Recreation board president asks Bullock County for liaison, grant update and support for youth programs

Lashandra Johnson, president of the Union Springs Recreation Board, told the Bullock County Commission on May 12 that the city has received a $1,500 state grant for a July 4 celebration and the county is awaiting a separate $2,500 award. Johnson said the county-funded programming will not cost the county additional funds if the grant comes through, and asked the commission to either appoint a representative or designate a liaison to the board so county interests are represented.

Johnson described summer programming that runs June 2 through July 31 with about 45 children enrolled from across the county, many served through the housing authority, and said the board is developing standard operating procedures and a selection process for camp counselors. She told commissioners she wants a representative who can vote on behalf of the county rather than a nonvoting liaison; the commission asked her to take the request back to the recreation board and return with any bylaws or written documents that establish board structure.

Why it matters: The recreation board provides youth programming and senior engagement that commissioners linked directly to juvenile crime prevention and community well-being. Johnson emphasized that restoring active recreation can reduce youth involvement in serious crimes, a point commissioners said they take seriously when considering appointments and funding.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to locate existing bylaws and asked Johnson to return with written documentation. The commission agreed the chair would share the request with the mayor and the recreation board and follow up after board deliberations.