(The Pierce County Recreation Board discussed and/or voted on the following during their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 11.)
Carter and Sloope presentation on new complex: Architect John Stover of Carter and Sloope of Macon gave a presentation on a proposed new/renovated recreation complex in Blackshear. (See related item.)
Practice field complaints: Several coaches and parents including Johnny Thigpen Jr., Ansleigh Godwin, Bailey Griffis, Phillip Shabott and others came to the board to complain about the lack of access to practice fields ahead of the upcoming recreation baseball and softball season. Coach Brown said they were not locked, but some fields were off limits to get them ready for the upcoming season. She said the recreation facilities will soon be open to all coaches and teams.
Director’s report: Recreation Director Maureen Brown gave a wrap up report on basketball season. Brown said the winter sports season was successful with concession stand revenue at $6,619 and gate revenue at $11,390. She said she contracted with certified officials this season to help conduct games. She announced the district 8u and 10u basketball tournament would be hosted by Pierce County February 27 and 28. Season passes are not honored at district and admission will be $4. Board members were provided with district schedules. Registration for spring sports is underway now and was set to conclude yesterday, Feb. 18. So far, 100 children have signed up for spring sports, but Coach Brown said there will be a great increase once the deadline approaches. Brown and the board members also discussed implementing a recreation app like Parent Square used by the school system. The recreation app will allow the department to notify parents about sign ups, schedule changes, field availability and weather cancellations. Estimated cost of the app is $5,000. Brown also announced Crossroads Christian Academy will be using the department’s facilities starting next week.
Next meeting: The next monthly meeting will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center (SEGARAC) on College Avenue.
