Emanuel County Recreation Department Wins GRPA Agency of the Year Award

The Emanuel County Recreation Department has scored big! The Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s 2024 Agency of the Year Award is now on display inside the Connie Kight Gymnasium, along with numerous other trophies and honors.

Recreation leaders Jerry Lawson, Mitchell Hudson, and Deandra Coleman accepted the plaque Wednesday night at the District 1 Annual Awards and Officer Installation Banquet in Springfield.

This achievement holds special significance as it’s the first year the recreation department has been managed solely by Emanuel County. The department previously won the award in 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2022 when it was a joint venture with the City of Swainsboro, but this year’s win is a testament to the county’s ability to continue a recreational legacy of excellence on its own.

The Agency of the Year award is judged across seven districts with recreation departments competing in one of five population categories. Emanuel County, part of District 1, competed in the 20,00 to 50,000 population bracket, beating out several other recreation powerhouses like McDuffie, Toombs, and Effingham to earn the 2024 title. Departments are evaluated on several criteria, including new and innovative programs, major accomplishments, staff development, budget management, facility improvements, and social media engagement.

According to County Administrator Guy Singletary, the department’s achievements start with the strength of its team.

“It all begins with getting the right people in the right place, and that’s exactly what the county has done since we acquired the rec,” Guy said. “By building a team that’s both passionate and experienced, we’ve been able to expand our programs and engage more of our community.”

Jerry was promoted to recreation director last December and led the department flawlessly through its transition to a fully county operation, Mitchell joined the team as assistant recreation director in January, and longtime recreation department employee Deandra was bumped up to athletic coordinator.

Additionally, to support its growing roster of programs, the department also created a new position of Program Coordinator. Eric Weber was hired in February and has spent the last 8 months working with his fellow rec staff to initiate camps, clinics, classes, and one-day events and coordinating instructors.

Lastly on the staffing front: recreation leaders expanded the team of maintenance technicians, adding an additional position to ensure all facilities are maintained to high standards and serviced in a timely manner.

Jerry, who has been part of several different recreation staffs throughout his career, says this group is top-notch.

“We’ve got a lot of sports experience on staff—and they’re not just knowledgeable in their fields but, more importantly, they’re also passionate about what they do. Everybody brings their own strengths, and it shows in the work we’re doing. There’s a genuine love for the job here; everyone shows up excited to be part of this every day. Our roundtable meetings are always lively and full of ideas, and we all work hard as a unit to make them reality. To that end, I’m thankful the county encourages us and gives us creative freedom to reimagine what our recreation department could be. We wouldn’t be here without the commissioners’ support or the public’s participation.”

In addition to staffing, several other factors contributed to the Emanuel County Recreation Department’s newest honor.

Chief among them was the department’s emphasis on ageless and passive recreation.

“When the county took over the recreation department, the commissioners knew it was an opportunity to expand what we offered and build something that truly reflected the needs of our entire community,” Guy said. “We knew we wanted to mold our rec department beyond the traditional youth leagues. We’ve done that, and I believe it’s a huge reason why we received this award.”

Over the past year, the department launched a variety of new programs designed to engage residents of all ages and interests. From interactive game nights featuring board games and Uno tournaments to lively line dancing sessions and adrenaline-packed Nerf wars, there’s truly something for everyone. Puzzle enthusiasts have enjoyed the challenge of puzzle-paloozas, chess matches have drawn competitors from across the community, and evening group walking sessions have appealed to families (including seniors).

District 2 Commissioner Ricky Thompson has an honest appreciation for the new and improved direction.

“As someone who works with older adults, I understand how essential it is for a community to offer activities that welcome everyone, young and old. The Emanuel County Recreation Department has created a place that allow all generations to engage in fun activities. That is so important as we get older—staying active. The Agency of the Year award reflects a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every resident, no matter their age, has the chance to be part of our community’s recreational life, and I, for one, am really proud of that.”

District 1 Commissioner Kawame Coleman joined the board while many of these changes were already in the works, but he says he’s proud to be along for the ride.

“Seeing these accomplishments come to life has been great. As a longtime coach and referee and as a father, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful recreation can be, and Emanuel County has created something really special here. I feel confident in saying we’re offering programs on par with those in much larger areas, showing that size doesn’t limit our potential. In fact, our team’s out-of-the-box thinking and hard work have allowed us to outshine even similar-sized departments, proving that, when it comes to providing unique, high-quality recreation, we’re playing on the same field as the best, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

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The rec department implemented all of these new additions while maintaining a rigorous slate of youth sports. Wrestling, flag football, tackle football, dance and tumbling classes, kickball, and pickleball were introduced to the lineup, joining tee ball, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and track and field, all of which continue to compete at high levels. In fact, three of Emanuel County’s softball teams brought home state championships this season.

