May 2020
Newsletter
NEWS
Reopening Plan
The office at Stearns Gym is open 8:30-5 pm M-F. As of now, the gym is still closed to the public, as Phase 1 of the governor's reopening plan disallows sports with close contact. We will update the guidelines upon the beginning of Phase 2.

Questions or comments? Please give us a call or send us an email.
Adult Programs
While you might not be meeting with your adult sports groups right now, we would love to show off what you were doing! Wiffleball? Dodgeball? Let us know and we will spread the word!
Send an email with the contact person and a short description to recreation@polknc.org. We will connect you with interested people so that when restrictions are lifted, y'all can hit the ground running!
We are Still Seeking an Assistant Day Camp Coordinator
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and energetic Assistant Summer Day Camp Coordinator. This individual will assist in the management of the Summer Day Camp program, including supervision of staff, development and organization of the program activities, and communication with staff and parents. The position is part-time through May, and will then be full-time through August.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Interested? Go to:
http://www.polknc.org/quick_links/job_openings/index.php
 to download the application. Please turn in completed applications to the county manager's office.
Day Camp Counselors and Lifeguards needed!
The Polk County Recreation Department is still seeking seasonal help for the Summer Day Camp and Gibson Park Pool. Starting pay is $8.92/hour and the minimum age for employment is 16. For more information on being a Summer Day Camp Counselor, Click  HERE
For more information on being a lifeguard, Click  HERE

Go to:
http://www.polknc.org/quick_links/job_openings/index.php
 to download the application. Please turn in completed applications to the county manager's office.
AmeriCorps Trail Coordinator Position NOW OPEN for 2020-2021 Service Year!
The application cycle will be open until May 15. The position description can be found HERE.
For more information on Project Conserve or to apply, visit the Project Conserve website.
Program Updates
Homeschool Gym Meetup
If you would like to join us for a virtual meetup, please email recreation@polknc.org to be added to our email list for homeschool meetups. Each week, we have been "meeting" for 40 minutes to complete physical challenges, scavenger hunts, and show-and-tell.
Family Dance Party
Family Dance parties have been canceled for the rest of the school year. To have your own dance party at home, visit  the dance party website for a list of the playlists from past dance parties!
Sports Updates
Attention: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Kirby Cup has been postponed. As of now we are hoping to reschedule Kirby Cup to July. As we get more information pertaining to COVID-19 precautions, we will adjust accordingly and keep everyone updated on future plans. In the meantime, please continue to practice safe measurements in protecting yourself and loved ones! We miss you all!!!

Stay Updated about Polk Trails!
Trail Workdays
Phase 1 of NC reopening allows for volunteering, so Neal will be holding Trail Work Days at the Recreation Complex on the following days: 
May 14, May 20, May 23, May 26, May 28 from 9-12 am.

Please plan to work at least 6 feet apart and bring your own tools. Call Neal at 828-808-6928.

Let us know how you are safely staying active on our Trails Facebook page!
April Trails E-Meeting Notes
  • Most area trails are open, though bathroom facilities are closed.
  • All local organized hikes have been cancelled. If you are interested in recording yourself on a hike, pointing out things of interest as you would guiding a hike, email lbaird@polknc.org. We can post these on the Trails website or Facebook page.
  • We are planning summer camp and are seeking volunteers to pick one week to come hiking with us at an area trail. Email Laura if you are interested: lbaird@polknc.org.
  • Rec Complex Trail: most of the remaining work is bench-cutting. We are looking into renting a machine for a weekend to aid with the hard work.
  • Little White Oak Mt. Grants: The deadline for PARTF has been extended until June 1. The commissioners will be voting on the application on May 18, and information regarding the grant will be on our trails website for review.
  • Alexander's Ford: the new trail put in by NPS looks great, with markers on the trees denoting the National Historic Trail. It is not officially open yet, but should be soon. For the time being, equestrian use is not allowed, as there are some muddy spots that need to be fixed to make sure equestrian use is sustainable on the trail. If you have any input on allowing equestrian use in the future (whether it be yea or neigh), please email us to let us know your thoughts.
  • Tom Raymond/ICC Loop: Don and Mark cleared 7-8 trees from the loop but it could still use some tidying up. Let us know if you'd like to spend a few hours cleaning up the trail.
  • SCLT: the Youth Hike challenge can be completed on your own, since the community-led hikes have been suspended. Want to participate? Download the Activity Log HERE.
  • Green River Gamelands Trails: the bathroom facilities and the Big Bradley Falls trail are closed but the other trails are open. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that turkey hunting season is open until May 11...wear blaze orange and be mindful of hunters please.
  • The next trails meeting is May 25. Stay tuned for a reminder email. To be added to our trails newsletter email list, let us know!
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