InTucker Magazine

Ask Rip – January 2022

Rip Robertson is the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Tucker.

Well, as we put the wraps on yet another year and begin anew, I would like to highlight some of what we were able to accomplish in 2021 and tease about some of what’s to come in 2022.

We emerged from the pandemic at full speed in late 2020 and really set our goals high for 2021. We were able to host our very first, in-house youth basketball season, albeit with some participation limits. It was a huge success with lots of fun and learning. We concluded the season by crowning our 10 and under all-star team as the GRPA District 6 champions and hosting the GRPA eight and under state tournament. Get excited about some 2022 March Madness; you can come out and watch your Tucker 10 and under team compete as we host the GRPA state 10 and under championships on March 4 and 5.

We then turned our attention to spring and youth baseball. We had over 125 kids register and play in our inaugural youth baseball program, and again had a great time. Our eight and under coach pitch team competed in the GRPA state tournament in Gainesville and played two very close games. It was a phenomenal first season and we are too excited to get started this season. Beginning January 15, we will open baseball and softball registration for Tucker residents only. If our youth basketball registration is any indication, you may want to sign up early. We filled up quickly in basketball, so register early to make sure you have a spot for spring. Full registration will be available on February 15 (the same day pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training).

As spring turned to summer and kids got out of school, we again hosted Summer Camp. The participation was huge and, due to some continuing caution, we had to limit our numbers. We are confident that this year’s camp will be fully available and encourage our families to register early. If last year’s fun packed summer is any indication, spots will go quickly. There will be plenty of fun with sports, crafts, swimming and learning. Registration will open on February 14.

For fall fun, we hosted the Haunted Trail, Campfire & Cocktails and our North Pole events with incredible participation.

We also have some very exciting news for spring 2022: we have partnered with GGLeagues to offer our new eSports leagues. Registration opens January 31 for several popular games (Madden 21, Rocket League, Fortnite and more). The season will begin in April. The Parks and Recreation Department is exploring the possibility of creating a new and exciting gaming room.

Of course, our adult community had many exciting opportunities in 2021 with our very popular Adult Field Day, and this year’s event will be expanded to include more competition and live music. Stay tuned for that coming in May. We hope to add live music and games in our parks this summer.

January will provide time for service with the MLK Day of Service planned in Tucker for Monday January 17. We will have improvement projects in several of our parks and greenspaces, as well as a food drive to benefit NETWorks. There is still time for you to volunteer by checking our website at tuckerga.gov/parks/events.

Continue to check our website and Facebook pages for full information about current and upcoming programs. We are excited about the new year and always encourage our community to get involved both physically and by giving us feedback or suggestions for new opportunities.