District 5 Commissioner Timmy Oliver sees those leagues as a critical piece of foundation for young athletes.

“The work the Emanuel County Rec Department does is imperative. It’s the first place a lot of our children have to be part of a team, learn the fundamentals of a particular sport, learn dedication and selflessness and how to react to outcomes. It’s where most of our kids develop skills and confidence they carry with them into school sports and beyond. This honor is a win for the whole community, but especially for the next generation of Emanuel County athletes and leaders. I don’t think GRPA could’ve picked a better agency to give this award to.”

The department also made significant strides in facility improvements across the Billy C. Carmichael Recreation Complex this year, enhancing accessibility, safety, and functionality for community use.

At the Woody Nasworthy Baseball Complex, new bathrooms and updated scoreboards have improved the experience for both players and spectators. Additionally, the batting cages at the baseball fields were covered and lighted and new turf was installed, which has been a huge hit.

The Ronnie Womack Softball Complex received multiple upgrades as well, including: a newly converted batting cage from the old cookshed, a relocated play area with fresh mulch and a sturdy PVC-pipe perimeter for safety, a new horseshoe arena, and new signage at the entrance to honor the latest state champions.

Inside the Connie Kight Gymnasium, a new trophy room now showcases the department’s accomplishments while new photos in the lobby honor recent state champions. Additionally, the gym now features pickleball courts, meeting the growing interest in this sport within the community.

These various improvements have created more inviting, accessible, and safe spaces for all residents to enjoy, but they required careful budgeting and the prioritization of long-term value. District 4 Commissioner and this year’s vice chair Jim Sherrod says that’s an investment for which he gladly votes “yea.”

“Recreation to me is more than programs and facilities; it’s about creating value for the entire community. Recreational opportunities are chance for folks to get out of the house and spend time with one another. When we do that, we build community pride and ultimately make Emanuel County a more attractive place to live and visit, which strengthens our tax base. This award reflects that balance of providing for today while also thinking ahead for tomorrow, ensuring our resources are well-spent and our community continues to grow in a financially responsible way.”

Even with the right team, diverse programs, and upgraded facilities, engagement hinges on accessibility and outreach. To address this, the recreation department leaned into the 21st Century and integrated digital tools, streamlining registration and enhancing communication to better connect with the community.

The department’s adoption of RecDesk has been a game-changer for registration and scheduling. This user-friendly platform has simplified the sign-up process for users, allowing them to register for activities, view schedules, and make payments with ease—all from one free central online hub.

In addition to RecDesk, the department has relied on its Facebook following to increase community engagement. Staff members routinely post rosters, promote upcoming events, and share accomplishments, strategically improving the Emanuel County Recreation Department’s relationship with the community it serves.

As a result, participation rose 3.5 percent in 2024—and the efforts that prompted the increase have not gone unnoticed.

“Emanuel County has truly had an exceptional year from start to finish,” said GRPA District 1 Commissioner Trevor Welch. “The team there has been a pleasure to work with. They’re committed professionals who consistently go above and beyond. Even as they expand their staff, they remain fully focused on delivering outstanding recreational opportunities for their residents.

2024 Chairman Hugh Foskey has been District 3’s commissioner for 20 years, so he’s had a front row seat to the rec’s evolution.

“This year’s award shows just how far we’ve come. As I prepare to leave office, I’m proud to leave behind a department that’s stronger than ever, ready to continue providing for our residents for years to come.”

Looking ahead, the Emanuel County Recreation Department has big plans to keep the momentum going. The team is actively exploring new program offerings and expanding youth sports leagues. Plus, the county intends to continue working on the gym and the softball complex at the Billy C. Carmichael Recreation Complex. The crown jewel of this effort will be the construction of a new Olympic-size swimming pool, which will give Emanuel County its first public pool in 40 years. All three of these projects are thanks to $6 million in state grants.

With these exciting developments, the Emanuel County Recreation Department is poised to remain The Place to Play and a leader in its field, delivering opportunities and experiences that enrich lives.

For the latest from the rec department, follow them on Facebook or visit www.emanuelco-ga.gov/289/Recreation-Department.