Recreation Complex: yay or nay?
Citizens packed the council chambers on August 23 to discuss the proposed Darlington Recreation Complex.
Photo by Jana E. Pye
Passions high at public hearing for proposed Darlington Recreation Complex
By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net
The council chambers at Darlington City Hall were packed to capacity on Tuesday, August 23 as City Council members held a public discussion on the proposed Darlington Recreation Complex on 100 acres of land off Lawson Road.
As directed by councilman Bryant Gardner midway through the meeting, a show of hands was heavy in favor of a recreational complex, although several in attendance question the location of the proposed site, while fewer eschewed the project completely.
Lee Andrews, Director of Darlington Area Recreation Department, addresses Darlington City Council
members and citizens about the proposed recreation complex
plan for Lawson Road.
Photo by JANA E. PYE
The project was first introduced to council members at the July 12th meeting as First Reading of Ordinance 2016-13, when Darlington Recreation Director Lee Andrews shared details from a report prepared by S & ME of Conway. The land, which totals 100 acres, could be purchased by the City for $200,000. The land contains two locations of known wetlands, giving the complex a buildable area of 50 acres, which is roughly the size of the complex at Byerly Park in Hartsville – with room to build boardwalks over and around the wetland areas making it potentially a much larger facility with more green space areas for nature walks.
The purchase of the land and the funds with which to develop the property and build athletic fields would be funded by a $1.5 million Hospitality Tax Bund, which was introduced to council for First Reading of Ordinance 2016-11. As required by law, hospitality tax revenue can only be used for projects that benefit tourism; a recreational complex that could be used to host sporting events, large concerts, festivals, etc. fall into that category. Both First Readings passed on July 12.
At the August 2nd meeting, a motion to table the Second Reading of the Ordinance 2016-13 to purchase the property at Lawson Road was passed; the mayor allowed several citizens to speak; several residents that lived nearby voiced their displeasure with having the complex built near them, while other citizens spoke in support.
In an attempt to share more details about the project with the citizens of Darlington, the public meeting was held as an open forum, with no time limits given.
Andrews began the meeting by sharing the proposed plans, which included:
• Baseball and Softball fields
• Green space
• Picnic Area
• Disc Golf Course
• Parking
• Education Center
• Walking Trail
• Dog Park
• Splash Pad/Water Feature
• Playground
• Horseshoes
• Bocce Ball
Additional plans would include features such as multi use field for recreational football and soccer; potential tennis and/or volleyball; kayak landing to enter Black Creek, as the property adjoins the Pee Dee Land Trust land at the back; and other ideas such as a ropes course or zip line in a second or third phase.
Andrews, who worked for the Hartsville Recreation Department during the planning and construction of the Byerly Park complex, urged the community the importance of having a facility like this for not only the youth, but for all ages – as it will help promote healthy activities for all age and ability levels.
The existing recreation fields on Blue Street are not owned by the City of Darlington; they are owned by the Darlington School District, and rented by the Darlington Area Recreation Department. The parking at the Blue Street fields has been on ongoing issue, as well as the aging bathrooms.
A portable bathroom unit was purchased by the City last year to be used at the Blue Street facility, and has been used at other events such as the S.C. Sweet Potato Festival on the Public Square in October.
Although no time frame has been given, the eventual plan is that the Darlington High School will wish to reclaim those fields to bring the baseball field onto their campus to replace the aging facility that is currently plays on, the Williamson Field near Brunson Dargan.
After years of searching for land that was large enough to not only have the fields needed, but enough space for ample parking and a splash pad/water feature has been futile, as most locations have been out of reach financially.
According to Andrews, the other piece of property considered was on the Old Florence Hwy, beside Bowing Manor, which is substantially higher; the selling price for that property is $750.000, 50 acres at $15,000 a acre.
One citizen that spoke at the August 2nd meeting, Susie Berry, returned to this meeting; she knew of another piece of land that was available and told council member John Milling, who was not in attendance due to a health issue. Berry voiced displeasure that the piece of land had not been considered. Council and Andrews promised to look at, and consider it.
A buffer zone surrounding the park and fully shielded light fixtures would be part of the plan to insure that the noise and light pollution impact on surrounding neighbors would be minimal; the plan closely follows the Byerly Park design, which borders one of the most affluent subdivisions in Hartsville, Kalmia Place. Several residents of that neighborhood shared that they do not have any negative issue with the complex, other than occasional noise.
Citizens in support noted that the children deserve a good complex to be able to compete against local municipalities, and to host events. Many noted that they give of their time as volunteers to help with fields and maintenance.
Citizens against the location voiced concerns that the fields should be more visible (Ed. Note: nearby Freedom Florence in Florence and Byerly Park in Hartsville are not.) On citizen asked if it were for tournament kids and not Darlington kids;others said that the money could be better spent in other ways, or questioned the land chosen. Still others spoke out that the city has a tendency to not maintain properties.
The next Darlington City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Pearl Street. For more information, contact: 843-398-4000
