Gleaming jewel in the desert sun.

The city of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department (HPRD) serves as the hub of nearly every sports program and activity in the community. In addition to providing its own comprehensive youth and adult sports program, the Sports Section Facilitates a wide array of" sports leagues and opportunities for residents of all ages. This extensive effort is accomplished by HPRD stale in collaboration with citizens and area sports organizations. The Sports Section for Henderson consists of three major areas: Youth Sports, Adult Sports and Tournaments and Field Allocations. Youth and Adult Sports and Tournaments provide the bulk of recreation and sports opportunities for residents. It is through these two areas that a variety of all-inclusive leagues, camps and classes are developed and implemented for all citizens.

The Field Allocation process allows sports groups to present their" participation levels and request fields for use by their leagues. The Sports Office then allocates fields and facilities to each organization in an equitable manner based on size, availability and geography. These programs are marketed in the community through a variety of methods, including the "Henderson Happenings," a quarterly park and recreation brochure that is mailed to every household and business in Henderson.

The U.S. Census Bureau named Henderson the fastest-growing city iii America annually since 199.5. (The city's population is approximately 225,000 and is expected to reach 273,770 by the year 2010.) City residents are provided a broad variety of life-enriching sports leagues, camps and classes. These beneficial programs are hosted at dozens of neighborhood parks, sport-specific complexes, six full-service recreation centers and aquatic facilities that are conveniently located throughout this sports-rich community.

The Henderson community supports an active lifestyle involving a variety of recreational opportunities. Lifelong participation is promoted by offering a comprehensive youth arm adult recreation program while acknowledging a diverse population. This includes an emphasis on multigenerational programming such as the annual pool tournament, which requires at least two-generation teams, and senior paddle tennis. The recent opening of the 77,000-square-foot Henderson Multigenerational Center is evidence of the focus on lifelong sport participation. Other programs seek to include even the littlest age group, Recreation Coordinator Ted Lockamon says. In addition to a senior softball league, HPRD introduced a pint-size basketball and soccer leagues in ,2001. "We wanted to offer stone sort of a league," Lockamon says. "There's more instruction than there is actual game."

Henderson's programs would not be successful without the support of its community.

Each youth baseball/softball season holds opening day ceremonies and exhibition games. The Saturday prior to the first week of games, all teams and parents are invited to one of the parks to enjoy introduction of teams, a ceremonial first pitch, the color guard and presentation of the National Anthem. "Not only do teams and parents attend, but there is also significant representation of the community and sponsors. Many of the teams are sponsored by local businesses that realize the important role sports participation plays in the lives of our youth," says Lockamon. Other recreation opportunities offered include non-league play for all age groups. Examples include the Midnite Madness One-Pitch Softball Tournament, open indoor basketball, open indoor volleyball, outdoor basketball, paddle tennis, racquetball, Wally ball, sand volleyball, rock climbing, among others.

In addition to its programs, HPRD also believes it is important to invest in facilities. Its five-year plan includes Cinnamon Ridge Park, a developer-built park with amenities to include two pee-wee soccer fields, lighted tennis and basketball courts and three playgrounds. The 55-acre Anthem Hills Park will have multi-athletic fields, in addition to alternative sports facilities such as a roller-hockey rink and skatepark. Cactus Wren Park will be home to a climbing wall, tennis courts, basketball courts, another skatepark and a baseball field with 70foot-tall lighting. Other features in the master plan are a golf course feasibility study arm an equestrian facility.

"We pride ourselves on being progressive," says Lockamon. And that is why vision, leadership and innovation have been key ingredients in creating the quality sports programs and leagues residents have come to expect from the city of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, log on to www.cityofhenderson.com.