Published Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:52 AM
Updated Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:54 AM

 

Guest Editorial

Rec commissioner addresses debate


In response to recent articles, letters to the editor, and public questions, I would like to provide the following information.

Goose Creek Recreation Commission members have differing opinions on what is best for district residences.

In a 3-3 (with the chairman casting the tying vote) last week, the commission could not approve a motion that would continue the sharing of resources that have been developed over the past 30-plus years.  

This vote means that some members feel that it is for the best interest of the district to allow the current agreement between the City of Goose Creek and the Recreation Commission to expire in approximately two years and then start over again.  

This means that district residences will potentially have to stop using the programs and facilities they have enjoyed for the last 30-plus years because there would be no agreement, and if they plan to continue using the facilities will have to do exactly what those commissioners say they want to prevent and pay additional cost (maybe double) for the ability to participate as “out of city residence” on a space available basis.

Everything that we have accomplished over time came as a result of some extraordinary folks who put a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears into volunteering their, time, money, and property to start from dirt lots, sand bags, and long hours and grow to where we are today.  

I do not think that this move to separate and start over is what is wanted.  Yet if you listen to those commissioners, there is enough of a concern in the district based on the feed back they have gotten to vote to separate the district from the city and stop using all the programs and facilities they work so hard to help provide.  

That feed back, according to them, consists of about 70 people that have indicated that they do not want the City of Goose Creek to take over the management of recreation.

But the “real” question is not if they want the city to manage recreation as much as, do the district residences want to continue to use the facilities and participate in the programs that they are currently using?

The city is posturing itself for rapid growth and expansion of services due to near term projections and trend analysis.  These indicators are driving the city to move to prepare for a rapid growth of city services.  

In order to remain ahead of the growth curve there has to be a plan “in advance” for generating the resources necessary to fund, construct, and maintain the infrastructure that will be required to support community needs.  The Goose Creek Recreation Commission, with limited taxing authority, minimal grant opportunities, and no bonding ability does not have an ability to keep up with projected increases alone.

Recreational amenities are a vital part of our way of life and community spirit.

In order to be able to ensure recreation is not left behind in the planning and funding processes there must be a more positive proactive approach to the acquisition of property and facilities to meat the projected demands.

The current structure of the commission does not allow for growth beyond its present ability to generate the money necessary to keep up.  The commission has, with the help of a law firm in Columbia specializing in recreational affairs in cooperation with the city attorney, developed an Interagency Agreement that provides for a continuation of services and a transparent effect to district residences far into the future.

This effort can only mean good things for the community and opportunities to grow and remain at the highest quality possible.  As an integral part of the planning processes recreation will remain at the forefront of a comprehensive and aggressive planning strategy.

To accomplish this mission, the District Commission will play a significant role in ensuring a continuation of quality services to the community.  

The commission could have two strategic positions in this process. First it will continue to serve the Special Tax District and second could also serve as an advisory board to the city staff and planning function.  

Working directly with those that will have an ability to generate and provide resources for the growth and expansion of recreation that will provide a collective ability to achieve aggressive goals.

All efforts will be continued to ensure that current members of the Goose Creek Recreation Commission District will not be adversely affected by this process and all services, programs and facilities will continue to be available to everyone for the same cost.  As neighbors, friends and co-workers, we can move forward to meet and exceed the challenges ahead.

District residents should speak out now and be heard and not allow your opportunities for recreation to be cut off at the end of the current contract term.

Your input will be vital in the making of this decision. Whether you agree, disagree or need additional information you must speak out now.  You can contact either of the commissioners, call or go by the Recreation Center, or come to a commission meeting but you must get the whole story.

Jerry A. Glass is the Goose Creek Recreation Center Commissioner.