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Residents urge replacement of Ernest J. Parker Pool; commissioners approve bids for T-Ball restrooms and hear Aquatic Center delay
Summary
Public commenters urged the board to repair or replace the Ernest J. Parker Pool; recreation staff reported the new Aquatic Center is delayed to late April and recommended the Max Deen facility as a backup. Commissioners unanimously approved seeking bids for three male and three female restrooms at T-Ball fields to be funded with American Rescue Plan funds.
Several residents told the Appling County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 1 that the Ernest J. Parker Pool is important to the community and urged the board to consider repairing or replacing it.
Gerry Moore described the pool's community and historical significance and asked commissioners to listen to community concerns. Mae Joyner spoke about working at the pool while growing up and asked commissioners to "pray about it" and consider replacing the pool so children would have a safe place. Larry Rayner said the community had supported closing the pool for safety reasons but asked commissioners to set aside funds in this year's budget for repairs and to include money in next year's budget to replace the pool.
On parks business, Wilton McCall gave the recreation report and said material delays pushed completion of the new Aquatic Center to the end of April; he recommended cleaning and using the Max Deen facility as a temporary backup. The board agreed by consensus to use Max Deen if the Aquatic Center is not completed on schedule.
Commissioners also discussed constructing restroom facilities at the T-Ball fields (three male, three female) and confirmed that American Rescue Plan funds could be used. Commissioner Charlie Leggett moved and Commissioner Daryl Edwards seconded a motion to seek bids for the restroom construction using ARP funds; the motion carried unanimously.
Next steps: the county will solicit bids for the T-Ball restroom construction and staff will report back as procurement and construction scheduling proceed. No funding amounts for pool repair or replacement were specified during public comment.
