Duluth Life • Fall 2023

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

Mayor – Nancy Harris

City Council Post 1 – Jamin Harkness

City Council Post 2 – Marline Thomas

City Council Post 3 – Lamar Doss

City Council Post 4 – Manfred Graeder

City Council Post 5 – Greg Whitlock

CITY STAFF

City Manager – James Riker

Assistant City Manager/Finance – Ken Sakmar

Assistant City Manager/City Clerk – Teresa Lynn

Economic Development & Marketing Director – Chris McGahee

Community Development & Engineering Director – Margie Pozin

Chief Judge & Court Administrator – Charles Lewis Barrett, III

Chief of Police – Jaquelyn Carruth

Public Works Director – Audrey Turner

OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR THESE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

September 4 – Labor Day

November 23 – Thanksgiving Day

November 24 – Day after Thanksgiving

December 22 – Christmas Eve

December 25 – Christmas

TAX BILLS

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

EARNS CERTIFICATION

ROGERS BRIDGE PARK

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OPENS

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

RAIN BARRELS

ACTIVIT Y GUIDE

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO

City Hall – 770.476.3434

Public Safety – 770.476.4151

Public Works – 770.476.2454

Municipal Courts – 770.623.2771

Bunten Road Park – 770.814.6981

Duluth Festival Center – 770.497.5291

MAILING ADDRESS

City of Duluth

3167 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096

Magazine Design – Accent Creative Group

Cover Photo – Dustin Grau Photography

DISNEYLAND

Walt Disney’s work firmly established him as the unparalleled master of feature-length animated films. He was the recipient of 48 Academy Awards and 7 Emmys. Walt Disney’s creative ingenuity and ability to bring his fantasies to fruition resulted in Disneyland - a place of enchantment for all ages.

No, we can’t compete with Disneyland. However, creativity, curiosity and determination were the same attributes applied to enhancing our quality of life in Duluth. “If you can dream it, you can do it,” said Walt Disney. We’ve been dreaming of a vibrant downtown for years and our community worked together to make this happen.

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world,” Walt Disney.

This is exactly how I feel about Duluth. Duluth will never be complete. We must always move forward, opening new doors and doing new things because curiosity keeps leading us to new paths.

Keep in Touch,

DISNEYLAND WILL NEVER BE COMPLETED. IT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AS LONG AS THERE IS IMAGINATION LEFT IN THE WORLD.

- WALT DISNEY

D U L U T H THANKS FOR MAKING

Your Home!

PROPERTY TAX BILLS

The City of Duluth is responsible for billing and collecting City Property Taxes. Property includes real estate, personal property, boats, airplanes, business equipment, and inventory. City property taxes are billed and levied in the fall of each tax year for the period of January 1 through December 31 of that year. Annual property tax bills are mailed out at the beginning of September to the owner on record as of January 1, 2023 and payments are due to the City on or before 5:00 pm on December 15, 2023. Please refer to the back of the bill for a glossary of terms, explanation of charges and payment options.

HTRG CREDIT

The 2023 bills will reflect an additional homestead exemption granted by the State of Georgia. It will be shown as “HTRG Credit” and is the result of homeowner tax relief enacted by the Governor and the State of Georgia General Assembly.

STORMWATER FEES

The stormwater user fee is a charge billed to all residents, businesses, institutions, agencies and organizations located in the City of Duluth. The collected money can only be spent on local stormwater management and improvements such as storm drain repairs and upgrades.

For online look-up on the status of your account, go to www.duluthga.net/payonline or email taxes@duluthga.net . The business office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We can also be reached at 770.476.3434.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER EARNS CERTIFICATION

Human Resources Manager Jocelyn McGiboney, recently attended The Municipal Leader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program through Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). This program is designed to equip municipal leaders with the knowledge, tools and resources to create a foundation for sustainable, equitable and economic prosperity for their city and its residents by creating an environment that values differences, fosters relationships and seeks a spirit of belongingness. This program is for individuals, targeting city leaders such as mayors, city managers, city council members, and senior staff. It supports day-to-day operations within city governments and aims to support municipal leaders by providing resources and connections with other city leaders for evaluating various areas of their governmental functions.

