LAWTON – As the Lawton Youth Sports Authority begins to take over the city’s recreation through youth sports, the chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission wants to remind citizens of their role in the community, city officials said in a news release.
In addition to advising the Lawton City Council and city administration on Lawton’s leisure needs, the Parks and Recreation Commission has enforced the rules within the youth sports program. While the Parks and Recreation Department works to redefine the commission's role, one thing won’t change – the commission’s dedication to making sure citizens’ requests and concerns are heard when it comes to parks, officials said.
“Anything to do with parks, you can locate your commissioner within your ward and let them know what you want to do," said Sherene Williams, chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Williams said everything from manicuring the parks to getting new equipment on playgrounds can be brought before the commission to be discussed during the panel’s quarterly meetings.
The meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month in January, April, July and October at the Owens Multipurpose Center, 1405 SW 11th St.
The commission is made up of 11 commissioners. One person is appointed by each ward’s council member, and three are appointed by the mayor. The commissioners are volunteers, and their goal is to make sure citizens are heard when suggesting improvements to city parks.
“I know I care for citizens,” Williams said. “I don’t mind volunteering my time to the community. It’s important to keep it as clean as possible. As commissioners, notify us if you see something, and we'll see how we can help in that particular area.”
To find out which commissioner serves each ward or to contact your commissioner, visit www.https://www.lawtonok.gov/index.php/parks-and-recreation-commission.