornerstones of our foundation that guides our actions and activities!
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) believes that the quality of life for every person in every community is improved by clean, green, and accessible parks and open space, and, additionally, that park and recreation professionals should provide education and interpretation of the value of conservation to the public, connect children and youth to nature and the outdoors, and coordinate environmental stewardship with other public and nonprofit entities. These are positions that we strive toward at CPRST.
Conservation and the way that the community uses parks and open space has been shown to have economic benefits for the community, and the annual economic value of outdoor recreation nationally has been estimated at $730 billion! In Cullman, that value can be seen clearly at the Festhalle Farmers Market and Heritage Park, among many others.
Are you looking for ways to practice conservation on your own? Try using our refillable water bottle stations or taking advantage of recycling bins! You can also conserve natural resources at home in simple ways, such as using less water when showering or brushing your teeth, turning off lights after you leave a room, composting to convert your food scraps to help lessen the amount of waste and pollution produced by food waste, and managing your thermostat to help conserve energy in your home!
Social Equity
Social equity is about ensuring that everyone, no matter your income, race, age, interests, hobbies, or religion, has access to the benefits of parks and recreation. At Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CPRST), we pride ourselves on our inclusiveness, and we offer a multitude of programs, events, and facilities that anyone can enjoy.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) believes park and recreation agencies, through the provision of equal access to parks and recreation, should cultivate community ties through programs and services for all which produces public benefits by connecting people more deeply to the fabric of the community, and this is something that we strive toward at CPRST.
It has been shown that having access to nearby parks and recreation facilities is one of the factors that leads to higher levels of physical activity for people of all ages, and one of the ways that we help with this at CPRST is through our neighborhood and community parks that are all free for anyone to use. These small parks have playgrounds, picnic areas, baseball and soccer fields, and much more that are easily accessible no matter where you live in the city. These parks are also the home of our Just Play! program, which is a free weekly summer that features camp-style games, relays, scavenger hunts, slip-n-slides, water balloon games, and other organized activities.
Athletes of any skill level and ability can take advantage of the Field of Miracles at Chester Freeman Park, which provides a fun-filled, multi-use facility and a sports complex with three baseball or softball fields. The facility also includes the Miracle League Field that is used by the Miracle League. For individuals with physical, mental, social, or emotional limitations or abilities, CPRST offers a Therapeutic Recreation program that targets more than play and uses the power of recreation and leisure activities to support the rehabilitation process and promote overall wellness. The program features several events, activities, and ongoing programs throughout the year, and it is open to anyone with special needs of varying levels of all ages.
Social equity is all about changing your mindset to think about the needs of everyone rather than just your own needs, and CPRST is proud of our efforts in this area.
Health & Wellness
Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CPRST) is committed to making health & wellness a priority in the Cullman area. Obesity and overall wellness of the nation are at an all-time low, and Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation. This is truly an epidemic that is affecting overall quality of life in the state, and CPRST hopes to motivate and inspire the community to get out and live!
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) believes that the nation's public parks and recreation departments are leaders in improving overall health and wellness, and our organization is proud to have accessible indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, and health & wellness programming for all members of our community, including the Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center, Active Adult Center, Field of Miracles, and so much more!
Are you looking to stay healthy in your own life? Here are some healthy habits for a longer, happier life (from CancerConnect)!
- Keep moving! The body thrives on movement; consider using the walking track at CWAC.
- Eat well! Good nutrition is critical to optimal health.
- Manage stress! Stress is inevitable, but the key to managing it is learning to adapt.
- Maintain your brain! Maintaining cognitive function is critical to aging well, and the Active Adult Center has a ton of opportunities to help!
- Laugh more! A life without laughter is no life at all, and it's good for your health!
CPRST Foundation
The Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism Foundation exists to generate funds and support from the community for Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism’s various projects. The Foundation was integral in raising funds for such facilities as the Field of Miracles at Chester Freeman Park and Heritage Park. The Foundation consists of twenty members of the community that volunteer to increase the quality of life in Cullman through the parks and recreation department. Among other events and activities, the Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism Foundation plays a large role in the planning of both Dinner on First and John E. Hunt Golf Tournament.
The Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism Foundation is made up of Mark Aderhold, Hank Apel, Herbert Arnold, Beth Bownes-Johnson, Brian Dove, Cheri Drake, Wescoat Free, Dale Greer, Will Harding, Ben Harrison, Woody Jacobs, John Kress, Dr. Monte Ketchum, Zach Lee, Trent Lowry, Mike Manning, Jacob Mullins, Richard Orr, Ron Pierce, Dr. Benjamin Rogers, Kasey Schaffer, Peggy Smith, Bill St. John, Rusty Turner, and Lisa Weeks.
CPRST Board
The Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism Board meets the third Tuesday of every month. The CPRST Board is made up of the following members: Mark Aderhold, Herbert Arnold, Beth Bownes-Johnson, Will Harding, Trent Lowry, Richard Orr, & Rusty Turner.
The next Park Board meeting will be Tuesday, March 9, 2022 at noon at Central Office.
