Department of Parks and Rec proposed

Two citizens of Marshall County and educators at H.W. Byers School in Slayden appeared before the board of supervisors at the May 6 meeting to recommend a Parks and Recreation Department be formed.

Bobby Sims, principal at H.W. Byers, and Fred Holland at the school, spoke about interest in a recreation facility that would accommodate citizens of all ages.

The two are advocates for recreation in the community and activities that schools can participate in.

“We would like to see Parks and Recreation Department (operate) year around,” Sims said. “It’s a quality of life issue for kids and the elderly.”

Children are having to go to Oxford and other cities to go swimming, Sims said.

The benefits are many but largely will give children wholesome activities and increase socialization. For others it offers an opportunity to relax and to promote physical health.

A public space or green space where citizens can walk their dogs, or enjoy nature trails are needed. Property values would increase in the county, they said.

A greener city has fewer homicides, Sims said.

Holland encouraged the board of supervisors to build a good facility and create a department to manage the facilities. He said the county doesn’t have much for the community except Duck Pond which offers citizens an opportunity to fish and cook out.

Facilities for swimming, tennis, volleyball, and a walking track were suggested.

Sims said a full-time Parks and Rec would help children learn skills that would increase their opportunities to get scholarships.

“We have one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation,” Sims said.

District 4 supervisor George Zinn III said Sims gained knowledge in parks and rec when living in Texas and knows how to seek grants.

“The Fairground board has not been active,” he said. “It seems Parks and Rec kind of stalled and fizzled out to get the ball fields (built).”

Holland said the Fairground board could also serve as the board for Parks and Rec.

“Where would we put these facilities?” asked District 2 supervisor Johnny Walker. “Marshall County is huge. We want it for the whole county.”

“Get community input as to where you locate the facility,” Sims said.

“You want total participation,” Walker said.

“It is pretty much already established to use the Marshall County Fairgrounds,” Zinn said. “We had drawings done. I do believe people are interested in wholesome activities.”

“I can personally say this, they got the right two men to try to spearhead this,” said District 5 supervisor Ronnie O’Neil Bennett.

“Duck Pond is down the road,” Holland said. “The fairgrounds might be the best place rather than them go to Tunica or Olive Branch and pay a fee. If we move things around, the space is there.”

“Holly Springs is the county seat,” said District 1 Charles Terry. “It sets a standard for it to not separate areas of the county off.”