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Aquatics

2 news items

  • LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE

    Rock Solid is happy to announce the ability to train and certify potential lifeguards through a Red Cross certification. Our certification is led by a team of Rock Solid management whom have received the Red Cross credentials and certifications to both certify and train lifeguards that are interested in working at Rock Solid or another community pool.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF REGISTRATION FORM

    • Why Rock Solid lifeguard certification? 
      • The Rock Solid lifeguard certification is competitively priced with the Red Cross and the standards in which we train are currently some of the highest in the field. Also, our courses include blended learning so you will be able to do the first part of the class online and in your own time frame.
    • Will I receive the same certification that the Red Cross provides? 
      • Yes, you will be trained with the full Red Cross curriculum and you will receive your 2-year certification card from the Red Cross. You will also have additional training from the Rock Solid management team.
    • If I get Red Cross lifeguard certified through Rock Solid, do I have to work at a Rock Solid pool? 
      • Absolutely not! Your certification will be good for any pool that hires certified lifeguards and you will still receive the additional Rock Solid training along with your certification.
    • What if I have been a lifeguard in the past and just need to get recertified? 
      • Rock Solid also has the capability to re-certify you in both lifeguarding, cpr, first aid, aed and water safety instructor. The re-certification classes happen on the saturday of our lifeguard Certification courses.
    • What if I cannot make it to every certification class scheduled by Rock Solid? 
      • Rock Solid recommends that you pick a weekend where you can attend all classes, so that you will be properly trained to perform all lifeguard and/or pool manager duties.
    • What forms of payment does Rock Solid take for certification classes?
      • Rock Solid takes checks, cash, apple pay (318-470-8904), paypal (shelleymc10@aol.Com), cash app ($shellmcmillian10) or all major credit cards and if you are a Rock Solid staff member, we will allow you to pay the first half of your certification fee at the time of registration and the other half of your registration fee through future pay periods, however, if you do not complete payment, Rock Solid will rescind your certification.
    • What is the cost to be Red Cross certified through Rock Solid? 
      • The cost for a first time certification is $315.00 And the cost for a re-certification is $175. These fees include all materials.
    • What is the minimum age to get lifeguard certified? 
      • At the start of lifeguarding certification, a participant must be 15 years old.
    • What do I need to bring? 
      • 2 Towels, bathing suit, dry clothes for classroom part, money for Lunch and/or dinner, something to take notes on.

    Dates for Certification:

    • Course #1 (in person & blended learning)
      • Sat, May 10, 2025 Lifeguard Certification & Re-certification @ Querbes Rec Center 8:00am-7:00pm
      • Sun, May 11, 2025 Lifeguard Certification @ Querbes Rec Center 8:00am-7:00pm
    • Course #2 (in person & blended learning)
      • Sat, May 17, 2025 Lifeguard Certification & Re-certification @ Querbes Rec Center 8:00am-7:00pm
      • Sun, May 18, 2025 Lifeguard Certification @ Querbes Rec Center 8:00am-7:00pm
    • Course #3 (in person & blended learning)
      • Sat, May 24, 2025 Lifeguard Certification & Re-certification @ Querbes Rec Center 8:00am-7:00pm
      • Sun, May 25, 2025 Lifeguard Certification @ Querbes Rec Center 8:00am-7:00pm

    *If you do not pass the certification course, you will be refunded all money with the exception of $100.00.

    **For further questions or a different payment plan, please email Shelley Mcmillian at rocksolidathletic@gmail.com

    **Mail all completed applications to rocksolidathletic@gmail.com with “Lifeguard Certification” as the subject matter

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF REGISTRATION FORM

    Aquatics
    Posted on April 25, 2025

  • Southern Hills Water Aerobics is here!

    Rock Solid will be starting Water Aerobics at Southern Hills Recreation center on Monday June 28, 2021, from 7-8am. 

    For more information, contact Shelley McMillian at rocksolidathletic@gmail.com or 318-470-8904.

