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Bainbridge and Decatur County racquet director Marc Gonzalez recently told Bainbridge Lions about the many programs offered by the Bainbridge Decatur Recreation Authority. In addition to the seasonal sports programs for youth, Mr. Gonzalez is avidly working to expand opportunities for adults to enjoy the benefits of activities such as tennis and pickle ball.

Beginning on June 20, there will be two weeks of team sports camp for students ages 6 to 12, featuring soccer, football, basketball and baseball. Later, the Level Up Education and Tennis Academy will be scheduled to identify students in grades 2 to 8 who may be interested in the sport of tennis. This program focuses on academic excellence, community citizenship and athletic sportsmanship.

As Director of Tennis Center, a primary aim for Mr. Gonzalez is to connect people in the community with one another, and he sees the pleasant experience of shared sports activities as a route to developing that connection. In addition to the recognized health benefits of outdoor exercise, Mark knows that meeting up for games can be the setting for people to become acquainted and interested in each other, and to form lasting friendships.

Currently, Mr. Gonzalez has undertaken to make both tennis and pickle ball more readily available in Bainbridge. The “Tennis 1, 2, 3” program, sponsored by the U. S. Tennis Association, will be available to attract more local residents to become acquainted with the game. Sessions 1 of the program provides a basic introduction to the game, and a free tennis racket is included. The Session 2 provides information about game strategy, and Session 3 includes the experience of playing the game of tennis. Shower facilities and opportunity for cool down are included for participants in each session. To promote enjoyment of pickle ball, three new courts will soon be added to the two pickle ball courts available currently.

Mr. Gonzalez was attracted to Bainbridge because it is a small town with an active tennis community. He has enjoyed tennis as a pleasant and serious pursuit, and it has given him much satisfaction. Sharing the values of the Bainbridge Tennis Association, promoting tennis as an enjoyable, lifetime sport that contributes to good health, character and responsible citizenship, is more gratification for him.

For information about any of the activities available from the Bainbridge Decatur Recreation Department, just phone 248-2010.