(The Pierce County Recreation Board discussed and/or voted on the following during their monthly meeting February 3.)
New recreation complex: Recreation board chairman Chris Wright said he and Recreation Director Maureen Brown, County Chairman Neal Bennett, Interim County Manager Thomas Sauls and Blackshear Public Works Director Wallace Tomlinson had all met with representatives of Architect Carter and Sloope on plans for the proposed new recreation complex and the renovations to the Ware Street Park. Planning for the new park and renovations have been at a stand still since last summer. Wright said the group had a good and productive meeting and finalized details on the proposal, including a plan to have the new complex buildings match the exterior appearance of the high school. Wright said he hoped a final proposal would be ready soon.
Director’s report: Recreation Director Maureen Brown reported that basketball season is winding down. She reported gate receipts of $12,192 and season ticket sales of $2,310 through the end of January. Concession sales were $5,786.43 over that same period. Brown updated the board on the schedule for the conclusion of basketball season, championship competition, all star selections and district tournament. Pierce County will host the 8u and 14u boys district tournament. She noted that season tickets will not be honored during the district tournament. Admission is $8 for adults ages 18-59, $4 for those ages 6-17 and free admission of those younger than 6 and those older than 60. Brantley County will host the 10u boys and girls and 12u boys and Bacon County will host 8u and 12u girls and 14u boys. Brown also announced softball, baseball, soccer and track and field, golf and tennis registration for spring sports is now open. Deadline is Feb. 28. Plans are for evaluations and drafts to take place the first week of March with opening ceremonies tentatively set for April 13.
Update on Tiger Field project: Board chairman Chris Wright said he had no report on improvements to Tiger Field. Bids are currently being received on the next phases of the project to include paving the track and improving parking. Those improvements will be done in the future and will be delayed until after the SE Cancer Walk April 24. The walk will be held at the track. The county received a $343,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Matching Grant for the work. The said additional improvements will put the final price tag at just over $1 million.
Next meeting: The next monthly meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center (SEGARAC) on College Avenue.
