Parks & Recreation

We at Henry County Parks & Recreation are very excited to be able to offer such a wide variety of programming, family-friendly events, and athletics. Thanks to the support of the Henry County Board of Commissioners and citizens like yourself, we have been able to construct top-notch facilities and offer fun and challenging programs and activities for people of all ages, ranging from the arts and dancing to music, exercise, and organized sports. It has been proven that having a hobby, socializing with friends, and getting regular exercise can greatly improve one's quality of life. Parks & Recreation can help with all of that.

Background Checks

Henry County Parks & Recreation has chosen SportsPilot for its online volunteer management solutions. Anyone requiring a background check to participate in Parks and Recreation programs now can complete an application online for a $12.00 fee. Once you have received an approved email, you will then visit any Recreation Center to receive your coach’s badge for $5.00 during the following hours: Heritage Park is open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm; Bear Creek, Fairview Recreation, Locust Grove Recreation and J. P. Moseley Recreation Centers are open Monday – Thursday 8am – 8pm and Friday 8am – 4pm. Please note that if you are a returning coach please use your current login information. If you are a new coach, please use New User.

Healthy Guide

Download this guide to healthy eating for kids and teens playing sports.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Parks & Recreation department is:

1. To develop and maintain park facilities and grounds while providing year-round activities, programs, and special events for leisure and wellness pursuits of Henry County residents.
2. To assist in acquiring property for the continued development of the park program. The Therapeutic Recreation Division will provide Henry County residents who have mental, physical, economic and behavioral challenges the opportunity to participate in competitive sporting events as well as organized outing, socials and creative activities.

The Henry County Recreation Department (HCRD) is funded through the Henry County Board of Commissioners, user fees, participant fees, grants, and donations. Henry County Recreation Board members are appointed by each Commissioner to represent theirDistrict for Parks and Recreation.

The Henry County Recreation Department is affiliated with the United States Tennis Association, Amateur Softball Association, Henry County Officials Association, United States Slow-Pitch Association,Georgia Recreation and Parks Association, National Certification of Therapeutic Specialists, National Youth Sports Coaches Association and (7) Community Youth Associations.

All athletics, programs and special events are provided for local citizens and depend on public interest for their success. A minimum, as well as a maximum, number of participants has been established for each activity. Without sufficient registration, the activities will be canceled and any fee paid will be refunded.

When a team or player fee is involved, the fee must be turned in to the main office on or before the established deadline.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the HCRD may result in no refund.

All participants must be covered by medical/health insurance: a recreation policy is available for a small fee. All persons are invited to participate in all programs and use all facilities of the HCRD; regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

For more information on programs sponsored by the HCRD, please contact us. If we are not sponsoring an activity or sport that interest you, perhaps we can implement one or refer you to other sponsors near your community.

Happening Now

Henry County Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of programs, activities, athletic activities, and special events. See what is happening now!

HCPRD on occasion, may photograph or videotape registrants, participants and spectators in HCPRD programs, special events or facilities. Such photographs and video are for HCPRD use only and may be used in publications, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, websites, or video productions.

Downloads:

Parks & Recreation Newsletter
Camp Information

Therapeutic Recreation Information:

Quick Start Tennis

The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is committed to doing its part in navigating through these unprecedented times due to the effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. So unfortunately, the Quick Start Tennis program has been cancelled for the fall 2020 sessions. We realize this is hugely disappointing to many - most notably our players, however we also know this step was necessary to combat the spread of this aggressive virus. We will re-evaluate the spring sessions at a later date. Henry County Parks and Recreation tennis courts will remain open during this time for practice and play.