Participants met monthly in person at GMA in Atlanta from 9 am – 4 pm over eight months. The program also included Emotional Intelligence testing, two virtual training classes,

a book discussion of “How to Be an Inclusive Leader” by Jennifer Brown and a Capstone Project on an area of interest chosen in one of the modules. Jocelyn created her project in the area of Human Resources for an evaluation of various areas, including obtaining leadership support, developing diverse contacts with trusted colleagues, evaluating Duluth’s employee pay chart, HR Manual policy review, Performance Appraisal review and Recruiting/ Retention of Diverse candidates. Jocelyn obtained feedback on the project from various employees prior to submission. The certificate program and project are resources for the continued development of the City of Duluth’s initiatives to recruit and retain diverse staff. She plans to use this knowledge to continue building Duluth’s workforce to show that our leadership team values our employees and plans to continue improving our recruitment and retention efforts and embracing our vibrant workforce to positively impact our community.

Now Open ROGERS BRIDGE PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

The City of Duluth, in partnership with the City of Johns Creek, Gwinnett County and Fulton County, hosted a ribbon cutting for the recently completed pedestrian bridge connecting Duluth’s Rogers Bridge Park to Johns Creek’s Cauley Creek Park. The City of Duluth also unveiled the park’s newest piece of public art called The Shape of Time and Water.

This is a project 15 years in the making! In 2006, Gwinnett County commissioned a study of Rogers Bridge to determine its structural integrity. The goal was to repurpose the bridge for pedestrians and in doing so, reconnect the communities on each side of the Chattahoochee River. In 2014, the City of Duluth took over the project and confirmed the study results. Duluth then applied for a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission in order to develop construction plans for the bridge. The grant provided $560,000 to the City and required a local match in the amount of $140,000. As the project is of regional significance, Duluth teamed up with the City of Johns Creek and both Fulton and Gwinnett Counties to come up with the $140,000 match. Evenly split, each local partner contributed $35,000 toward what is referred to as the “preconstruction” effort, which culminated in the development of construction plans.

At the time the plans were in their initial stages of development, it was not yet known if the bridge would be rehabilitated or replaced. Along the preconstruction journey, it was determined that the existing bridge was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique construction method. The existing bridge was a 228’ long pin-connected Pennsylvania Petit truss. As such, the design team carefully documented the bridge’s history as well as its current condition. Ultimately, the Department of Natural Resources agreed the bridge could not be salvaged as is and approved its replacement. Concurrently, the preconstruction team reached out to citizens and stakeholders through various meetings and public open houses held in multiple

locations (in multiple languages) to gain feedback as to what the ultimate users of the facility would want. Participants voted on their favored selection of bridge type and it was ultimately determined that a replica truss would best suit the needs of the end users. Both Councils and both Commissions concurred and the design team moved forward with developing construction plans for the replica truss.

The preconstruction process took about 4 years to complete and followed strict state and federal guidelines. Once again, the City reached out to the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Transportation to assist with funding of the construction. And again, the four local partners came together, this time to participate with $350,000 each for a local match of $1,400,000. GDOT covered approximately $700,000. And ARC covered the remaining approximate $5,100,000.

“The partnership of two cities and two counties to honor our past by building back a replica of the original 1912 Rogers Bridge speaks volumes about the importance of regional collaboration. This new bridge will be enjoyed by so many people for the next 100 years,” said City of Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris.

The City of Duluth would like to thank all our partners, without whom this project would not have been possible: FHWA, GDOT, ARC, Fulton & Gwinnett Counties, Johns Creek, the Thomas & Hutton/CHA design team, the KCI inspection team and the Astra construction team.

“It was an honor to lead this project. It’s part of the legacy I and the entire list of stakeholders and participants are blessed to leave behind for generations to come,” added Margie Pozin, Project Manager & City of Duluth Community Development and Engineering Director.

After officially opening the bridge, Duluth officials were excited to introduce the newest piece of public art. Entitled The Shape of Time and Water, the 27’ structure features two massive concrete columns inspired by many stone and concrete bridge columns along the Chattahoochee River, topped with 110+-year-old steel from the original bridge. “The Rogers Bridge Art piece was selected because it incorporates the metal and pins from the original bridge, but it is supported by the concrete foundations used for bridges today. It fully represents the old and new,” said Greg Whitlock, Duluth City Council Member and Duluth Mayoral Candidate.