    Aquatics
    Posted on June 24, 2021

Community Events

3 of 5 news items

  • SPAR’s Athletic Division to hold Seasonal Part-Time Job Fairs

    Are you looking for a part-time job? Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR) is holding several “Athletic Job Fairs” next week. They are free and open to anyone looking for a job. The public is invited to come out and learn more about our athletics department and all the services we offer the community. 

    The athletic division is currently looking for people to work at special events, outdoor recreation programs, community events, athletics activities, and more. Pay is $15 an hour and you can apply at one of our four pop-in job fairs. 

    • March 6: 1 pm – 3 pm A.B. Palmer Community Center 
    • March 7: 1 pm – 3 pm David Raines Community Center 
    • March 8: 9 am – 11 am Valencia Park Community Center 
    • March 9: 3 pm – 5 pm Wildwood Park 

    To apply you must be: 

    • 18 and older 
    • Work shifts after 3 pm 
    • Be able to work flexible hours and weekends 
    • You must also be able to pass a background check and drug screening 

    The job fairs are being hosted by the City of Shreveport and SPAR. 

    #### 

    Contact: 

    Lyman Lasco McKellar 

    Marketing and Communications Manager 

    Lyman.McKellar@shreveportla.gov 

    318-423-9215 (cell) 

    Community Events
    Posted on March 02, 2023

  • The Art & STEM of Mardi Gras

    Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR) is partnering with the Department of Defense’s DoDSTEM and STEM Nola to reach students where they are and expose them to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

    In true Louisiana style we're incorporating Mardi Gras into our lesson on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Students in Kindergarten through 12th grades will get a chance to build and test their own Mardi Gras floats. During the course, they’ll learn about electroluminescence and by the end of the program they will be able to describe how circuits are used to power Mardi Gras floats.

    The lesson rolls at A.B. Palmer Recreation Center at 547 East 79th Street from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The event is free, but you must register your child by Thursday, February 2. 

    If you are interested in volunteering, we’re looking for college students and professionals.

    You can Contact Kimberly Lejay at 318-401-6977 to register or volunteer.

    ####

    MEDIA: There will be opportunities for interviews on Saturday. If you are interested, please contact Lyman McKellar. I’m also including a link with video from a previous STEM event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVpOufPs7F4

    Community Events
    Posted on January 31, 2023

  • Time to Celebrate Mardi Gras!

    PARADE DATES:

    • African American History Parade    
      • February 4, 2023
      • Parade rolls at 11:00 am
      • Street/Route closure at 9:00 am 
    • Krewe of Centaur Parade
      • February 11, 2023
      • Parade rolls at 3:00 pm
      • Street/Route closure at 1:00 pm

    • Krewe of Gemini Parade    
      • February 18, 2023
      • Parade rolls at 3:00 pm    
      • Street/Route closure at 1:00 pm    
    • Krewe of Highland Parade
      • February 19, 2023
      • Parade rolls at 2:00 pm
      • Street/Route closure at 1:00 pm

    Once the streets are closed there will be only emergency vehicle traffic. If you leave the area after the streets are closed, you will not be allowed back in.

    All parades will roll come rain or shine!

    If there is lightning or more severe weather the parade will NOT roll.

    GEMINI AND CENTAUR STREET CLOSURES:

    Shreveport Police will close all of Clyde Fant Parkway from Lake Street to Shreveport-Barksdale beginning at 7 p.m. the night before the Krewes of Centaur and Gemini parades. It will reopen to traffic at 7 a.m. on parade day, so people may set up early on those Saturdays.

    By 9 a.m. on parade days Crockett Street from Spring Street to Clyde Fant will close, and Clyde Fant from Crockett Street to Milan Street will be closed. Residents can gain access to Sci-Port unWl closing.

    At 1 p.m. the following streets will close:

    • East Kings at Preston

    • East Kings at Youree

    • Shreveport-Barksdale (including Shreveport-Barksdale bridge)

    • Clyde Fant from Milan Street to Shreveport-Barksdale Highway.