Youth Basketball
Reg. Online at Youth Basketball
Reg. On Site: Bear Creek Recreation Center, Fairview Recreation Center, Heritage Park, J.P. Moseley Recreation Center & Locust Grove Recreation Center
Dates: Oct. 19 - Nov. 13
Fees: $75.00 for first child, $65.00 for each additional child, $115.00 for Out of County Fee
Ages: 5 - 17 Age as of 9/1/20
Registration for each age group is limited

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Annual Report

Henry County Parks & Recreation offers their annual reports for download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. To download a report, click on the year below:

• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019

For annual reports prior to 2003, please contact the Parks & Recreation office at (770) 288-7300.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for a program?
Most of the programs that HCPRD offer are available for online registration. You will need to go to the online registration page and follow the steps to set up an account and then register for the program. If you want to register for youth baseball, softball, cheerleading, football, inline hockey or BMX then you will need to register at the park for which association you are wanting to play for at the specific dates and times. All other programs that are not listed above you will need to show up on the first day of the month for that program and register with the instructor. For further instructions on how to register, please view this flyer.

How do I reserve a pavilion?
All pavilion rentals are handled at the Recreation Office located at Heritage Park. Reservations are done on a first come first serve basis. You may download the reservation form and complete it and bring it to the office with payment to reserve the pavilion.

Are animals allowed in the park?
Yes but they are to be on a 6ft leash or longer and the owner needs to clean up after the animal. Animals are NOT allowed in the park 30 minutes before, after or during a scheduled event. See County Code Section 3-13-1-5 for details. No domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat or other domesticated pet, to enter Village Park at North Henry located at 750 Fairview Road in Ellenwood, Georgia, without express written permission of the county.

Can I smoke in the parks?
No, Henry County Board of Commissioners passed a policy that there is to be no smoking in any Henry County Park. See County Code Section 3-13-4 for details.

Can I operate a raffle in a Henry County Park?
You must submit an application for a license to conduct a raffle through the Henry County Sheriff’s Office located at 120 Henry Parkway.

Documents, Schedules, and Forms

Henry County Parks & Recreation events, classes, and activities can require specific documents and applications. To download those, please click below:

Youth Forms

• Authorization to treat minor
• Parental consent form
• Registration form (For Tennis Programs Only)

Manuals & Policies

• Policies & Procedures Manual
• Avoiding Deadly Lightning Strikes
• Hot Weather Procedures
• Youth Baseball Bi-Laws & Playing Rules
• Youth Softball Bi-Laws & Playing Rules
• Youth Basketball Playing Rules
• Youth Concussion Reference Guide

Misc. Documents & Forms

• Instructor application
• Jason T. Harper Event Center Seating
• Picnic Pavilion List
• Pavilion rental form
• Parks amenity list
• Map of parks

For documents, forms, or policies not listed above, please contact the Parks & Recreation office at (770) 288-7300.

2020 Photo Contest

As you and your family enjoy Henry County Parks for your leisure activities, bring along your camera and take pictures. Then submit your best recreation photos to win some fantastic prizes!; We are looking for photos that capture your enjoyment of Henry County Parks. The pictures can capture youth at play, sports and action, nature and wildlife, or just a picnic under a shade tree. Go ahead and take your best shot!

CATEGORIES

• Sports & Action
• Nature & Wildlife
• People, Pets, and Parks

CONTEST RULES

1. All photos must be taken at a Henry County Parks and Recreation (HCPRD) park, facility, activity or event. Please note that this excludes Panola State Park in Henry County. Pictures taken during programs and events sponsored by HCPRD but occur off park property are eligible for entry.
2. Acceptable entries may include color, black & white, film, and digital. Digitally altered photography is accepted but anything beyond the typical digital darkroom work is not.
3. Commercial & client work is ineligible.
4. Photographers must be at least 18 years or older in order to participate in the contest.
5. Limit 2 entries per person per category. Categories include: Sports & Action, Nature & Wildlife, and People, Pets, and Parks.
6. Color prints must be no smaller than 5”x7” and no larger than 11”x14”.  The entry form must be attached to each print entry.
7. Digital photos may be submitted by email or copied to a CD clearly marked with entrant’s name and number of photos. Photos should be in jpeg format with a minimum resolution of 1024x768 or 2000 pixels on the long side of the photo. Name the files with your name, category and photo # (example: John Doe_NW_01). This would represent your file as John Doe>Nature and Wildlife>photo #1. Digital photos must be accompanied by a print out of the images (may be on one sheet of paper) with entry form attached. Entries that are submitted by email must attach an entry form along with the entries.
8. County employees and contractors are ineligible for the photo contest.
9. All entries must be received by October 2, 2020.
10. Photographers agree by entering contest to give permission to HCPRD to use their images in brochures, any Henry County facility and on HCPRD’s website to promote programs in Henry County. Pictures may be displayed in exhibits, exhibited online and in department brochures and/or calendars. Photos will not be returned.
11. Photographers retain all copyright and ownership of their original work.
12. By entering the contest the participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Henry County Board of Commissioners, its affiliates, employees, and officers from any issues, losses, or actions emanating from or in relation to the photo contest. This would include any losses or issues related to third party claims of copyright infringement or violations of personal privacy.
13. Each participant in the photo contest is responsible for ensuring that they possess the full rights to the photos that they are submitting. Each participant is responsible for accurately titling and describing their photos.
14. HCPRD reserves the right to reject any entry that does not comply with the above stated guidelines. HCPRD at its sole discretion reserves the right to terminate, suspend, or modify the photo contest.

