Looking for something fun to do? The Norwood Parks and Recreation District has you covered, bringing the community together with a variety of recreational facilities and programs for all ages to enjoy. The organization plays a huge part in promoting physical activity, social engagement, and outdoor experiences, creating spaces where community members can connect and unwind.
NPRD operates with a small team, consisting of one part-time staff member and a contracted administrator, while community volunteers play a vital role in its success. The Board of Directors currently includes three members, with one seat vacant.
“The people who live and work in and around Wrights Mesa all love having access to outdoor recreation, as well as a community of like-minded people around them,” stated Liza Tanguay, President of the Board of Directors for Norwood Park and Recreation District.
“Having the special District offers a way for people who want to enhance their recreational options to come together, and to make the most of our resources, for the benefit of all. This also includes enjoying simple pastimes and the creativity found in music, theater, and art.
The District was formed in 2009. Since then, it has collaborated with a variety of organizations to provide an ice rink at the fairgrounds (since 2010), complete the high school baseball fields (2012), support the Norwood Nordic Association’s trails grooming and programs (since 2012), develop the Burn Canyon trails (2016), and purchase the Livery (2018) and Oliver House (2022) as a public asset. In addition, the organization has set up the 9-hole practice Disc Golf Course in town (2019), incorporate Wide Sky Arts Collective in support of the arts (2020), develop plans for interconnecting trails from Thunder Trails to Beaver Park (2022), and maintain and operate the Charlie Fowler Memorial Climbing Wall (2016-2020, reopened 2023). Most recently, NPRD initiated the free summer music concerts, Music on the Mesa.
Over the years, NPRD has provided the community with a selection of programs for youth and adults, including youth soccer, roller hockey, middle-school climbing team, pickleball, family Nordic skiing & skate skiing clinics, community theater, live music events, social events, and in 2023-24 the Try It Tuesday series.
Since 2017, the District has maintained the Oliver House, which currently has offices for local family and social services as well as space for meetings and small gatherings. The Livery & Yard has a stage and dance floor. It is used for community events and is available to rent for larger gatherings like large birthday parties, seasonal celebrations, and reunions.
“Collaborations have made many of the District’s accomplishments possible. We do not stand alone but have enjoyed the synergy of so many shared outcomes,” Liza commented.
“The Master Plan for NPRD was being updated when the 2020 Pandemic shut-down disrupted all we were doing.” Liza continued. “But this March, we took a new survey of constituents and are now ready to approach the Master Plan Update again. We’d love to hear from the people who want to help shape the next 10-15 years of the Norwood Park and Recreation District by being part of that rewrite. One need not be Director-qualified for this.”
To find out more about what the Norwood Park and Recreation District has to offer or the open position, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/norwoodrec or the website at www.norwoodparkandrec.org.