Recreation is Back + Sand Hill Complex Improvements Story by Cindy Reid | Photos by Michelle Holloway
C
larence E. Morgan, the Director of Effingham County Recreation and Parks Department, is happy to report the recreation department has made a strong comeback. “In the last 45 years we have gone through a lot,” he says, “but the shut down due to the pandemic was an unprecedented upheaval. But we are getting back. We are not back all the way, but we are definitely getting there.” Mr. Morgan says, “The shutdown affected many people and it took a lot of effort by the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager Tim Callanan to get things running again. At their July 7th meeting, myself and about 30 or 40 parents greeted the commissioners and Mr. Callanan with a big ‘Thank You’ banner and thank you signs we had made up. We want to
show our support because they don’t get thanked enough!” “We were able to open the playgrounds and travel baseball team practices May 14, club soccer on May 15 and regular baseball on June 20. Bingo and Line Dancing are up and running and we are registering for fall sports now.” Summer baseball and softball are going well, with 38 (25 Effingham Rec and 13 Rincon Rec) teams in the league playing 175 games. Due to the adjusted schedule, the teams will play until mid to late August. Mr. Morgan says having the activities back open for the children is vitally important. He says, “What are kids missing not being able to participate? They are missing socialization; they are missing making new friends and they are missing independence in their own world for one hour a day. An important space in their life
is missing. They are missing the education they get from a coach, who could be the one shining star in their life. Kids grow in their own way and they learn something every day by being in sports and other recreational activities.” “People are ready,” he says, “they are ready to get outside and play. If your heart says let your children play, then follow your heart.” He acknowledges that “Some folks will take a season off and only parents and their children can make that decision. We look forward to their return when they are ready.” The department is currently accepting registrations through August 6 for the upcoming Fall Programs: • Youth Football (Ages 5-12) • Cheerleading (Ages 5-11) • Youth Soccer (Ages 2.5-14)
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