SUBMISSIONS

Printed entries may be mailed or dropped off at one of the following location:

Henry County Parks and Recreation
ATTN: Kathy Hunt
99 Lake Dow Road
McDonough, GA 30252

Digital entries may be emailed to photocontest@co.henry.ga.us Please ensure that all entries include the application. Download the rules and application here.

PRIZES

There will be prizes and awards for Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall and 3 Honorable Mentions for each category. Winners will be notified by email (or mail).

Sponsors

Henry County Parks & Recreation wants to say thank you to our valued sponsors. We could not do it without you! Become a sponsor!

Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Staff is available to speak to schools, clubs or civic organizations to share information about Henry County Parks & Recreation's programs & services.

Scheduled tours of parks are available at the Veterans Wall of Honor, Historical Military Museum and Heritage Village.

For more information, please call (770) 288-7300.

Tim Coley
Director
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7280

Kenny R. Morris
Assistant Park Director
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7275

Donna Holder
Executive Assistant II
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7276

Michelle Dunn
Accounts Administrator
Jason T. Harper Event Center
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7310

James Martin
Fairview Recreation Center Facility Coordinator
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7285

Terry Nash, C.T.R.S.
Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator
Locust Grove Recreation Center Facility Coordinator
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7290

Kathy Hunt, C.P.R.P.
Program Coordinator
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7312

Peggy Hesselbach
Recreation Specialist Athletics
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7294

Brandi Dailey
Youth Athletic Coordinator
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7281

Jim Joyce
Recreation Facility Coordinator
Wall of Honor and Military Museum
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7316

Jerry Belcastro
J.P. Moseley Recreation Center Facility Coordinator
E-Mail | Phone: (770) 288-7273

John Hallman
Bear Creek Recreation Center Facility Coordinator
E-Mail| Phone: (770) 288-7289

