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The Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department's Watershed Parks and Youth & Community Services programs will receive grants from the 2009 National Recreation and Park Association's After School Archery program.

The archery program, which started as a summer-camp program, offers eight beginner classes and one advanced class.

"Right now, we are using the state's equipment, and this grant money will be used to help us purchase our own equipment to be more self-sufficient," said Clint Richardson, lake activity specialist for the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department.

NRPA, in partnership with the National Alliance for the Development of Archery, is thrilled that Greensboro Parks & Recreation is taking part in the initiative to increase participation and create sustainable programming for youths in their community, said Resa Kierstein of NRPA.

Kierstein said Greensboro Parks & Recreation was one of 100 agencies or organizations from across the country selected for the grant.

"Greensboro Parks & Recreation's efforts will serve as a foundation for other such agencies and youth-serving organizations to take a leadership role and ensure that archery is sustained within their communities," Kierstein said.

The Watershed Parks and Youth & Community Services Division will each receive a $500 grant to increase and enhance existing programs for area youths.

The grant funds may be used to purchase archery equipment and program resources and materials, as well as provide staff training, relevant to the After School Archery program.

Classes begin in May and go through August. Call 643-4295 for information on archery classes.

The after-school programs are through Greensboro Parks & Recreation centers.