Can Palmyra come out and play? Yes. Yes, it can.

By encouraging kids to get outside and become active, the Palmyra Area Recreation and Parks Commission (PARPC) serves an important role in the community. PARPC achieves its goals through cooperation, collaboration and sports.

"In order to be well-rounded human beings, I think recreation and education go hand in hand," said Tina Manoogian-Fischer, PARPC's director. "One of the things we need to do is keep our bodies in shape. We want our minds to be sharp, and we want our bodies to be sharp as they can be."

Headquartered at 325 S. Railroad St., Palmyra, PARPC operates and sponsors 18 mostly athletic programs and camps highlighting basketball, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, track and field, distance running, softball, swimming, tennis, fitness and dance. The programs are designed for boys and girls in kindergarten through grade eight, residing mainly in the borough of Palmyra, North Londonderry Township and South Londonderry Township.

There are fees associated with some of the programs and camps.

"Oftentimes, it's kids who want to try something new," said Manoogian-Fischer. "We're the organization that can help them get their foot in the door. Sports is a good way to learn teamwork, common courtesies, compassion, empathy and how to get along with others. It's also a way to get kids away from electronics. Perhaps it could lead them into a high school sport they like."

"We don't care about the outcome at this level," added Manoogian-Fischer. "We want to develop skills and teach the sport. We serve as a feeder system for the Palmyra Area School District (PASD). We often hire some of the high school coaches. That way the kids are being taught the skills that the coaches are looking for. It's nice to build that relationship between the young people and the coaches."

In 2023, PARPC programs and camps generated 1,485 unique participations.

"I believe that people are aware of us, and they're utilizing our programs," said Manoogian-Fischer. "I think the participation is very good."

"We're one big community, even though we may reside in different municipalities," she added. "That's one of the things I love about this area. (The programs are) a way to bring families together. My favorite thing is going to a youth program and seeing families together enjoying that family relationship. That gives me an immense sense of pride. That just makes me smile from ear to ear, and it warms my heart."

Established in 1975, PARPC is officially made up of three staff members. But the organization relies heavily on volunteer coaches and the cooperation of the three municipalities it serves, as well as the school district, to execute its mission.

"We do not own any of our own facilities," said Manoogian-Fischer. "We primarily utilize Palmyra Area School District facilities, including the Ridge Road sports complex. Since we're a feeder system for the school, it makes sense. Fortunately, PASD does a very good job of maintaining its indoor and outdoor facilities. We also use fields in South Londonderry Township and at In The Net (Sports Complex), trails at North Londonderry Township and the parks and playgrounds at the municipalities we serve."

For additional information about Palmyra Area Recreation and Parks Commission, go to http://www.palmyrarec.org.