    • Clyde Fant between 70th Street and Shreveport-Barksdale Highway will remain open to allow access to Bossier City only

    • East Preston will close to through traffic at East Kings Highway, Captain Shreve, Knight Street, and Clyde Fant Parkway when parades turn onto East Kings Highway.

    STREET CLOSURES:

    • Plan ahead! You may want to review the parade route before heading to the parade to determine the best spot for you and your family. Many streets will be closed around 1:00 p.m. and experienced parade goers will often mark their spot starting early the morning of the parade.

    • Early pitching of tents and saving of parking spaces will not be allowed. Violators could be ticketed, towed, or forced to move.

    • Citizens cannot park where areas are roped off and marked.

    • Handicap parking is at the duck pond and at the Veteran’s Memorial lot on Clyde Fant. Residents must have a handicapped parking tag or plate to gain access.

    • People planning to park in residential areas of the parade routes should heed all traffic and parking signs. It is imperative that emergency traffic be able to flow through streets, so proper parking will be strictly enforced.

    EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND COMMAND:

    • Law Enforcement officers from local agencies will be working the parade. Officers will be in patrol cars, on foot, on bicycles, on horses, and on motorcycles.

    • Police will have command busses at Stoner Park, Shreve City, Super 1, and East Kings Highway

    RESERVE YOUR SPOT: The City of Shreveport leases several spots on East Kings Highway. They are reserved on a first come first served basis and sell out VERY QUICKLY! All the spots for the 2023 parades have been reserved, but you can visit www.myspar.org for more information about signing up for next year.

    BRING A BAG: Clean up after yourself! City workers will clean the parade route, but doing your part will help a lot.

    ALCOHOL-FREE ZONE: The City of Shreveport maintains a family-friendly, alcohol-free zone. This is along Clyde Fant Parkway, from the old railroad trestle, North to Stoner Avenue. You can access this area by driving down Stoner Avenue, where it intersects with Clyde Fant Parkway.

    NO THROW AREAS:

    • In the staging areas

    • The railroad underpass just north of the Veteran’s Memorial.

    • Stoner Avenue Bridge

    • The turn from Clyde Fant onto Shreveport-Barksdale Highway

    • The Turn from Shreveport-Barksdale to East Kings Highway

    • When the parade is stopped

    PROHIBITED:

    • No glass boUles or containers are allowed on the parade route.

    • No one may cross parade barricades during the parade.

    • No one may throw anything at a parade float.

    • No animals are allowed within 200 yards of the parade route, except animals that are in secured yards of residents living along the parade route and service animals.

    • No dangerous objects or silly string.

    • Large flags or banners are not allowed within 50 feet of the parade route.

    • No underage possession of alcohol. Violators will be arrested.

    • No public nudity will be tolerated. Violators will be arrested.

    • No float drivers may drink any alcohol or throw beads. They will be required to take an intoxilyzer test.

    • Floats in the parade must have skirts or escorts walking alongside them.

    • No ATVs, side-by-side, dirt bikes, or any other motorized recreaWonal vehicles are allowed on any public property along the parade route, this includes the grassy areas along Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway and city streets. Violators will be subject to citation, arrest, and towing of the vehicle.

    SAFETY TIPS:

    • Do not leave children unattended! Designate a meeting place in the event you find yourself accidentally separated from your children or other family members/friends.

    • Don’t fight or struggle over beads. Thousands of beads will be thrown, so be polite and respecmul for others trying to catch them.

    • Keep a safe distance from the floats.

    • Leave valuables at home and secure your vehicles. Keep your keys secured.

    • Do not take purses or wallets to parades. Keep money, keys, and identification secured on your person.

    • Extinguish hot coals after cooking. Do not dump hot coals on the grass.

    • Obey all traffic signs and directions from officers.

    Community Events
    Posted on February 01, 2023

Home

3 news items

  • Dog Park re-opens today

    The Shreveport Dog Park will re-open today, Tuesday, June 29, 2021, after a temporary closure due to high water from the Red River. The park will remain open during it's regularly scheduled hours, with one exception for Independence Day festivities. The park will be closed and access to the area will be limited beginning at 9:00 pm Saturday, July 3. The dog park will reopen to the public at 8:00 am Monday, July 5. 

