Disclosure: JPRD sponsored this post, but as local moms in Metairie, Harahan and beyond, we cannot recommend JPRD sports more!
JPRD Fall Registration is Now Open
Why We Love JPRD Sports
My brother and I grew up playing sports for Jefferson Parks & Recreation Department playgrounds, and my dad has coached various parish sports for as long as I can remember. The same goes for my husband when he was a kid growing up in the Metairie area. So many of our fondest childhood memories involve the playground, so as soon as our boys were old enough, we signed them up for whichever recreational sport was in season at our district playground in Jefferson Parish.
We wanted our sons to get a little taste of each sport. The affordable cost and short seasons make JPRD sports low-risk and accessible. For example, one of my kids loved his experience with JPRD baseball, so we explored our options for year-round tournament teams in addition to Jefferson Parish rec ball. This same child learned that basketball wasn’t his thing via playing with JPRD, so he finished out the season at the park and never expressed interest in pursuing it further. We also absolutely love the opportunity to meet other local families and build relationships with teammates we never would have met otherwise. At 9 years old, my oldest has been playing ball with many of his teammates since they were barely 5, and it’s a joy to reconnect with these same families year after year.
How To Get Your Kids Involved / Registered
In order to take advantage of the amazing programs JPRD has to offer this Fall, first download the new JPRD mobile app OR register here. The following sports are available this Fall: tackle football, flag football, volleyball and cheerleading. The cost of registration is a very doable $4. There is typically an additional cost for uniforms once the season starts up, but in my experience, that’s never exceeded $35. Of course, that may vary by playground but it still is one of the most affordable ways to play sports in Metairie, Harahan and other areas of Jefferson Parish. JPRD has numerous parks on the Eastbank of New Orleans, as well as the Westbank. Get started by using the park locator to find the playground closest to you; just be sure to confirm that you are within the park’s district boundaries during registration. You’ll be asked to provide proof of residency with your driver’s license, so have that available. If you opt to participate at a playground that is outside of your district, you’ll need to apply for a waiver annually. During the registration process, you can also sign up to coach, which I highly recommend. I usually have a hand in every sport, whether that means volunteering as head coach or serving as an extra chaperone. We all know it takes a village, and that is no different in the world of children’s sports. Even if your game knowledge is limited, you are a valuable asset whether facilitating small groups during practices or supervising on the sidelines.
New Look, Same Great Jefferson Parish Sports Programs
The JPRD website has gotten quite the face lift recently, and I’m loving it. Nothing has changed in terms of parks or programs offered. The updated website and new app have simply modernized what we’ve always enjoyed. I also appreciate the newsletters and email alerts with info about registration and start dates. The straightforward, user-friendly upgrades make now the perfect time to explore the Jefferson Parks & Recreation Department programs. While I prefer the convenience of online registration, in-person sign-ups are also offered at most parks. Whatever you choose, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the ballpark experience and sense of community that JPRD athletics has to offer.