The artist behind this piece is Phil Proctor from Nucleus Sculpture Studios. Proctor is a professional sculptor practicing in Atlanta since 2003 who has developed a professional reputation in the public art community by his involvement in the infrastructure of public art.

“The idea came from the shape of time. Time is what shaped the bridge; it’s old, its rusted and time ultimately determined when it was time for the bridge to come down. So, the base of the sculpture is meant to represent the bridge columns, and the top of the sculpture is meant to represent the gesture of water as the water breaks on the bridge columns” said artist Phil Proctor during a recent visit to his studio. “A literal passageway, a symbol that represents the connection between two places; the driving force for the restoration of the new bridge and the partnership of the communities it connects.”

If you’re wondering whether we’re done…we are not. Phase II of the Rogers Bridge Park project is now under way. Phase II Improvements at Rogers Bridge Park will be underway soon. The new bridge will remain open (with possibly temporary brief closures during construction) but park and boat launch access will still be restricted during the construction process. Phase II will include two large parking lots with 118 new spaces, a walking trail, a new pavilion, the trailhead, and the repaving of Rogers Bridge Road as it leads into the park. This is expected to be completed by early 2024.

IF YOU LIVE, WORK, OR PLAY IN DULUTH WE NEED YOUR INPUT!

The City of Duluth planning staff is working closely with our elected officials to update the city’s comprehensive plan, but we need your help. Your opinion matters.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

The key elements of the City of Duluth’s comprehensive plan are the Character Area Map and the Future Land Use Map. The Character Area Map divides the city into districts with distinct goals, weaknesses, and opportunities. The Future Land Use Map examines each property for its best potential use.

Please help guide the future of development in our fabulous city by taking the survey located on our website.

WHY DOES THE CITY NEED TO UPDATE THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

If you are unfamiliar with what a comprehensive plan is or does, here are few frequently asked questions to help direct your input.

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

A comprehensive plan is a long-range planning document that assists local elected officials in making land-use policy decisions that align with professional best practices and, critically, local preference and context. Whether it is transportation projects, new neighborhoods, or attracting members of the business community, our comprehensive plan helps us create a shared vision for what it means to live, work, or play in the City of Duluth.

While comprehensive plans maintain a 40-year horizon, it is important to acknowledge that cities grow, preferences change, and new issues present themselves every year. Therefore, it is local and state policy that cities update their comprehensive plans every 5 years to account for national, regional, and local trends and conditions.

HOW DOES THIS UPDATE AFFECT ME?

For some communities a comprehensive plan is little more than a paperweight collecting dust in a planning department. This could not be further from the truth for Duluth. Our city council weighs every land-use decision or local policy against the goals and aspirations contained within our comprehensive plan. Our comprehensive plan is one of, if not the most important document for local policy makers.

DON’T LET A

GO BAD!

A rain barrel can save you money, conserve water and protect our local streams.

One inch of rainfall over a 1000 ft2 roof produces more than 600 gallons of water! What if you could collect some of that water to use for washing your car or watering your garden? With a rain barrel, you can!

Rain barrels are connected to the downspout of a rooftop gutter to capture and store water that would otherwise be lost to the storm drains. The typical rain barrel has a valve at the bottom where you can connect a hose and an overflow device that reroutes the water when the barrel is full. You can use the water you collect to wash your windows, water plants and fill your swimming pool (just don’t drink it!).

It’s a great way to save money on your water bill, considering outdoor tasks make up about 40% of household water use in the summer months!

Rain barrels also help reduce the volume of stormwater runoff that flows untreated through the storm sewer system and into the nearest river or stream. Capturing stormwater runoff can prevent erosion and flooding and protect local water quality.

Rain barrel kits can be purchased from most home improvement and garden supply stores or you can make your own with a 55-gallon plastic drum. Check out the stormwater section of our website (www.duluthga.net) for more information and resources!

DID YOU KNOW?

Installing rain barrels at your home could save you money on your annual stormwater utility fee! Head to the website or call us at 770.497.5311 for more information.

WIN YOUR OWN RAIN BARREL KIT!

Stormwater Awareness Week is September 25 – 29, 2023 and we’re giving away a rain barrel kit to celebrate! Scan the QR code for details and enter to win!

PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF

Director – Kathy Marelle

Assistant Director of Recreation – Jason Rogers

Assistant Director of Parks – John Keating

Assistant Director of Athletics – Brandon Davis

Program Department

Beth Anne Woodruff

Parks

Craig Corley

Kevin Hayes

Blake Birdsong

Garin Butler

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

Alexis Server

David Jones

Mark Carter

Janice Wheeler

Sharon Parris

Mary Odum

Ryan Marcinik

Curt Lindner

Annette Mcintosh

ZUMBA

FIT & FABULOUS!

It is never too late to start working out again! This class is geared toward people 50+ and will improve your heart, stretch muscles and get your body moving.

ZUMBA (18 & UP)

The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: we want you to want to work out, to love working out and to get hooked. Zumba Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

Fee (1 class/week): Resident: $35, Non-resident: $45

Fee (2 classes/week): Resident: $55, Non-resident: $65 6-Week Session. No Class September 2

Fee: Resident: $35, Non-resident: $40 4-Week Session. No Class September 4

3-Week Session.

Fee (1 class/week): Resident: $18, Non-resident: $28

Fee (2 classes/week): Resident: $36, Non-resident: $46

TINY BALLERINA AND ME BALLET (AGE 2 WITH PARENT PARTICIPATION)

This class is designed for the youngest ballerina to become accustomed to the structure of a ballet class while having the comfort of a parent present. The curriculum is similar to the 3-5-year-old ballet class. The goal is for the ballerina to have learned basic ballet skills and be confident in a class without their parent.

Fee: Resident: $39, Non-resident: $49 6-Week Session. No Class September 2

BALLET/TAP (AGES 3-5)

This class is designed for the youngest ballerina to become accustomed to the structure of a ballet class while having the comfort of a parent present. The curriculum is similar to the 3-5-year-old ballet class. The goal is for the ballerina to have learned basic ballet skills and be confident in a class without their parent.

Fee: Resident: $39, Non-resident: $49 6-Week Session. No Class September 2

FAIRYTALE BALLET (AGES 3-5)

Our Fairytale Ballet class is designed to capture your child’s imagination. Your child will learn the fundamentals of ballet with this creative themebased class. We strive to constantly keep your child engaged and have a creative learning experience every week.

Fee: Resident: $54, Non-resident: $64 6-Week Session. No Class September 2

BALLET/TAP/JAZZ (AGES 6-10)

This ballet/tap/jazz combination class is designed to develop coordination, musicality, flexibility and strength while having fun.

Fee: Resident: $54, Non-resident: $64 6-Week Session. No class September 2

ACTIVITY

YOGA 101 (AGES 18+)

New to yoga? Our 4-week Yoga 101 series is designed to help you safely start a yoga practice and understand more about incorporating yoga into your daily life. Classes will focus on safety and alignment, using props, coordinating breath with movement, and practicing mindful relaxation.

Fee: Resident: $49, Non-resident: $59 4-Class Session. No Class September 4

&

FITNESS YOGA

POWER YOGA (AGES 18+)

Power Yoga focuses on building strength, endurance and burning calories! With an emphasis on flowing from one pose to the next, power yoga moves at a more challenging pace while linking your breathing to the different motions of your body. A power yoga class may seem more like an aerobics or dance class- and less like a relaxed one. Power yoga still requires mindfulness and focus on the breathing patterns of traditional vinyasa flow yoga.

Fee: Resident: $49, Non-resident: $59 6-Class Session.

YOGA FOR SENIORS (AGES 55+)

Increase your flexibility, mobility and balance using poses, breathing techniques and props in this class for adults 50+. Chairs will be available for support while sitting or standing. You can choose between Tuesday or Thursday or you can take both the Tuesday and Thursday classes.

Fee (1 class/week): Resident: $30, Non-resident: $35

Fee (2 classes/week): Resident: $60, Non-resident: $70 5-Week Session. No Class Nov 23

RISE FLAG FOOTBALL COMES TO DULUTH, GA

BRINGING COMPETITIVE FUN TO BUNTEN ROAD PARK!

Calling all young athletes in Duluth, Georgia! Get ready to experience the excitement and thrill of competitive flag football as Rise Flag Football makes its grand debut at Bunten Road Park in January 2024. With a mission to create a vibrant and inclusive community, Rise Flag Football is set to revolutionize youth sports in the area.

