By Abbigail Vickery

The Luverne Parks and Recreation Department, a staple for activity in the community, has prepared for a busy and eventful summer for kids and adults alike. 

The department offers a number of sports during the summer, including tee ball, softball, baseball and an upcoming all-star tournament. 

Crenshaw County Commissioner and Interim Parks Director Merrill Sport said the various events that groups and individuals use E.L. Turner Park as a venue for — birthdays, car shows and even concerts — are just a few of the many ways the community uses the park and its facilities.

“We host any kind of event anybody wants to have there, and it’s no charge because it’s a public facility,” Sport said. “All they have to do is give me a date on it.”

City officials recognize the park’s importance to Luverne citizens, which is why there are multiple projects in the works to renovate existing buildings and bring new experiences to park-goers. 

Resurfacing of two pickleball courts, as well as the addition of a splash pad are two upcoming projects planned to launch in August. The park, however, offers other amenities that can be enjoyed while these new projects are in the works. 

For example, citizens can use the walking trail surrounding the entirety of the park. The trail also has a rubberized coating on top, making it less stressful on joints and more comfortable for patrons in general.

Not only does the park offer sports and a free venue for events, but it also serves as a place for families and friends to come together and for children to discover their passion for athletics. 

Victoria Pettus, an involved parent with the department’s youth-league sports, said the facility makes a positive impact on her family after her daughter started their tee ball program.

“[The park] helped my daughter gain the love of her sport, and it helped me a lot with coaching,” Pettus said. 

More information on The Luverne Parks and Recreation Department can be found on their website, https://luverne.org/departments/parks-recreation.html, or by calling Interim Parks Director Merrill Sport at (334) 535-0512.