Penn State leads the charge for an active community.

Pennsylvania's Centre Region boasts the kind of community where almost anyone would want to live, work and play sports. Working together, the region extends the spirit generated by having a Big 10 university nearby into exciting and extensive opportunities to enjoy both recreational and competitive sports. The inter-governmental cooperation and the depth of commitment to quality coaching, parent education and safety makes this region one happy valley.

The sports and recreation opportunities available to residents and visitors are the result of long-standing partnerships with five municipalities, Penn State University, the Centre County Convention and Visitors Bureau, State College Area School District, community organizations, many commercial enterprises and the residents of the Centre Region. For more than 55 years, the seeds of this unique environment, combined with a positive attitude for sports and community recreation, have grown into a success story for residents, alumni and visitors.

Public support for recreation in the Centre Region remains high. The Centre Region's Park and Recreation Department operates and maintains 546 acres of municipal recreation facilities at 46 sites, cooperatively schedules public use of park and school facilities, and strives to provide one-stop shopping for various leisure activities in the region. In addition, other sports facilities are operated by Penn State University and various community sports organizations, including State College Little League, YMCA, Babe Ruth Baseball, ASA Softball and Shaner Sports Complex. As a result of this history of cooperation, the panorama of recreation provided in the Centre Region includes sports for many interests and abilities, including sports leagues, year-round aquatics, fitness classes, senior fitness programs, sport sampling opportunities, a network of walking and bike trials, and collegiate-level competition. Centre Region citizens can find sports opportunities that meet their goals--from competitive to self-directed, from educational and skill development to social.

"Recreation is important to every individual," says NRPA Member Ronald Woodhead, CPRP, CPSI, director of Centre Region Parks and Recreation. "We believe that sport activity for all ages, when appropriately organized and supervised, and set in a context of fair play for all, can become a force for good citizenship and a positive and healthy life." As a result, the community strives to provide opportunities for individuals with all levels of ability and all ages. "Thanks to the involvement of Penn State student groups and community members, variety as well as inclusion is encouraged and readily accomplished," says Woodhead.

Overall, the region provides a menu of opportunities that shows how people of all abilities can enjoy sports. Community sport goals include demonstrated good sportsmanship, promoting the sense of community, giving players the opportunity to make new friends and helping foster a positive attitude towards teamwork. The intent is to maim the stepping stones for sports opportunities readily apparent to parents, youngsters and community sports groups. Among the stepping stones the community embraces are NRPA's Fun First program, Special Olympics, Senior Games and open space for individualized sporting activities.

Sports, for players and spectators, has provided a common bond for the many interests in the region, from the near-universal interest in Penn State sports to the strengthening relationships from local school sports to the popularity of community sports. Obviously, Penn State sports have evolved into an important economic force with regard to tourism, but the sports experience has also served to unite members of the community as a team to address other community issues as well as foster continued economic vitality for the region.

A sportstown is a place where community members are given a chance to play, have fun and grow a place that uses sports as a vehicle for change. Centre Region citizens have benefited greatly from sports in their community.