Important Updates and Facility Closures

Stay informed about our current facility status.

H.A.R.D. #1 - Hammond Area Recreation District #1. Chappapeela Sports Park. C.P. Mitchell Memorial Park.

Thanks for Your Support in 2024

Learn What’s ComingOur Programs
Kids playing basketball
Kid pitching on mound
Girls smiling playing sports
Kid playing volleyball
Kid playing volleyball
Kids playing soccer
Kid hitting baseball
Coach teaching kids at basketball
Woman carrying a child and holding a blue bucket during Easter Eggstravaganza egg hunt with scattered colorful eggs on grass.
Kids winning baseball championship
Kids in huddle playing baseball
Kids playing flag football

The Next Chapter

We’re thrilled to announce that because of the amazing support from our community, Chappapeela Sports Park and CP Mitchell Memorial Park are about to get even better!

We’re working on adding: an additional gym, extended area for free play, more baseball fields, playgrounds, turf, lights, and so much more!

Kids winning baseball championship

Community Support

Our friends and neighbors are sharing in their own words about the difference Chappapeela Sports Park has made here in Tangi!

My whole family loves the staff at Chappapeela Sports Park! From the first time we meet them they have treated us like family. My girls even call Sam Aunt Sam! We couldn't have asked to be surrounded by better people. They work tirelessly to organize the sports programs they have and are always looking to do fun things at the playground to get the kids involved and excited!

Nicholas Aleman

Chappapeela Sports Park has been a wonderful community resource for Hammond High Magnet School. We have had the pleasure of utilizing it for athletic events as the facilities allow us to host tournaments providing opportunities for our athletes to scrimmage with a host of other schools. Most recently we had the need to locate a facility to hold our Homecoming Dance as our enrollment has increased which in turn creates the need for a larger venue. When called, Chappapeela opened its facilities with open arms. Additionally we have had many students be able to work part-time with the park which gives them applicable work experiences that will be beneficial to them once they graduate and enter the workforce! I am thankful for Chappapeela and its continued support for Hammond High Magnet School and am looking forward to many more years of awesome opportunities for partnership and collaboration!

Michael Kyles

Chappapeela Sports Park gave me an opportunity to continue doing what I have a passion for…coaching and developing young athletes.  The programs offered gives every young athlete the opportunity to play a sport they are interested in at such a young age.  The staff and volunteer coaches are highly skilled and bring out the best in their players.  I enjoy being in a leadership role and molding young athletes for life.  I am deeply grateful for Chappapeela giving me a platform to teach and direct these young athletes.

Randy Dow

My kids have been playing organized sports with Chapapeela Sports Park for a little over 6 years now. We absolutely love the options that are available and the ability of the organization to reach children of all abilities where they are to strengthen their skills. We have also benefited and love using their facilities for private parties and events.

Evelyn Warner

Chappapeela Sports Park is definitely a gem in our community. For the past three years, the facility has been the home to my organization's Food Expo. The staff has gone above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and has more than accommodating to our guests and vendors. The support from Mr. Barker and Mrs. Melinda has been great. I have partnered with them to assist with other events for our local-community. Anytime I need anything, they are one phone call away. Chappappeela has proven time and time again to truly be family-friendly and community oriented.

Endia Geter Hawkins

Who is H.A.R.D #1?

The Hammond Area Recreation District No. 1 (H.A.R.D #1) was established in the mid-
1990s by the Tangipahoa Parish Council and covers most of the City of Hammond and
the Seventh Ward. It is bounded by the Tangipahoa/Livingston Parish Boundary on the
west and the Tangipahoa River on the east, while its southern border connects with the
Ponchatoula Area Recreation District. Its mission is to provide the finest recreational
facilities and programs while offering an exceptional family environment.

Thanks to You

Because of you, we’ll continue to be able to impact our local economy, quality of life,
and enrich our entire parish!

