Photo by Ray Newton
Locals and visitors can’t complain about a lack of outdoor activities in which to participate during summer months — not if they check out what’s available through the City of Prescott Parks and Recreation Division. A review of the 2018 summer calendar reveals more than 20 events from mid-May to Sept. 1. More are scheduled well into the fall and winter months.
City-supported activities are directed at all ages from 5 years to adults in their 80s.
Softball seems to attract the most people. The proliferation of slow- and fast-pitch softball teams for girls, men and women demonstrates once again why Prescott is considered “Arizona’s Softball Capital.” Recreation Supervisor Rick Hormann and his staff calculate that more than 300 teams will be running bases at the many ballparks scattered throughout Prescott and surrounding communities.
“We’ll also have national tournaments,” Hormann said. “We’ve got more teams per capita than Tucson or Phoenix — the biggest program in Arizona.”
There’s baseball, too, including several tournaments that bring not only Arizona teams, but also some from adjacent states.
“We also have scheduled volleyball, soccer and pickleball programs,” he said. “In fact, our recently completed pickleball courts on Commerce Drive are the envy of several communities. Flagstaff is bringing a large contingent down for a major June 21-23 tournament.”
Hormann added, “These pickleball players are really gung ho.”
Though not officially a part of the city’s calendar of sporting events, Prescott Little League’s program will field 42 boys’ teams, ranging from tee-ball to coach-pitch, and the minor and major teams. In addition, the Little League is fielding three girls’ softball teams for the first time in the 68-year history of Little League in the area. Teams will partner with those from Prescott Valley and Chino Valley in scheduling.
Parks and Recreation Director Joe Baynes and Hormann credit recreation services small office staff with exceptional dedication in keeping all these programs scheduled and running smoothly. They also say they have the most well-maintained facilities in the state.
They also praised the seasonal staff and the volunteers — umpires, referees, scorekeepers and others — who make everything work.
“It’s the people in Prescott who make our community unique in its exceptional quality of life,” Hormann said.
A complete Calendar of Events is available online at prescott-az.gov/recreation-events or by calling 928-777-1556.
