Spring Youth Athletics registration is open, and planning for Summer Day Camps is already underway. But what does it really take to deliver youth programming in Augusta?

In this episode of A Walk in the Park, we talk with Athletic Program Manager Cornell Harris and Program Manager DeShawne Blocker about why youth programming is one of the most important investments our community makes.

From Softball, Baseball, and T Ball to camps and recreation programs beyond sports, youth programming provides structure, supervision, skill development, and support for working families. We also explore how structured recreation contributes to positive youth outcomes and why many youth programs are intentionally subsidized to ensure access.

If you have ever signed your child up for a program or wondered what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a closer look at how Augusta Recreation and Parks supports young people and strengthens our community.

Why do some recreation programs have fees while others don’t? How are those fees set - and how do taxpayer dollars fit into the picture?

In this episode of the Augusta Recreation & Parks Podcast, we take listeners behind the scenes to explain cost recovery. What it is, why it exists, and how it helps sustain parks, programs, and community spaces across Augusta.

From staffing and facilities to utilities and citywide support services, we break down the real costs of delivering recreation in a clear, straightforward way. We also explain why many programs are intentionally subsidized and how fee decisions are guided by fairness, access, and long-term sustainability.

Whether you’re a resident, parent, participant, or staff member, this episode offers transparency into how public recreation works, and how your community invests in health, connection, and opportunity.

🔗 Explore the public cost recovery calculator:⁠ augustaga.gov/3413/Cost-Calculator⁠