As our summer season draws to an end, I am hopeful that you and your family have taken advantage of the many recreational opportunities available in Pocatello. As Fall approaches, your Parks & Recreation Department is excited about the programs and activities we are able to provide to the residents and visitors to the area. Look through this publication, I am sure you can find something of interest.

As I prepared for writing this article, I was reflecting on exactly what parks & recreation means to people. Each of you will have different thoughts – children climbing on a playground, a softball game, a round of golf with friends, or perhaps casting that fly line at your “secret spot” – but it also means more than that. Parks and recreation is fun and enjoyment but it goes beyond just fun. It is fundamental

to the quality of life of people, communities, and our society as a whole.
Joseph Lee, the father of the American playground movement, said “Play for adults is recreation
– the renewal of life; for children it is growth – the gaining of life”. As I look at our parks, facilities, programs and services offered by your Parks and Recreation and then see youngsters playing a Knothole baseball game, children at “Zoo Buddies”, rock climbing in Ross Park, families picnicking or enjoying a day at the Aquatics Complex, or a child’s first experience at the new Brooklyn’s “playground for all abilities” – I actually understand what Joseph Lee meant by his quote.

Recreation brings meaning, purpose, and pleasure to people’s lives. It contributes to both the years in one’s life and well as the life in those years. Parks and recreation play an integral role in providing opportunities for people, families, neighbors, and communities, such as Pocatello and Chubbuck, to interact with one another. Providing, preserving, and protecting parks and open space enhance the desirability of a community as well as contributing to the safety and health of its residents. The benefits of parks and recreation are truly endless! So I encourage you to get active and take advantage of the many excellent opportunities available and provided by the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department.

Sincerely,
Jerry Sepich, CPRP
Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Pocatello