By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–It’s a busy time of year for the Helena Parks and Recreation as youth spring sports just came to an end and registration for summer and fall sports is about to begin.

Youth softball and baseball leagues recently finished their spring seasons and the following champions were crowned: 6U Softball Champions were Team Stanbridge, 8U Softball Champions were Team Smith, 10U Softball Champions were Team Williams, Rookie 6 Baseball Champions were Team West, Farm 7/8’s Baseball Champions were Team Lewis, Minor 9/10’s Baseball Champions were Team Campbell and Major 11/12’s Baseball Champions were Team Long.

Seven Helena baseball and softball teams will be representing the community around Metro Birmingham during All-Stars throughout June according to Helena Parks and Recreation Director Jason Powers.

Registration for youth tackle football, cheerleading and summer adult tennis are all approaching in early June.

The youth tackle football registration will run through June 8 and there will be two mandatory uniform fittings on May 27 and June 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Helena Community Center.

All players must be between first and sixth grade and live in Helena or be zoned for Helena schools. The cost is $220 per player and includes a helmet, pads, uniform and practice shorts and shirt. You can register online: Helenaparkandrec.org.

The summer adult tennis league is a ‘tennis at your convenience’ league and registration will end June 7. The league is open to men and women ages 18 or older and players of all ability levels can participate. The leagues will be divided into a singles, doubles, intermediate and advanced league. Players will play one match per week scheduled at the convenience of the players. The cost is $10 per player that includes a can of tennis balls. Those interested should register at the Helena Community Center.

“As the summer approaches and the weather warms up, get out and exercise every day,” said Powers. “Whether it is walking, running, swimming or just working in your yard, keep moving. A little sweat is good for all of us.”

Powers also encourages citizens to use the “One a Day Initiative” when using or visiting any of the Helena parks and sports facilities.

“Just imagine how clean our parks, streets and neighborhoods would be if we all picked up our trash plus at least one extra piece of trash per day and disposed of it accordingly,” said Powers. “It takes little to no effort to participate and all of us can do our part to keep your parks and facilities cleaner.”

Helena Parks and Recreation is also giving residents the option to rent out the park pavilion at either Cahaba Lily or Joe Tucker Park for an event or get together, but a reservation is needed to use those pavilions. The cost to rent a pavilion is $25 for three hours.

An online schedule of current reservations can be viewed at CityofHelena.org.