PLAY WITH A PURPOSE

Recreation Ministry exists to develop and grow followers of Jesus through various avenues of recreation, group fitness, and family activities. Its overall goal is to strengthen, connect, and point the community locally, nationally, and globally towards Jesus Christ.

 

About

Our Staff

Jason O’Bryant | Recreation Ministry Director | Email

Thompson VanDeMark | Upwards Sports Director | Email

John Hilburn | Recreation Ministry Associate/Rentals | Email

Ministry Center

Open Gym Hours

Wednesday Open Gym will start May 20th-June 24th and July 15th-August 12th from 4:00-9:00 P.M.

Sunday

 

Open Gym 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Monday Basketball Only 4:00 – 9:00 P.M.

Will stop on Monday, May 4th-June 8th. It will start back on Monday, June 15th.

Tuesday Volleyball Only 4:00 – 9:00 P.M.
Wednesday

 

Only open for Wednesday Night Church Activities August to May.

Open Gym will start May 20th-June 24th and July 15th-August 12th from 4:00-9:00 P.M.

Thursday

 

Pickleball Only 4:00 – 9:00 P.M.

Will stop on Thursday, May 7th-June 4th. It will start back on Thursday, June 11th.

Friday Rentals only
Saturday Rentals only

CONTACT US

WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?

 

How to Reserve the Ministry Center

The Lakewood Ministry Center is a great place to host a birthday party, team practice, or event! You can do so by clicking on the Ministry Center Usage Request Form, fill it out, and someone from the Recreation Ministry staff will respond to your request. We look forward to helping you host your next event.

MINISTRY CENTER USAGE REQUEST FORM CONTACT US

How to Reserve the Athletic Field

 

The Lakewood Athletic Field is a great place to host a birthday party, team practice, or event! You can do so by clicking on the Athletic Field Usage Request Form, fill it out, and someone from the Recreation Ministry staff will respond to your request. We look forward to helping you host your next event.

ATHLETIC FIELD USAGE REQUEST FORM CONTACT US

Lanier Volleyball Little League at Lakewood

We are continuing our partnership with Lanier Volleyball Club to offer Little League Volleyball.

Open to boys and girls Kindergarten – 5th grade.

Pickleball

 

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M., there will be pickleball in the Ministry Center. We have 6 courts for play. Free to the public and open to all!

CONTACT US

Lakewood Gainesville Fit Club

Monday – Thursday at 5:30-6:30 AM, meet at Ministry Center.

Free to the public and open to all. Join us for a great daily workout.

CONTACT US

UPWARD SPORTS

Sports skill training that prioritizes fun and focuses on your athlete, all in a safe environment rooted in Christian principles with less time commitment—come see the difference!

Upward Basketball

Basketball registration opens August 3rd!

Click below for more information.

Upward Soccer

Fall Soccer registration is open now!

Open to boys and girls from ages 3yrs old to 12yrs old.

Divisions are typically split as such:Division 4 (3-4 years old), Division 3 (5-6 years old), Division 2 (7-9 years old), Division 1 (10-12 years old).

DATES: Practice start date: Week of August 17th. You will practice once a week on either Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Games: 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17. PRICE: Early Registration: $100 (Ends June 24th) Registration: $130 (Ends August 3rd).

Our program relies on parents to coach the teams. We ask that you please consider coaching your child/children. Coaches who sign up to coach while registering their child/children will receive a discount. Please email me for the coaches discount code.

Click below for more information.

RULE BOOK CONTACT US

REGISTRATION

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

 

Upward Flag Football

Flag Football registration is open now!

Open to boys ages 6yrs old to 12yrs old.

Divisions are typically split as such: Division 3 (6-7 years old), Division 2 (8-9 years old), Division 1 (10-12 years old). Subject to change depending on registration numbers.

DATES: Practice start date: Week of August 17th. You will practice once a week on either Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. GAMES: 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17. PRICE Early Registration: $100 (Ends June 24th) Registration: $130 (Ends August 3rd).

Our program relies on parents to coach the teams. We ask that you please consider coaching your child/children. Coaches who sign up to coach while registering their child/children will receive a discount for their child/children.

Click below for more information.

Sports Camps

Upcoming recreation programs and events.

Summer Basketball Camp

Boys & Girls

Summer 2026 Basketball Camps 

Grades are for the 2025-2026 school year.

K4-2nd Grades: June 8-11 | 9:00-11:00 AM

3rd-5th Grades: June 22-25 | 9:00-11:00 AM

Deadline to register is June 3, 2026.

REGISTER

Special Events

These are opportunities to get out and enjoy God's creation, play a new game, enjoy fellowship with others, challenge ourselves, and in all those opportunities reach others with the gospel.

Trivia Night

June 27 | 7:00 PM 

Grab some friends and join us for a fun night of friendly competition at Recreation Ministry’s Trivia Night in the Lodge. This will be a “all ages, all stages” trivia night that will hopefully just be a kick off for many to come. Teams of four to six will compete for prizes and bragging rights. Gather your friends and get a team captain to sign up your team!

Kayak Trip

When: Saturday, July 25th at 4:00 P.M.

Where: Appalachian Outfitters in Dahlonega, Ga

Cost: Solo Kayak is $30,  Tandem Kayak is $50

We will meet on site the day of the trip and should be off the water by 7:00 P.M. Anyone that is interested could go into Dahlonega for dinner afterwards. We had a great group last year and enjoyed a wonderful evening on the river. Get signed up on here so I know what kind of boats we are going to need , but you will pay for your trip at the location. Hope to see you there!