    Click below to learn more about the Freedom Fest Finale held on Sunday, July 4, and four other fireworks locations around the Ark-La-Tex. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks from their cars at the Stoner Boat Launch, or stay at home and watch all 5 locations shoot fireworks simultaneously on KTBS/KPXJ.

    Home
    Posted on June 29, 2021

  • Cooling Stations Open at SPAR Community Centers

    As the mercury climbs, cooling stations will be open for those searching for relief from high temperatures in Shreveport.

     

    The cooling stations will have air conditioning, free bottled water and designated seating areas.

    Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

     

     

    The following community centers will serve as cooling stations:

    • A.B. Palmer (547 East 79th St.)
    • Airport Park (6500 Kennedy Dr.)
    • Bill Cockrell (4109 Pines Rd.)
    • David Raines (2920 Round Grove Ln.)
    • Hattie Perry (4300 Ledbetter)
    • Mamie Hicks (200 Mayfair Dr.)
    • Southern Hills (1002 Bert Kouns)
    • Valencia (1800 Viking Dr.)

    Home
    Posted on June 18, 2021

  • SPAR Maintenance honors employees, celebrates accomplishments

    SHREVEPORT, LA -- Ray Hill has worked in the Maintenance Department for Shreveport Parks and Recreation for more than 19 years. When he took over as the Building Maintenance Division Manager last year, he knew it was meaningful but anonymous work.

    “The only people who think of maintenance every day is Maintenance… until there is an issue,” Hill said.

    So Hill decided to change that. He recently hosted an event to celebrate his staff and the 3,155 work orders they completed from June 2017 to June 2018.

    The SPAR Maintenance Department covers all public entities. The performance maintenance for all of the city’s parks and swimming pools, as well as Government Plaza, fire and police department buildings, municipal courts and more.

    “If something needs to be done in a public building, we’re pretty much the entity that takes care of it,” Hill said. “In the course of a year, there is a multitude of things we do, It’s carpentry work; it’s redesign of parks to make them better, more efficient as well as practical. We do every light bulb you see in a public building. We do HVAC, refrigeration, locks on doors -- whatever is required of us.”

    SPAR also supports many outdoor events, such as Jazz in the Park and Movies and Moonbeams. Maintenance employees set up electricity, plumbing and other services for those events. “We are a very active bunch,” Hill said.

    When Hill took over as Division Manager, he decided to expand the Maintenance Division’s existing awards ceremony to further show support for his team. He even created his own new category – the James Brown Award.

    “I grew up with my parents and grandparents listening to James Brown,” Hill said. “He was known as the hardest working man in show business. I decided we were going to do an award like that. The person or team who, no matter what, doesn’t stop and just keeps on going.” 

    The plumbing section won the James Brown Award, with 709 work orders completed for the year among three team members and one Certified Maintenance Technician.  

    Hill was pleased to see the plumbing section win the award because he had made improving it one of his top priorities in his first year as Division Manager. “I had no idea we would come this far,” he said. “I was astonished myself”.

    DeShayne Hall, Hill’s executive assistant, was the department’s Employee of the Year. Hill said she took it upon herself to learn everything she could about the entire Maintenance Department and how each section operates. “She wanted to know what made the engine run,” he said.

    Lonnie Walton was named the top Call-Out Maintenance Employee. Call-out employees respond to maintenance calls after hours. They typically are more experienced staff members and are expected to handle situations in a very independent manner, with little or no supervision. “The call-out person lets me sleep a good sleep,” Hill said. Lonnie’s workload stood out for the volume of work and how seamlessly it was handled, Hill said.

    Floyd Campbell was named the most improved Certified Maintenance Technician. He came up with a plan to install steel rails along the fences at city parks to prevent cars from driving through the parks, a common problem that has cost the department money and man hours through the years, Hill said. “Are they bringing us info to make that even better? Is there something out there in operations that is going to save us a dollar? That’s their job,” Hill said.

