I transitioned into the Warner Park Facility Manager position on Monday, Oct. 9. I am excited about the opportunity to expand upon the great things in place here at Warner Park Community Recreation Center and strengthening community-wide relationships through collaboration, high quality recreation programs and community events that enhance the quality of life for all residents of the Northside.
By the time this edition reaches the community, I will have met with many of the Northside community leaders to learn about the incredible things your organizations are doing. If I haven’t had a chance to connect with you, please feel free to stop by the WPCRC or send me an email (tthompson@cityofmadison.com).
A little about myself: I am a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, with a B.S. in Recreation Management with a concentration in Parks and Recreation Management. Most people here have never heard of my school until I remind them that we are the school that upset Michigan in football in 2007. I moved to Madison in 2009 and have spent my 13-year professional career in the recreation field, with the last four years with Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR).
I am originally from Rock Hill, South Caroline, 20 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and home of the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets. I still root for my home teams so don’t be alarmed if you see me wearing Carolina Panthers gear. Rock Hill, South Carolina, is known as Football Town USA and home to current NFL stars Jadeveon Clowney and Jonathan Joseph of the Houston Texans, Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots, Benjamin Watson of the Baltimore Ravens, and Cordarrelle Patterson of the Oakland Raiders. A town of 70,000, Rock Hill is a hotbed of football talent and has produced 25 NFL athletes.
Enough about me. If you are inspired to hear more, just give me a ring and I can share the extended version with you.
As we transition into the holiday season, I want to share a few upcoming programs and activities we have at the WPCRC to help cure those winter blues.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, I encourage you to rent some snowshoes or take a hike in the Warner Park woods. Madison Parks Bird and Nature Walks are guided by local volunteers on the third Sunday of each month. Nature walks start at the Warner Park Rainbow Shelter. Ice skating and sledding are also great ways to experience Warner Park in the winter.
We will be hosting the 18th Annual Holiday Fest Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 am‒3 pm. Over 80 crafters will be selling their handmade goods. You can expect to see a variety of jewelry, baskets, garden art, cards, pottery, woodwork, baby gifts, soaps, balms, lotions, knitwear, paintings, home décor and more. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special someone or for yourself.
We will also continue to host the Warner Family Fun Nights throughout the winter. Come see us on Dec. 8 and Jan. 12 for a night of fun at the WPCRC. We will be focusing on holiday activities, family fitness and play, so make a note to try the activities from the MSCR Fit2Go Van, Imagination Playground, or the bouncy house.
Over the holiday break WPCRC will have limited hours. We will be closed Dec. 24‒25, open Dec. 26‒30 from 8 am‒6 pm, then closed again Dec. 31‒Jan. 1.
Happy Holidays and see you at Warner Park, where everyone is welcomed.