Brookhaven Parks and Recreation is gearing up for fall.

Children in the city will have plenty of opportunities to stay busy and be engaged during the autumn season as the recreation department opens registration for several of its programs.

“Soccer is probably our biggest sport right now,” Director Matt Shell said.

Registration is now open for fall cheer, dance, gymnastics, ballet, art classes, flag football and soccer. Deadlines vary depending on the activity.

The deadline to register for soccer is coming up Aug. 2, while the deadline to register for flag football is Aug. 16.

“You make friends and it gives them something to do and be active,” Shell said. “It’s a gateway to other sports in junior high and high school.”

Fall cheer begins the week of Aug. 19 and is available for ages 3 and up. The price for the class depends on the level and age of the student.

Dance will start Aug. 19 and is available for ages 2 and up. The genres of dance and price also vary depending on the age of the student.

Gymnastics will begin Aug. 12 and is available for ages 4 and up. The monthly fee is $50.

Classical ballet will start the week of Aug. 19, with classes on Monday and Thursday each week. The monthly fee will depend on the age of the student.

Art classes are taught monthly and are available for students in first through sixth grades. Debbie Keene will teach, but times haven’t been set yet.

Flag football will start in September and is for ages 5 and up. The fee is $50 per player.

Soccer games will begin after Labor Day and will involve children age 4 and up. The monthly fee will depend on the age of the student.

Classes that begin in August are half price for that month.

Forms may be picked up at the parks and recreation office on Hwy. 51 or downloaded from the department’s website.

Shell played baseball through the department as a child living in Brookhaven.

“I have friends to this day I met through the rec department,” Shell said.

For more information, call 601-833-3791 or go to www.brookhavenrecreation.com.

Story by Gracie Byrne