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Residents Find Center Of Activity

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 29, 2007

RUSKIN - If you live in Ruskin and like to stay active by playing sports or taking part in other leisure activities, chances are you have stopped by the Ruskin Recreation Center at least once.

'We're the only rec center in Ruskin,' said Janice Chastain, senior recreation specialist. 'So we get everyone in the community coming out to the park throughout the year - not just the kids.'

Speaking of kids, the park has 200 students ages 6 to 15 registered this fall for its after-school camp, which includes arts and crafts activities and a game room.

The center, 901 Sixth St. S.E., also keeps the youngsters busy with its sports programs, including fall sports football and cheerleading.

Chastain, who has been at the park for 24 years, said some of the students in recent years have familiar faces and last names.

'I've had kids that are now bringing in their own kids, and I've had kids that now work for me at the park,' Chastain said. 'Pretty soon, I'm going to be on my third generation of kids.'

In addition to the after-school camp, the center offers plenty to do for adults. The park hosts adult softball and soccer leagues. There also is a women's exercise class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays as well as a tae kwon do class for children and adults from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

To help accommodate that high volume of activity, the Ruskin Recreation Center boasts the second-biggest main building in South Shore, behind the Gardenville Recreation Center in Gibsonton.

'We average about 200 people every evening,' Chastain said. 'That's just the people that walk on - it doesn't include everyone who is actually registered for evening programs.'

The center is within Ruskin's Beaudette Park, and shares space with the Ruskin Senior Center, which is next door.

'We just do our part to help provide care for the seniors in our community, which is very important,' said Lynn Voss, the senior center's supervisor.

The staff of six at the Ruskin Recreation Center has its hands full most of the year - and they would not want it any other way.

'We like when we have a lot to do,' Chastain said. 'What has made this park so great is not being here for 25 years, it's the dedication and care my staff has provided.

'They make my job easier.'
RUSKIN RECREATION CENTER

WHERE: 901 Sixth St. S.E.

PROGRAMS: after-school camp, arts and crafts, Tiny Tots, children and adult tae kwon do classes, women's exercise

COURTS/FIELDS: walking trail, basketball, softball, soccer

INFORMATION: (813) 672-7881

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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