Clinton City Council Redirects Funds from YMCA Pool Project to Develop Recreation Center Baseball Fields

Clinton City Council Shifts Focus from YMCA Pool to Recreation Center Baseball Fields

In Clinton, the City Council has made a notable move in their latest meeting, changing direction on a planned outdoor pool project at the local YMCA. Initially pledging $1.6 million to fund the pool’s construction and maintenance, the council has decided to reallocate those funds, focusing instead on creating baseball fields at the new recreation center located on Highway 56, near I-26. This shift comes after receiving a letter from YMCA Director Harold Nichols, expressing the organization’s desire to explore new opportunities for enhancing the community.

Understanding the Decision

Mayor Randy Randall explained that several factors played a role in this decision, highlighting issues related to ongoing maintenance, staff requirements, and liability insurance. The YMCA currently serves as the recreation provider for Clinton, filling in the gap left by a city-funded recreation department that has yet to be established.

“We need to prioritize baseball,” said Randall. “Clinton is a baseball hotbed, and it’s essential to ensure we have the facilities to support this passion. A lot of progress is happening at the recreation complex right now, and investing in baseball fields fits into our larger plan.” According to the mayor, keeping the contractor on site after completing the initial phase of construction will save the city money.

The Vision for the Recreation Center

The overall development of the recreation center has been broken down into phases. The first phase is already under construction and includes three multi-purpose fields, along with picnic shelters, trails, and other essential amenities. The second phase aims to create a full baseball complex that could host tournaments and draw visitors to the area, which could also boost local businesses. Funding for this project is being provided by hospitality taxes.

While some council members expressed skepticism over the feasibility of the project, Vice-chairman Ronnie Roth emphasized the need for solid financial data to support the move. City Manager Tom Brooks assured the council that they would begin working on projections now that a decision has been made to redirect the funds.

Future Phases and Community Impact

Looking ahead, plans for a third phase may include an amphitheater with dedicated parking, further enhancing the usability of the recreation center for community events and gatherings. The construction work is expected to wrap up on phase one by March or April next year, at which point the city can turn their attention to building the baseball fields.

Randall pointed out that having a clear plan in place for the baseball facilities could even attract private donors who want to get involved in supporting the community’s sports initiatives. The move is seen as not just a step for current recreational needs, but a vital investment in the city’s future.

Another aspect of the council’s agenda during this meeting involved discussing the electric Rate Stabilization Fund. Members approved a transfer of $387,572 to handle legal expenses related to ongoing lawsuits with the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA). This move comes as the City is close to reaching a settlement concerning these matters, which affect local electricity costs.

Looking Forward

The Clinton City Council meets regularly on the first Monday of each month, with an additional work session held quarterly to discuss ongoing projects in detail. The next work session is scheduled for February 19, where future plans and updates will be discussed. As Clinton continues to grow and thrive, the decisions made at these meetings will undoubtedly shape the community for years to come.