It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Scotland County Parks and Recreation is gearing up for an exciting 2017.

Here at Parks and Recreation, we are now a new generation of leaders and with new leaders come new initiatives. That being said, several innovative ideas are on the horizon that will continue to develop throughout the year. Parks and Rec. promotes teamwork and staff members routinely face challenges to develop and enhance recreation throughout Scotland County.

How do we create value for you? First our youth basketball program has received a “face-lift” that has created a buzz. An opening ceremony will be held this year with several kid friendly contests including a 3-point shootout. One lucky child will win 2 tickets to a Charlotte Hornets basketball game.

Scotland County Parks and Recreation thrives on community outreach, not just youth participants. In that, we have recently developed a plan for an adult basketball league, which has shown lots of great interest. Our staff meets regularly with hopes to develop new ideas, programs, and to improve upon those already implemented. We’ve recently partnered with a local travel company to expand upon our “Senior Trips”, to take seniors on the road outside of our state. These trips will offer patrons the opportunity to travel throughout the country with tour guides and all inclusive meals. Parks and Recreation will also host a “Senior Prom” this year, along with “Walk with Ease” and several other exercise programs.

Family-centered activities are an area of focus and we have recently hosted several programs that were quite successful. To name a few, SCPR hosted Family Arts Nights which included Design a Pallet and Cookie Night, giving families the opportunity to RECreate and enjoy the finer things in life. In addition to our arts and crafts series, we’ve added newer programs including Pancakes and Pajamas, wherefamilies had the opportunity to come together for fun-filled event with a Christmas theme. Recreation is more than just youth sports. Hosting holiday related events such as the Easter Egg Extravaganza, Shamrock Hike, and Halloween in the Park assists in promoting healthy lifestyles and enjoying life in a clean environment.

As previously stated, SCPR will continue to promote development, and encourage positive input from the local community in doing so. We will continue making improvements to our existing facilities to meet the needs of our community. This year we received generous donations and assistance from local agencies, such as United Way of Scotland County, our local tourism committee, as well as several local businesses which enhanced programming tremendously. SCPR firmly believes that it takes a village to raise a child and we are appreciative of any and all community support. As new avenues are explored, we will continue to seek assistance of our community to expand upon programing.

So, Scotland County, it is our job to provide a proficient and exciting platform benefiting the community and its entirety. Therefore, we encourage and feel it is important that communication with staff is imperative so these benefits can continue to set forth. SCPR now has active accounts through Twitter, SnapChat, Instagram, & Facebook, and encourage you to utilize these avenues of communication. Along with that, we want to reiterate that SCPR social media sites are to promote positive messages, therefore allowing the community to see positive strides and new directions that we are taking together. It is our goal to promote excellence, and effective communication is the key to continue for us to provide great customer service to Scotland County.

SCPR challenges this wonderful community to be great. Love life, family, and everything that makes you smile. We only live once. Challenge yourself and those around you to embrace recreation. Scotland County is a leader across the state in many negative healthy categories which can be prevented.

Together we can create wealth through parks and recreation. We are about to create excitement, value, healthy initiatives, and a great lifestyle for you and your family. Join us. We can’t wait.

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Bryan Graham

Focus on Scotland

Bryan Graham, director of Scotland County Parks and Recreation, wrote this week’s Focus on Scotland, an effort by community leaders on making Laurinburg/Scotland County a better place to work, live, and play.