Economic driver and tourist attraction for Tangipahoa Parish

Strategically planned events for comprehensive community engagement hosted each year

Programs launched for youth, adults, and athletes with disabilities

Light blue t-shirt with white text reading 'Zemurray Sports powered by H.A.R.D. #1' and icons of sports balls above the text.

Zemurray Sports

We’re so excited to be bring H.A.R.D. #1 programming to Zemurray Park starting this fall! We’ll be start off by offering soccer and flag football, and hope to continue bring more sports in the future.

Learn More

TOPs Sports

At HARD#1, we believe that sports and recreation have the power to bring communities together and enrich the lives of everyone involved. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. One of our goals is to offer something for everyone because we believe everyone matters.

Our TOPs Program is specifically designed for athletes who have mobility, sensory, or visual impairments. This 7-week program now offers tee-ball, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, dance, and cheer!

Learn More
Group of children in the TOPs program and adult supervisors playing and celebrating in an indoor gym, with one child using a walker and raising arms joyfully.
Group of boys playing football outdoors on a grassy field with goalposts and trees in the background.

Summer Skills

Stay ahead of the game with our Summer Skills program! This summer, we're offering our best programming and coaching yet! We're thrilled to be partnering with STA, Hammond High, and 6 Rings Baseball and Softball Academy. Your athlete is sure to love it!

Learn More

Fall Programs

Our fall programs are designed to keep your athletes active, engaged, and having a blast. From soccer to flag football, volleyball to basketball, we've got a wide range of sports and activities to suit every interest and skill level.

Learn More
Children playing volleyball indoors, with a girl in a blue shirt preparing to hit the ball.
Children playing and laughing in foam bubbles on a sunny grassy field during Back to School Bash.

Back To School Bash

Join us for the Back to School Bash, a fun-filled event for the whole family! Enjoy a petting zoo, carnival games, water fun, sports activities, and so much more.

Learn More

CP Mitchell Memorial Park

CP Mitchell Memorial Park in Hammond, LA, was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and remained abandoned until Hammond Area Recreation District No. 1 stepped in to restore it. The mission is to provide positive extracurricular opportunities to at-risk youth, many of whom face challenges like foster care, transportation issues, and limited access to recreational activities. Our early learning center will be opening fall 2024.

Learn More
Young baseball player in a blue jersey with C.P. Mitchell branding stands on a pathway holding a ball, with an adult nearby holding a water bottle.

Video Interviews

Hear what our community leaders are saying about the positive impact of Hammond Area Recreation District #1 and Chappapeela Sports Park.

Kids winning baseball championship

Video Interview #1

Kids in huddle playing baseball

Video Interview #2

Visit CSP Site

Chappapeela Sports Park (CSP) hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including our annual Easter Eggstravaganza, Back to School Bash, and Tots of Terror Halloween event. At CSP, there's something for everyone! Looking for more? Checkout our Chappapeela Sports website to learn more about our programs offered, find registration links, and employment opportunities.

Explore Play CSPRegister for a Program

FAQs

Have questions about the renewal process? Find answers below.

What is the renewal process?

The renewal process requires citizens to go out and vote to approve the continuation of the current tax rates that support Hammond Area Recreation District #1 (H.A.R.D.#1).

Is this a new tax?

Nope! This is not a new tax. This is simply a renewal of a tax that’s been in place for the past 10 years.

Who benefits from the renewal?

By supporting the renewal, you're positively impacting the entire community! H.A.R.D.#1 serves 3,500 children with our programs, act as a sports hub for local high schools, and Chappapeela Sports Park receives over 850,000 visitors a year.

How will the renewal impact me?

Not only will you receive the same great programs and events put on by the Hammond Area Recreation District, but you’ll be able to experience the benefits of all future programs and expansion.

How can I vote?

We’re so glad you asked! Voting day is April 27 and early voting begins April 13th and ends on April 20th. You can find your polling location here.

What happens if the renewal is not approved?

If this tax isn’t renewed, most, if not all programs provided by H.A.R.D.#1 will cease to exist. We’ll be unable to serve thousands of children in our community.