Ron Robbins is passionate about providing opportunities for recreation in York. The board chair of the Eastern York Recreation Authority (EYRA) was recently recognized for his efforts when he won the Community Champion Award from the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society, a statewide organization that facilitates parks and recreation programs throughout Pennsylvania.

"I was shocked, surprised and grateful when I found out I won," Robbins said, "but that's not what keeps me going. I don't do it for recognition. I do it for the kids, my own children and everybody else's children. I want them to have a place for recreation in our community."

Robbins, who, with his wife, Michelle, has six children who range in age from 10 to 27, has been volunteering with community recreation programs for almost 30 years. He used to volunteer with Hellam Recreation, and when he ended up being the only active volunteer left, he looked into forming EYRA to keep recreation opportunities alive in Eastern York.

Robbins used a state-driven grant to hire a parks and recreation director, Jessica Cirilo, who helps maintain consistency in an organization run by volunteers. "Most people move on from volunteering after their children leave the program," Robbins said. "I wanted someone who, even if I stepped out of the program, would still be there to see these programs continue. That was my biggest goal."

EYRA offers a variety of recreational programs for youths in the region, including baseball, softball and soccer programs, with youth basketball coming this fall. Most programs are open to youths ages 4 to 18.

Along with hiring Cirilo, Robbins set his sights on acquiring funds to improve EYRA facilities. A new playground was recently built at the Barshinger Complex on Accomac Road in Hellam.

Over the years, Robbins has filled a variety of roles in EYRA. "From coaching to lining fields, securing donations to handling disagreements and emptying trash cans to overseeing the funnel cake stand, Ron (works hard)," said Cirilo. "When he is not at his full-time job or on his boat - the only time he turns off his phone - there is no doubt you can find him getting his hands dirty somewhere in the community, striving to make it just a little bit better."

At the awards ceremony earlier this year in Hershey, Robbins thought EYRA was receiving an award as an organization, unaware that Cirilo had actually nominated him individually.

"I had no clue," he recalled. "I saw my name come up on a screen in front of all these people I don't know, and it was a total surprise."

He emphasized that although he was honored to win, he's not driven by accolades.

"I really just want to provide opportunities to kids," he said. "That's so important to me. We've accomplished a lot, and I think we have a great plan in place going forward to accomplish even more."

For more information on EYRA, visit http://www.easternyorkrec.com or email eyrecauthority@gmail.com.