Norris’ recreation committee continues to build community spirit
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Josh Anderson led a two-hour drama camp over the summer. - Crystal Huskey
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Adam and Elizabeth Gamble enjoy the Little Mermaid with their daughter, Holland Joy. It’s a family favorite. - Crystal Huskey
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Avery Butler toddles around with the help of her grandmother, Mary Jane Berry - Crystal Huskey
According to Norris Recreation Commission member Brianne Kibler, the commission’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for Norris residents by advocating for, planning, promoting, and evaluating Norris’ parks, recreational facilities, and recreational opportunities.
That includes a thriving free summer program for kids, a Firecracker 4K fun run on July 4, a small Halloween parade and an upcoming Turkey Trot 5K in November.
Some of their programs are in conjunction with the Betty Anne Jolley library in downtown Norris.
Library director Jenny Hefron has played a significant part in expanding recreational programming in the community.
“We have partnered with eager community members,” Kibler said, “and other Norris commissions that have volunteered their time and expertise with our children with the primary goal to educate and inspire them on the topic presented within the event.”
This year, their partnership with the library has resulted in a monthly movie night.
Last Saturday, they showed Disney’s the Little Mermaid on a large outdoor screen, to the delight of many Norris families.
“This type of programming is rare for a city of any size, especially our size, to offer almost 300 hours of recreational programming that is mostly cost free,” she said.
Over the summer, around 20 children attended every day. During certain events, like tie-dye T-shirt making and clay hands, attendance was around 100.
While the commission originally focused on early school-age children, it has grown over the last couple of years. The program now offers events that interests all ages, like slack lining, yoga and a drama camp.
Many community members volunteered their time. Norris Elementary’s art teacher Alison Greenhouse led the clay hands and tie-dye shirts activities. District 3 Commissioner Josh Anderson led a drama camp for the first time and had a large attendance.
Norris resident Pam Turner led a litter pick-up program through Keep Anderson County Beautiful, and many others offered their skills and services, according to Kibler.
As new families move to Norris, the recreation commission hopes to make everyone feel at home.