    Other award recipients include:

    • Most Improved Maintenance Tech: Mike Luraschi

    • Most Innovative: Tom Johnson

    • Biggest Transition: Leroy Miller

    • Most Dedicated: Mark Chambers

    • Perfect Attendance: Brice Rougley, Mark Chambers, Lonnie Walton and Leroy Miller

    • Shop Leaders: Leroy Miller and Floyd Campbell

    Hill said he plans to expand the award categories next year. One new award will be for self-advancement, recognizing employees who excel at learning and applying new skills and technology to their work.

    “We were stuck,” he said. “The problem is you have to get guys to advance – management or personnel. We always have to look for the latest thing. We have to train ourselves better so we can bring it to the crews. This award will recognize those who take the initiative to better themselves.”

    Hill is proud of the Building Maintenance Division’s accomplishments in the past year. He expects even more from them by the end of the current year.

    I have it made because of the staff that I have,” Hill said. “My job is to guide. Everybody has room for improvement. It just shows the dedication my staff has. It’s all them. They are buying in. I am going to let them run with it.”

    Home
    Posted on September 28, 2018

Therapeutic Recreation

1 news item

  • SPAR Athletics Partners With Special Olympics

    SPAR Athletics Partners With Special Olympics to Host First Unified Rivalry Flag Football Game During Bayou Classic Weekend 

    (Shreveport, Louisiana) – For the first time in the history of the Bayou Classic, Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation (SPAR) got to partner with Special Olympics to create a community event on Saturday, Nov. 27 that was unforgettable. They organized the first unified rivalry flag football game featuring Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners that represented both Southern University and Grambling State University. SPAR got involved with the event when Special Olympics reached out to Theresa Gray-Jacobs, superintendent of therapeutic recreation at SPAR. She helped get players from Grambling State and Southern University to participate. Junior high students were also able to participate. They were encouraged to play on the team of their choice. Theresa says that some even chose the school they’d like to eventually go to in the future. The event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the SPAR athletes. 

    “A lot of the time we have clients that are in group homes or in homes where parents are physically unable to take them anywhere…with this event, they got a chance to go out of town,” Theresa said. “They got to go to New Orleans and see the Superdome. If you had the chance to see their faces when they walked on the football field, it was amazing.” During the flag football game, SPAR therapeutic recreation athletes (who are already connected to the Special Olympics) were able to play with the Grambling State and Southern University players. Theresa says the game helped all the players develop a camaraderie. 

    “It was amazing to see them develop this great partnership and camaraderie together. They developed beautiful friendships. It was wonderful.” 

    The Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling State has a long history in New Orleans. This year they celebrated their 48th annual game. The flag football game was a great way to allow the Special Olympics athletes to be a part of this historical event. Theresa says seeing the players work together on the field was amazing. “Some people have a fear of the unknown…a fear of working with someone with a disability. This event showed them it’s awesome working with these people. It’s not something they should be afraid of.” Two SPAR athletes won MVP at the flag football game - Juwone Scott, GSU Special Olympics Athlete and Torion Huffman, SUSLA Special Olympics Athlete. 

    Juwone had a wonderful experience. 

    "I felt so surprised that I won the MVP of the game. I loved being on the same field as the Saints, the Super Dome!" 

     

    Torion said he was nervous at first, but then he focused on the game. 

     "I was nervous about playing flag football but after I made my first catch it was exciting. I love playing sports with my friends and coming to SPAR. I love coming to SPAR because I get to hang with my friends where I can be myself and I love all the different activities we do; my favorite sport is bowling."

    Theresa’s main role with SPAR is to develop recreational sports programs for people with disabilities. She also helps them in their transition to working a job and developing independence. She says this event was a great success and they are already planning for next year’s event. 

    "To me, it was nothing but God that helped us put this together.”

    Therapeutic Recreation
    Posted on January 25, 2022

  1. Click to Home

    Enhancing lives through people, parks, places, play and programs

    Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation

    505 Travis Street, Suite 550
     Shreveport, LA 71101

    318.673.SPAR 
    Follow us on facebook & instagram

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