GARLAND — The matter of providing recreational activities for local youths resurfaced during a recent meeting for Garland Commissioners. But a little satisfaction may occur through improvements on the ball fields.

Commissioner Carolyn Melvin discussed her frustration regarding park and recreation activities in Garland. As a committee head responsible for the task, she asked for help from her colleagues. Commissioner Denise Toler also assist Melvin in the process.

“I have mentioned basketball courts in the past as well as softball teams,” Toler said.

The implementation of starting softball teams and constructing basketball courts was a topic of debate with the commissioners for several reasons because of costs, location and a difference of opinion on usage.

“We have not all agreed of what needs to be done in the park, but we all agree that something needs to be done and it needs to be done now,” Melvin said. “I refuse to believe that six intelligent people, as I believe we all are, can not make something happen in the town’s park.”

She continued and said commissioners owe children in the town the same opportunities of others in the past when it comes to recreation. Melvin reflected on days past, when she used to hear children cheering on local softball fields and watching them having a good time.

“I thought to myself, how nice it was to see everyone having a good time,” Melvin said referring to smiling faces.

It was something that made her want to be a part of the town.

“Now when I ride pass by the Park or when I’m out on the track, I’m saddened by the waste,” Melvin said. “The waste of a beautiful opportunity for our children and grandchildren.”

She continued and asked for the help with the matter when it comes to finding resources to make things happen.

From a distance, the ball fields look good, but Melvin added that it’s not ready for one single game because it’s too dangerous right now.

“There’s holes in the fences and the root growing up on the field from trees,” Melvin said about the problems.

To solve some of those problems, Melvin contacted B&B Fence Co. and a company from Elizabethtown to take a look and provide an estimate to repair the fence. The visit is scheduled to occur in the upcoming week.

If a new softball program was to be implemented, Commissioner S.J Smith mentioned the importance of finding the appropriate person to oversee it.

To assist in the process, Mayo Pro-Tem Haywood Johnson and Ralph Smith said they can assist by examining the needed repairs to lights. In addition, Commissioner Ralph Smith made a suggestion to start small be trying to repair one field at a time.

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

Garland taking steps towards fixing ball fields

By Chase Jordan

[email protected]

The Garland Board of Commissioners make decisions regarding town matters during a previous meeting.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Garland-Meeting_2.jpgThe Garland Board of Commissioners make decisions regarding town matters during a previous meeting.