If you want to play, hike, or swim, Polk County’s Parks, Recreation, and Maintenance department is the group that makes those activities available to our residents.
“In Polk County, we value the opportunities Parks and Recreation facilities bring to the citizens,” Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Director Mickey Edwards recently told the Commissioners. “Parks and trails provide gathering places for families, social groups, and individuals of all ages and economic statuses.”
At a recent Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved a proclamation to declare July 2022 as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Polk County Parks, Recreation and Maintenance department currently oversees five miles of trails, three parks, and several other recreation areas.
There are a myriad of programs that the department oversees, ranging from after school programs to pickleball events to the Gibson Park pool. There are also kids’ art classes, park playtime events, homeschool meet-ups, and opportunities to volunteer.
“Studies have shown that communities participating in sports and recreation develop strong social bonds and safer communities,” Edwards continued. “At the same time, the people who live in them are generally healthier and happier than in places where physical activity isn’t a priority.”
Last year, Polk County began a collaboration with the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg to run its youth sports programs. The YMCA also manages aquatics and summer camps, as well. The county looks forward to furthering the collaboration with a future YMCA Polk County Community Center.
If you want to learn more about what Polk County’s Parks, Recreation and Maintenance department has going on, you can check out their Facebook page or webpage. There’s a spot on the webpage where you can sign up for monthly emails so you don’t miss anything happening.
Statement of Purpose
To provide and maintain optimum recreational opportunities for the citizens of Polk County at the Recreation Complex through meticulous maintenance and constant improvement to the facility.
Departmental Goals
- Work closely with Recreation to ensure that the facility is neat, clean and ready for the public to use any time of the year.
- Perform preventative maintenance on all park equipment and grounds as needed.
- Perform annual necessary fertilizing and seeding of all grassed areas.
- Continue to plan for park expansion and improvements.
Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Director: Mickey Edwards
Location information: 105 N. Peak Street in Columbus
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone number: 828-894-8199
Contact email: recreation@polknc.org