As a brand-new organization, Rise Flag Football is eager to make its mark by providing a top-notch flag football experience for children from Pre-K to 8th grade. Emphasizing the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and personal growth, this co-ed league welcomes participants of all skill levels to join the action-packed fun.

One exciting aspect that sets Rise Flag Football apart is its commitment to outfitting players in Under Armour-sponsored uniforms. Every young athlete will feel like a professional as they take the field in high-quality, stylish uniforms, boosting their confidence and adding to the overall excitement of the game.

Starting on January 26 and running through March 8, Rise Flag Football games will light up the Friday night skies at Bunten Road Park. This prime time slot guarantees an electric atmosphere, allowing friends, families, and the local community to come together and cheer on the rising stars of Duluth.

But Rise Flag Football is not just about the competition; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement. With a strong focus on being heavily involved in the local community, Rise Flag Football aims to create a fun and supportive atmosphere for young athletes. Beyond the games, the organization will organize special events, community outreach programs and educational workshops to enhance personal development both on and off the field.

So mark your calendars and get ready to witness the rise of youth flag football in Duluth, GA. Rise Flag Football at Bunten Road Park is set to ignite the local sports scene starting January 26, 2024. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity for your child to be a part of the action!

For registration information and to learn more about Rise Flag Football, visit uariseflag.com or contact duluth@uariseflag.com

Let’s rise together and make flag football in Duluth legendary!

ENRICHMENT COURSES

MEDICARE CAN BE A MAZE! LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE MEDICARE PLANS

Is Medicare puzzling? For most people, the answer is yes. This course assists the attendee in understanding the many facets and particulars of Medicare. You will gain a foundation of Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) and Medigap plans (aka Medicare Supplement plans). Areas include: when and how to apply, how it interacts with private insurance, deductibles and what factors to consider in choosing the right plan. The course will also cover whether you should contribute to your HSA account after you move to Medicare.

Additionally, we explore how to evaluate if you should stay on an employer plan at age 65 or move to Medicare and continue working at your employer (did you know this is a growing trend?) and how your Medicare choices/costs affect your retirement funds.

This is an education-only course provided by Robert Cox, RICP© CFF© “The Retirement Educator,” a Retirement Strategies Specialist and Certified Financial Fiduciary.

BEST AGE TO START YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Each person’s situation is different. This course is a great resource for anyone who plans to retire in the next 15 years. Topics include: how your benefits are calculated, what COLAs are and how they’re calculated. We explore spousal and ex-spousal benefits, survivor benefits, potential taxation of benefits, early retirement and delayed retirement strategies. It’s possible to increase your lifetime benefits by over $125,000 or more with the right strategy. Attend only one session.

This is an education-only course provided by Robert Cox, RICP© CFF© “The Retirement Educator” a Retirement Strategies Specialist and Certified Financial Fiduciary.

Note: Course is free but registration is still required to ensure adequate class materials are prepared for class.

MINIMIZING TAXES IN RETIREMENT

For middle-income and higher-income households, taxes are likely to be one of your highest yearly expenses. We explore how drawing down your IRAs or 401ks (voluntarily or thru RMDs) creates taxable income, thus making your Social Security Benefits more taxable (aka The Social Security Tax Trap).

Note: Course is free but registration is still required to ensure adequate class materials are prepared for class.

You will learn how the Provisional Income calculation determines how much your Social Security benefits are taxable. We demonstrate the value of a ROTH IRA and how if used correctly can mitigate the taxation of your Social Security Benefits. Learn “Tax Bracket Harvesting” and how that is key to efficient ROTH IRA conversions. Also, we cover what happens when one spouse passes and the tax/financial implications for surviving spouse.

This education-only course is provided by Robert Cox, RICP© CFF© “The Retirement Educator,” a Retirement Strategies Specialist and Certified Financial Fiduciary.

Note: Course is free but registration is still required to ensure adequate class materials are prepared for class.

ESTATE PLANNING AND ENHANCED PLANNING BASICS

Wills. Trusts. Beneficiaries. These aren’t just for the ultra-rich. It’s a common misconception that only the wealthy need to bother with wills and trusts. The truth is, without careful planning, the family you leave behind could face unnecessary difficulties when it comes time for them to divide up your assets.

