It’s time for us to introduce our newest additions at Chappapeela Sports Park!
The new year has brought some new faces to Chappapeela Sports Park. We are excited to introduce you to the two newest members of our team, Melinda Edwards and Joshua Vicks.
Melinda is joining the CSP team as an Administrative and Financial Assistant. She has spent the last 4 years working in finance for the Tangipahoa Parish School System, working within Tangipahoa Parish School System for a total of 8 years. She has lived in Hammond for nearly twenty years, however she is originally from Oxford, Mississippi. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi.
“I was looking for a new challenge, and wanted to be more involved with athletics because my daughter is an athlete,” Melinda said when asked about coming to Chappapeela. “I wanted to reach more kids and I’m excited to use what I’ve learned in the school system to help the park have even more outreach into the community. I think every child should have the opportunity to play and learn a sport, and to be active.”
Melinda will be the first face and the first voice you hear when coming to the park and we truly believe she is going to be a huge asset to keeping this beautiful park growing and connecting with our community.
Josh is Program Specialist and Coach Co-ordinator here at CSP. He is from nearby Springfield, Louisiana. Josh interned with us here at the park in the Fall of 2019, after his internship he earned his degree in Sports Management from Southeastern Louisiana University. During his time at Southeastern, Josh worked as a Residential Assistant and with the Lions football team for two seasons as an Equipment Manager. He also was the treasurer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
When asking Josh about his decision to join the team at CSP full-time after graduating, Josh said, “I just loved being here, the environment and the people I worked with, and having the opportunity to get out there with the kids. When I was offered a position to stay, I just couldn’t say no.”
Speaking with Josh more about his new role at the park, he spoke about things he wants to accomplish, “I want to bring new people to the park and keep them here. I want the experience here at Chappapeela to be enjoyable and worthwhile so that once athletes start playing here, they keep improving and returning.”
Josh will be the man with a plan when it comes to athletes’ youth sport experiences here at CSP. Deputy Director and Programs Director Amber Andrews shared, “during his internship Josh was a fantastic help with our Fall programs. He is coming in with fresh eyes, lots of ideas, and just an unmatched passion to serve the Hammond Area Recreation District and their youth. We are very lucky to have him and can’t wait for our community to meet him.”
We are extremely excited to welcome these new members to our team here at Chappapeela.
Please don’t hesitate to say hello to our friendly staff next time you’re here at the park!
