Community rallies for Tunnels to Towers 5K event

During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted significant developments in local parks, particularly focusing on improvements to baseball and softball fields. As work progresses on soccer and rugby fields, attention is now shifting to enhance facilities for baseball and softball, which officials believe is essential for community engagement.

A key event discussed was the upcoming Tunnels to Towers 5K, scheduled for September. This event, organized by reserve police officer Dan Bristol, honors the legacy of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which supports families of fallen first responders. Bristol, who has personally benefited from the organization after the loss of his son, emphasized the importance of giving back. The event will feature a concert by country artist Daryl Worley, known for his song \"Have You Forgotten?\" which resonates with the foundation's mission established post-9/11. Officials encouraged community members to participate or volunteer, noting the need for assistance in organizing the race at Sanders Ferry Park.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the implementation of a new program in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, utilizing technology to track visitor data in local parks. This initiative, described as \"Big Brother at its finest,\" aims to gather insights on park usage, including the number of unique visitors and their activities. Notably, Drakes Creek Park saw an impressive 167,000 unique visits during June and July, with a peak of 14,000 devices recorded during the July 3rd Freedom Festival.

These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance community facilities and foster engagement through events and data-driven initiatives, showcasing the local government's commitment to improving public spaces and supporting community causes.