It’s easy to think that your family will figure it out after you’re gone, and that may be true. But clearly communicating your wishes and setting things up to transfer smoothly may go a long way toward keeping harmony in the family.

No plan for your estate? Uncle Sam has one. The government sets estate tax rates, but careful preparation can help you minimize the impact on your heirs. What’s your vision for your estate? Enhanced/Estate planning gives you more control over who gets what and how much – and that includes Uncle Sam.

Learn how enhanced and estate planning may help you:

• Transfer assets efficiently

• Reduce taxes

• Leave a legacy

• Preserve family harmony

Education-only course provided by instructor: Robert Cox, a Retirement Strategies Specialist and Certified Financial Fiduciary.

DULUTH SOCCER ACADEMY

Duluth Soccer Academy is proud to partner with the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation! We are excited to offer various opportunities to kids as young as two to learn and play the game of soccer in a safe and fun environment.

JUNIOR ACADEMY (AGES 2-12)

This is a 6-week program with 1-hour sessions once a week designed to foster player development on Saturdays or Sundays. Multi-program and multi-family member discounts are available.

Fee: Starting at $85

RECREATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE (AGES 4-11)

Note: Course is free but registration is still required to ensure adequate class materials are prepared for class.

Duluth Soccer Academy is proud to offer a recreational soccer league for ages 4-11. For more information on league play dates and times, visit DuluthSoccerAcademy.org.

For questions, please contact DSA at info@duluthsocceracademy.org or call 770.847.7162

TENNIS JUNIOR/TEEN

(FALL)

“LIL SPORT” II TENNIS (AGES 4-7)

This class is for youngsters that have had at least one session of “Lil Sport” I Tennis.

Fee: Resident: $65, Non-resident: $75 6-Week Session. No Class

23

YOUTH TENNIS (AGES 8-14)

Learn basic stroke production and how to keep score. A student may take this class several times as lesson plans will change from session to session and new skills will be added. Fee: Resident: $70, Non-resident: $80

JUNIOR USTA

For information about USTA Leagues, visit: tennislink.usta.com

“LIL SPORT” I TENNIS (AGES 4-7)

Introduction to tennis in a fun, professional environment.

Fee: Resident: $55, Non-resident: $65 6-Week Session. No Class Oct 9

10 & UNDER TENNIS (AGES 8-10)

The rules of tennis have changed, the court size has changed, the balls have changed and the racket size has changed. This class is for those juniors wishing to play ALTA and USTA in the spring and fall of 2023.

Fee: Resident: $70, Non-resident: $80 6-Week Session. No Class Oct 5, Nov 23

YOUTH/TEEN TENNIS (AGES 10-17)

This class is open to all ability levels. Drills will continue to improve stroke production and to learn to play games will be included. This class is ideal for those juniors wishing to learn to play or wanting to play ALTA.

Fee: Resident: $70, Non-resident: $80 6-Week Session.

I9 SPORTS

i9 Sports is committed to Helping Kids Succeed in Life Through Sports®. All programs are designed to be fun and convenient for busy families, as all programs are one day per week with practice and games back-to-back. Programs are offered year-round at Bunten Road Park and, based on the season, include t-ball/baseball, soccer, basketball and after-school multi-sport clinics. Boys and girls ages 3-15 are taught sportsmanship values alongside skills and drills every week. I9 Sports focuses on FUN and safety, The Way Youth Sports Should Be®. For more details about the programs offered at Bunten Road Park, please visit the City of Duluth website at duluthga.net and check out the Athletics tab under Parks & Recreation.

Register: i9sports.com

For questions, call 470.655.6370.

TENNIS ADULT

(FALL)

ADULT INTERMEDIATE TENNIS (AGES 18+)

Drills to improve strokes, stamina and playing strategies.

Fee: Resident: $70, Non-resident: $80 6-Week Session. No Class September 4

SENIOR ROUND ROBIN PLAY (AGES 50+)

Join

Annual

ADULT BEGINNER TENNIS (AGES 18+)

Introduction to tennis includes all basic strokes, how to keep score and court positioning.

