Richland County Recreation Commission

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda for February 23rd, 2026. Key discussions involved the deletion of several procedural policies (11015, 11025, 11030, and 11035) as their content was moved to standard operating procedure manuals. Specific policies deleted related to acceptance of payments, hours of operation, rain checks, and tee times. An extensive operational report detailed project updates, including the installation of concrete slabs, fencing, and gates around trash bins at multiple parks to deter misuse. Sidewalk repairs were completed at Serenity Park due to safety concerns. The press box at Trenum Park was renovated internally in preparation for a new baseball league, and energy-efficient HVAC units were installed at Hopkins Park and Polo Road Park. Security camera installations were completed or are nearing completion at several sites, enhancing safety for patrons and staff. Updates were provided on the repair status of an HVAC unit at Bluff Road Park. In athletic news, spring sports participation reached 793, with record numbers for track and volleyball. Agreements for facility sharing were established with Richland 5, Richland 2, and Richland 1 school districts. The Larry Golf Course reported excellent financial performance and positive feedback on recent renovations. Staff achievements included several members being nominated to SCPA committees and six staff members entering training for Certified Parks Recreation Professional certification. Recent foundation activities highlighted participation in a legislative breakfast, hosting a Player of the Year clinic, and outreach regarding the agency's 10-year master plan via local media features. Community relations noted the award of a $10,000 marketing grant.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key contractual matters discussed included the proposed purchase of a used 2012 Freightliner bucket truck for $109,000, with the dealer agreeing to a $10,000 discount, to be purchased outright using budgeted funds. The board also addressed the need for roof replacements at North Springs Park ($192,312) and Polaro Road Park ($165,479) due to leaks in facilities that are approximately 30 years old. The roofing work was split between two contractors, Wayne Co. Roofing and Summers Roofing, following solicitation and vetting. Following these approvals, the board prepared to enter an emergency management meeting regarding upcoming severe weather.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions involved the financial update for the General Enterprise Fund for the period ending June 30, 2025, showing increased revenues driven by state allocations for the wellness center and growth in property tax and program revenues, despite increased expenditures related to salaries, fringe benefits, and capital improvements including pool and playground projects. Enterprise fund revenues and expenditures remained relatively stable. The Wellness Center revenues showed significant growth, partly due to one-time state funding and membership increases, with expenditures focused on capital improvements like pool renovation and fire panel replacement. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a request by Carolina Pong Table Tennis Club for a waiver of facility fees for two proposed tournament dates in October and December. The Board ultimately voted to deny the waiver, citing policy restrictions regarding charging entry fees for cash prizes when the requesting entity is not a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The meeting concluded with the presentation of the 2024-2025 Annual Report.

The meeting began with a motion to amend the agenda to include an executive session to discuss contractual matters concerning the HVAC system at Bluff Road Park. The agenda was adopted as amended. Key discussions included a financial report detailing general fund and enterprise fund revenues and expenditures for July 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025, noting decreases in general fund revenue primarily due to the absence of a large state appropriation received in the prior year, and an increase in enterprise fund expenditures related to capital improvement projects. Financial business included the formal deletion of an outdated policy (Policy 90005, Accounts and Deposits Facilities) as part of administrative record cleanup. The Executive Director's report covered facility updates, including ADA door openers and fence replacement at the Richmond County Tennis Center, awning installation at the Lar Golf Course pro shop, and certification of a baseball/softball field at the Parat Thomas Community Center for official games. Agency updates detailed the successful application for a WIOA grant for staff training and certification, acknowledgment of staff accomplishments at a recent conference, details about the annual holiday luncheon, and information regarding a holiday toy giveaway serving 600 families. Furthermore, a PAR grant was secured for a lighting project at Friars Gate Park. Congratulations were extended to staff for various awards and to park facilities for recognition.

The special called meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions revolved around authorizing the executive director to proceed with procurement for the Bluff Road HVAC project, specifically to accept and move forward with the low bid. A subsequent action involved authorizing the executive director to sign for the listing of properties, focusing on the Marley Drive property which was being relisted following a period off the market, with a tentative offer of $750,000 mentioned. The board also discussed the Brookfield property sale, which was pending a third reading for rezoning. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after holiday wishes were exchanged.