Awards & Recognition

• Oct. 6, 2020 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Athletics/Aquatics Network Outstanding Volunteer Award – Chris Geiger
• Oct. 6, 2020 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Athletics/Aquatics Network Distinguished Professional - Peggy Hesselbach
• Oct. 6, 2020 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Programmer Network Distinguished Professional - Cheryl Williams
• Oct. 6, 2020 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Administrative/Leadership Network Distinguished Professional - Jerry Belcastro
• Oct. 6, 2020 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Parks Maintenance Network Distinguished Professional - Bryan Dixon
• Nov. 5, 2019 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Athletics/Aquatics Network Outstanding Volunteer Award – Ty Bryant
• Nov. 5, 2019 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Single-Event for the Grits with the Grinch Flyer – Meredith Butler
• Oct. 2, 2019 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Facilities and Grounds Professional of the Year Award – Shane Massey
• Oct. 3, 2018 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Agency of the Year – Henry County Parks and Recreation Department
• Oct. 3, 2018 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Distinguished Professional of the Year – James “Bull” Martin
• Oct. 3, 2018 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Athletic Professional of the Year – Peggy Hesselbach
• Nov. 6, 2017 – Special Olympics of Georgia’s Training for Life Award – Henry County Therapeutic Division
• Nov. 6, 2017 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Administrative Staff – Michelle Dunn
• Oct. 25, 2017 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Facilities and Grounds Professional of the Year – Bryan Dixon
• Oct. 25, 2017 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Programmer of the Year – Tina Fuss
• Nov. 8, 2016 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Administrative Support Staff – Jamey Dixon
• Nov. 4, 2015 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Mike Daniel Award – Terry Nash
• Nov. 3, 2015 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Outstanding Volunteer in the Programming Section – Joeann Compton
• Nov. 3, 2015 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional in the Facilities and Grounds Section – Richard Castleberry
• Nov. 3, 2015 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2015 Calendar
• Oct. 24, 2015 – Greater McDonough Business Association & McDonough Mainstreet 2015 Scarecrow Showcase & Contest 1st Place group – Henry County Parks and Recreation
• Oct. 22, 2015 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Young Professional Award – Brandy Sanders
• Oct. 22, 2015 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 6th District Facilities and Grounds Award – Richard Castleberry
• April 11, 2015 – United States Tennis Association Brad Parks Award – Harlon Matthews
• Nov. 5, 2014 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Mike Daniel Award – Tim Coley
• Nov. 5, 2014 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional in the Athletics Section – Brandi Dailey
• Nov. 5, 2014 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional in the Therapeutic Section – Harlon Matthews
• Nov. 5, 2014 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Outstanding Volunteer in the Therapeutic Section – Allen Hudson
• Nov. 5, 2014 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Outstanding Renovated Park and Recreation Facility – Hotshots Paintball Complex
• Nov. 6, 2013 – Terry Nash received her 20 year pin from Georgia Recreation and Parks Association
• Nov. 6, 2013 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2013 Calendar
• Summer 2013 – McDonough Hockey League featured in the summer issue of We Are Henry magazine.
• Nov. 7, 2012 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2012 Calendar
• Aug. 17, 2011 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2011 Calendar
• Sept. 30, 2011 – USTA names the Geranium Festival Wheelchair Tennis Tournament as the 2011 Wheelchair Tournament of the Year
• Feb. 2011 – The “It Is What It Is” award that was established in 2010 was presented to Terry Nash by Speedway Children’s Charities for being an outstanding volunteer.
• Feb. 21, 2011 – PTR names Harlon Matthews as the Clinician of the Year
• Jan. 21, 2011 – Local Special Olympics Program of the year:  Henry County Special Olympics
• Nov. 3, 2010 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional in the Facilities and Grounds Section – Kenny Morris
• Nov. 3, 2010 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional in the Programmers Section – Kathy Hunt
• Nov. 3, 2010 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Therapeutic Innovative Program Award – Adaptive Sports Summer Camp
• Nov. 3, 2010 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2010 Calendar
• Nov. 2010 – USTA Southern Wheelchair Tournament of the Year – They Geranium Festival Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
• Nov. 6, 2009 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional – Tim Coley
• Nov. 6, 2009 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Administrative Support Staff – Donna Holder
• Nov. 6, 1009 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association “July is Recreation & Parks Month” Population 40,001 & Over.
• Nov. 6, 2009 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2009 Calendar.
• Nov. 5, 2008 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Multi-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the 2008 Calendar.
• Nov. 5, 2008 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Publication Award for a Single-Event Population 80,001 and Over for the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Flyer.
• Two of Henry County’s parks were selected by accessatlanta.com staff to be in the top five public playgrounds in metro Atlanta in their annual Best of the Big A lists!
  Heritage Park was #2 and North Mt. Carmel Park was listed #5.
• Nov. 2006 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association July is Recreation and Park Month Award Population 80,001 and Over.
• Nov. 2006 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association State Volunteer Award - Babbie Spain.
• Nov. 2006 - Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Distinguished Professional Award in Therapeutic Recreation – Terry Nash.
• 2005 – Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Outstanding Facility and Grounds Award – Kenny Morris