Government is about more than laws, rules and regulations... it's also about providing a better place to live.

Contact

Anthony Farnell, Recreation Director
570-459-4903, phone or 570-459-4966 (fax)

Facilities

The City of Hazleton Recreation Department has something for everyone - young and old.

An alliance between the City of Hazleton and the School Board of the Hazleton Area School District, has made recreational facilities available to residents of not only Hazleton, but also the 16 municipalities within the school district.

Facilities include 13 play sites, two ballfields, 15 basketball courts, a soccer field, street hockey area, two ice skating rinks, a public pool and five indoor pools (including one Olympic-sized pool).

Access to a range of facilities has paved the way to a future of recreation in Hazleton unparalleled by any city of the same size. Planned activities include aerobics, bowling, yard ball, cheerleading clinics, arts and crafts, field hockey, flag football, badminton, horseshoes, tennis, track and field, volleyball and learn-to-swim courses.

One such activity, the Saullo-Serany summer basketball program, has become a Hazleton staple, ensuring all youngsters have the opportunity to participate in an organized basketball league.

In addition to the recreation facilities provided in and around the city, there are also eight golf courses within a 20-mile radius of Hazleton, including a Jack Nicklaus course at Eagle Rock Resort.

Events

The Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament is a new event that helps fund other recreational events in the city including a holiday party for children in need and visits by Santa to the pediatric department of nearby hospitals.

Hold Your Flag High Day, also a new event, had families celebrating the 4th of July at Hazleton's Harmon-Geist Stadium with fireworks and free flags for all children under age 14. There were also refreshments, face painting and a clown to entertain kids of all ages.

Sponsored by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Funfest has become a summer event that draws thousands into downtown Hazleton. The city shows off its fun side with games, crafts, entertainment, food and lots more. It's a carnival-like atmosphere that focuses on all the good things Hazleton has to offer.

Dunk Drugs Day, in association with National Night Out, gives kids the power to just say "no" to drugs with a night of games and activities.

Future events planned by the Recreation Department include Play it Safe Week - a series of police and fire department demonstrations, a Halloween parade and a First Night celebration to ring in the new year safely.