Fee: Resident: $70, Non-resident: $80 6-Week session. No Class September 4

USTA

Senior Leagues – 40+,

INTRO TO PICKLEBALL (AGES 18+)

Intro to Pickleball is a structured, fun class to learn basic strokes, rules and scoring through demonstrations, drills and practice. Learn key fundamentals and develop basic skills, so you’re ready to participate in the sport. Please wear tennis shoes or court shoes. Paddles and balls will be provided. Little to no experience required!

Fee: Resident: $80, Non-resident: $90 4-Week Session.

DAYS TIME DATES LOCATION

Tues 10:00 - 11:00 am Sept 5 - Sept 26 Bunten Gym

Thurs 5:00 - 6:00 pm Sept 7 - Sept 28 Bunten Gym

Tues 10:00 - 11:00 am Oct 10 - Oct 31 Bunten Gym

Thurs 5:00 - 6:00 pm Oct 12 - Nov 2 Bunten Gym

Tues 10:00 - 11:00 am Nov 28 - Dec 19 Bunten Gym

Thurs 5:00 - 6:00 pm Nov 30 - Dec 21 Bunten Gym

INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL (AGES 18+)

This skills & drills level 2 pickleball class is for advanced beginners to intermediate players. This class can be repeated as often as the player would like. Clinics will start with warmups and then move on to play situations, skill development and the topic for that week’s class, concluding with gameplay in front of the pro.

Fee: Resident: $80, Non-resident: $90 4-Week Session.

DAYS TIME DATES LOCATION

Tues 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Sept 5 - Sept 26 Bunten Gym

Thurs 6:15 - 7:15 pm Sept 7 - Sept 28 Bunten Gym

Tues 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Oct 10 - Oct 31 Bunten Gym

Thurs 6:15 - 7:15 pm Oct 12 - Nov 2 Bunten Gym

Tues 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Nov 28 - Dec 19 Bunten Gym

Thurs 6:15 - 7:15 pm Nov 30 - Dec 21 Bunten Gym

PICKLEBALL

OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL (AGES 18+)

Come out and enjoy pickleball open gameplay! This is for all skill levels but will not include training time. Players will play round-robin games of pickleball.

Annual Fee: Resident: $30, Non-resident: $50

DAYS TIME LOCATION

Mon/Wed/Fri 6:00 - 8:30 pm Bunten Tennis Courts

Mon - Thurs 8:30 - 11:00 am W.P. Jones

ACTIVE ADULT EVENTS

ACTIVE ADULT HOLIDAY BINGO (AGES 50+)

Join us for lunch and a fabulous game of Bingo at Bunten Road Park on Friday, October 13 at 11:00am! Prizes for Bingo winners and lunch for all! Call 770.814.6981 to reserve your spot.

Fee: Residents: $8, Non-residents: $10

ACTIVE ADULT HOLIDAY CELEBRATION (AGES 50+)

Join us for a traditional holiday buffet and a fun DJ!! Start the season on Friday, December 1 at 11:00 am at Bunten Road Park! Win prizes for trivia, name that tune and a whole lot more! Prizes, lunch and fellowship are included. Call 770.814.6981 to reserve your spot.

Fee: Residents: $8, Non-residents: $10

BOOK CLUB (AGES 50+)

Join us the 4th Wednesday of each month for Book Club at Bunten Road Park. Catering towards those 50+, Book Club will meet at 2:30pm. There is no charge to join the book club but a reservation is required! Call 770.814.6981 to register.

BRIDGE LESSONS (AGES 50+)

Join the exciting game of Bridge! The 6-week course will teach you gameplay vocabulary, gameplay and strategy.

Fee: Residents: $60, Non-residents: $70

Workbook: $10

No Class Sept 4

ACTIVE ADULT GAMES (AGES 50+)

If you are privileged to be 50+ and someone who enjoys gameplay competition, this is for you! Join us at the W.P. Jones Lodge every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-2pm. On Wednesdays, we will host various games, including Mahjong, Checkers, Backgammon and Scrabble, to name a few. Thursdays, we will host Social Bridge games.

Please register at the Bunten Road Park Community Center office or by calling 770.814.6981. Reservations are required weekly for Social Bridge.

RENT FOR YOUR Event!

Interested in renting out event space for birthday parties, wedding showers, baby showers, etc? The Bunten Road Park Activity Center Large Room and the W.P. Jones Lodge are available for renting! Call 770.814.6981 to find out more information.