Residents discuss recreation

Columbia County residents were given the opportunity Tuesday to weigh in on the county's parks and recreation master plan.

The 15 people who attended the Evans Government Complex meeting had plenty to say. Four similar meetings were held throughout the county.

Representatives of Lose and Associates, the consulting firm working with the county, introduced two charts; one listed programs by order of importance; the other showed facilities.

Topping the list of new facilities were trails and greenways.

"I came here with all kinds of speeches in my mind in favor of walkways," said Don Yost of Martinez. "I am delighted to see that."

The lists were put together by a group of 19 Columbia County residents in early August. They were asked to prioritize possible programs and facilities.

First on the list of programs was expansion of youth sports. Soccer, for instance, was discussed as a growing area sport. To help expand it, a new soccer complex was placed third on the list of facilities.

The master plan will examine county goals over the next five years and will use close to $11 million in special local option tax money.

Charlie Spears of Lose and Associates said his group will take a second look at the input from the meetings. Spears said that once the study is completed it will be up to county officials to decide whether to implement the findings.