News Summary
The Clinton City Council has authorized a partnership with the YMCA to manage programming at the new Recreation Complex. This agreement allows the YMCA to utilize fields for soccer and baseball leagues, benefiting both members and the public. The council also discussed future plans, including an amphitheater, while addressing concerns about inclusivity and financial assistance for families. Other council decisions included community assistance grants and an update concerning hurricane preparedness. Plans for baseball fields will replace an abandoned pool project, reinforcing Clinton’s commitment to community sports.
Clinton, South Carolina – The Clinton City Council has officially authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Clinton Family YMCA to manage programming at the new Recreation Complex located on Hwy 56. The agreement grants the YMCA access to multi-purpose fields starting this month, with plans to utilize baseball fields beginning in August.
The YMCA will be relocating its soccer leagues from Presbyterian College to the new Recreation Complex, alongside its baseball leagues, which will move from Springdale Drive. While the fields will primarily serve YMCA activities, they will also be available for public use when not occupied by the organization. The overall vision for the Recreation Complex includes additional amenities such as a splash pad, picnic shelters, and walking and biking trails.
During the council meeting, members discussed a long-term plan that may lead to the development of an amphitheater within the complex. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, Council Member Anita Williams raised concerns regarding the YMCA’s management, expressing worries that non-member families may feel excluded from programming opportunities. However, YMCA Executive Director Harold Nichols assured council members that no child is denied participation due to financial constraints, and scholarship funding is readily available for families in need.
Council Member Megan Walsh provided further clarification, emphasizing that joining the YMCA is not a requirement for participating in leagues, although members do receive benefits, including reduced fees. The responsibility for maintaining the complex and the fields will fall on City crews, while YMCA personnel will oversee the coordination of leagues and tournaments.
The council’s discussion included a review of the minutes from June 23, which were postponed due to discrepancies involving re-zoning ordinances. Pastor Kenneth Murray Jr. addressed the council about ongoing issues related to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and a property located on North Adair Street.
Additionally, Laurens County Emergency Management Director Sonny Ledda provided insights on preparations for the upcoming hurricane season in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s damage in 2024. The council has also received an invitation to a county task force meeting focusing on planning and zoning scheduled for July 10.
The council approved a budget of $20,000 for community assistance grants aimed at supporting various local groups, including Eastside Elementary and the Laurens County Cancer Association. Other decisions made include adopting a new workplace safety statement and entering into an agreement with the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency concerning the Catawba Nuclear Plant.
To encourage local business activity, the council suspended blue laws that previously restricted Sunday operations. Additionally, updates on FEMA payments related to damages from Hurricane Helene were provided, along with discussions about future strategic planning workshops.
The council made a significant decision to abandon an initial $1.6 million plan for an outdoor pool at the YMCA. This decision was influenced by feedback from the YMCA board, which suggested focusing on new community enhancement ideas. Instead, the council has agreed to reallocate pool funds towards the construction of baseball fields at the Recreation Complex, which officials consider vital for the community’s sports programming. Phase 2 of the Recreation Center will feature these baseball fields, while Phase 1 is nearing completion with the establishment of multi-purpose fields and other amenities.
Mayor Randy Randall highlighted the importance of baseball fields to the community, referring to Clinton as a “baseball hotbed.” The council also addressed previously unallocable expenditures from the electric Rate Stabilization Fund and has implemented new policies to ensure better management practices in the future.
The council holds regular monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month. A work session is scheduled for February 19, providing an opportunity for further discussions on community development and initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- Clinton News: YMCA Programming at Recreation Complex
- Google Search: Clinton YMCA Programming
- Second Wave Media: Water Safety Initiative
- Wikipedia: Water Safety
- Little Guide Detroit: Family Activities
- Google News: Family Activities Detroit
- Detroit News: Birmingham New Mayor
- Google Scholar: Birmingham City Commission
- Clinton News: City Council Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council Elections
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
