Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Tying into the nationally-recognized Parks & Recreation month, the City of Hattiesburg is kicking it up a few notches with “Play Hattiesburg!,” an entire week (July 17 – July 21) dedicated to celebrating the programs and divisions of the Parks & Recreation Department.

Beginning with a proclamation by Mayor Toby Barker on Monday, July 17, the department will host more than 10 events to highlight programming offerings for all ages.

“This week’s objective is twofold,” said Betsy Mercier, interim director of Parks & Recreation. “We want to showcase the capacity of our programmers throughout the year with a variety of events for all ages; and, we also want to highlight each of our divisions that serve our community in a lot of ways.”

In addition to weekly classes and community pool schedules, Play Hattiesburg! Week includes:

Monday, July 17

Parks & Recreation Week Proclamation, front steps of Jackie Dole Community Center – 11 a.m.
Lunchtime Yoga, at Ben McNair Center – Noon
Workout in the Park, Beverly Hills Walking Trail – 6 p.m.
Pools open 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 18

Jewelry Class, at Hattiesburg Community Arts Center (event for all ages, including a station for children), 10 a.m.
Community Kickball, at Eastside Park, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 19

Community Clean-Up, at Duncan Lake Park, 8 a.m.
Chalk Walk, at Chain Park, 4:30 p.m.
Sips and Steps, Couples Dancing Lesson at Community Arts Center, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Pools open 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 20

Senior Bingo Breakfast, at Sigler Center, 9 a.m.
Field Day Activities, at Thames Track, 1 p.m.
Movies in the Park, at Town Square Park (featuring “Luca”), 7 p.m.

Friday, July 21

Mommy & Me Book Reading, at Oseola Park (for ages newborn to 5), 10 a.m.
Summer Camp Art Show, at Hattiesburg Community Arts Center, 5:30 p.m.
Pools open 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.

“Our Parks & Recreation Department services the quality-of-life offerings throughout our city – from maintaining our ballfields, parks and green spaces to servicing our community centers and beyond,” said Barker. “This week is a great way to highlight that and more. We encourage all of our residents to check out the schedule and pick an event or several to enjoy.”