Enjoying your local park — 10 pointers for the summer season

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department manages more than two dozen parks and playgrounds throughout the city, offering a wide range of athletic programs and recreational activities to improve the health and well-being for residents and visitors.Kingsport's facilities vary from small neighborhood parks to larger greenspaces to iconic destinations such as the Greenbelt, Bays Mountain Park and Allandale Mansion.During the summer months (June to August), the City of Kingsport wants to offer these park pointers to residents and guests when visiting our parks and facilities.These 10 pointers apply to not just Kingsport but any local park:1. Be weather aware and prepare. If you detect approaching storms, exit the park to a safe place. Not under trees or near the water.2. Stay hydrated on hot days and wear sunscreen.3. Fishing is fine, but keep in mind you still need a license. Beware of people around you when casting and do not leave your bait containers, used line, or trash behind.4. Pay attention to your surroundings, do not use sound cancelling earphones and only use one earbud or ones that do not go in your ears.5. Be present and aware of your surroundings at all times. Try to look people in the eyes as you pass, letting them know you are aware of them.6. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult when using the Greenbelt or city parks.7. Play it safe around water such as ponds, rivers, and creeks.8. Keep pets on a short leash and please pick up their waste.9. Enjoy the park amenities, help keep the facility in good condition, and please be respectful of fellow park users.10. Lock your vehicle while at our parks and do not leave valuables visible inside.Guests in Kingsport are also asked to help keep the local parks clean. If you see garbage, debris, litter, vandalism or graffiti, please report it through the Connect Kingsport app. For non-emergency issues, call the central dispatch non-emergency line at 423-246-9111. For emergency situations always call the Kingsport Police Department using 911.For information about the various parks and facilities located within the City of Kingsport, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.