July is known as Parks and Recreation Month and there are several amenities that the city of Jefferson provides.

Parks and Rec Director Denny Hammen says there are six parks, each with its own playground equipment, and some have additional activities such as Daubendiek Park with a disc golf course, a paved walking path and adult exercise equipment along the path. Hammen highlights Russell Park also has tennis and basketball courts, and will soon have a pickleball court. He points out that each park has a shelter house that can be rented for the day for $10.

Hammen notes the municipal pool is another recreational location and sees lots of people when it is very hot outside. The pool also has new additions of a slide and a rock climbing wall. 

Hammen says recently the 24/7 access was installed at the Greene County Community Center, which has a gymnasium, weight lifting and aerobic exercise equipment, a racquetball court and an indoor track. He talks about the 24/7 access and getting an average of 15 that use it during the off hours, and more use it on the weekends.

“I’m pleased to say that the acceptance for the 24/7 has been overwhelming (in a positive way). It’s much appreciated we get many compliments I guess when we’re here during the day if they’ve been using the facility outside of our normal hours (and) about how appreciative they are that they are able to do that.”  

Hammen describes his favorite part of being the parks and rec director for almost five years with his retirement coming in September. 

“It’s been a pleasure, I guess, to work in this community and have all these different amenities. Of course the biggest challenge is to try to keep them up to date and to keep them as modern as we can. And there again, we have had the public support to make that possible as well.”  

Hammen adds if anyone has questions about rental rates or their additional youth programming and various exercise classes to contact the community center at 515-386-2134.