August 2023 - Mercer Savings Bank

This month’s Mercer Savings Bank Giving Mission recipient is the Rockford Recreation Association. The organization is a proud supporter of youth recreation activities for area competitors at Shanes Park in the Village of Rockford, Ohio. The Rockford Recreation Association is an independent, self-sustaining program supported by community volunteers, generous donations, and a dedicated board. Board Treasurer Jess Shaffer is one of ten local volunteers who shares her time and talents with the community. Learn more about the organization and find out how you can help support its mission. Bringing the Community Together at Shanes ParkThe Rockford Recreation Association holds spring, summer, and fall activities at Shanes Park, located on Front and Holly Streets. The association and board volunteers help maintain the baseball diamonds, purchasing equipment and making updates as needed, while the Village of Rockford staff take care of the grounds and facilities.“We get a lot of compliments on how well-maintained the park is,” said Shaffer. “The workers from the Village really do a great job mowing for us and trimming and spraying for weeds. It’s very beautiful.”Shaffer adds that the mission of the rec association is to bring the community together, not only to participate and watch the athletic games and tournaments but to enjoy the additional amenities Shanes Park offers.“We have a splash pad, and we have two different areas where the kids can play,” said Shaffer. “The community recently added a pickleball court that we helped fund. I think the park brings the community together.”Shanes Park features the following:● Four diamonds● Pickleball courts● Basketball courts● Playgrounds● Splashpad● Green space and trees● Convenient parking● Restored Shanes Log Cabin● Pavilion● Shelter house● Two rental facilitiesRockford Recreation Programs for Young AthletesRockford Recreation offers baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football programs for area youth. Here is a breakdown of the programs the association organizes:● Baseball and softball – T-ball (ages 3-5) up through 15 years old● Soccer – kindergarten through sixth grade● Flag football – first grade through sixth gradeLocal youth can also get involved with the association by working or volunteering in the concession stand, cleaning up before and after games, or dragging the diamonds.“I really enjoy working in the concession stand,” said Shaffer. “I just enjoy working with the kids, and I enjoy sports. I like to be involved and help out as much as possible.” Supporting the Rockford Recreation MissionThe Rockford Recreation Association depends on community involvement and donations to carry out its mission each year. The board is planning to add a fifth diamond to the park for their growing schedule of tournaments and games, but they’ll need additional funding and support to complete this Diamond 5 Project.“We started the Diamond 5 Project a few years ago but never finished it,” added Shaffer. “So, our plans this fall are to raise funds to get the fifth diamond ready and playable for games.Additional information about the Rockford Recreation Association can be found on their website and Facebook page, noted below. Website: https://www.rockfordrec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockfordRec If you are interested in the sports programs, volunteer opportunities, or donating funds, you can send a message through their Facebook page or the contact form on the website.

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Giving Mission Spotlight: Rockford Recreation Association

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