PATTY BLACKBURN – Staff Writer
The Lewisburg Recreation Center-City of Lewisburg Parks and Recreation, located at 1551 Mooresville Highway, plays an important role in this community.
Director Cary Whitesell and Asst. Director Cee Ja Pillow, try to help in any way that they can with individuals, organizations, etc., that have a need to use the facilities which covers 81 acres with a 70,000 sq. ft. building.
A wide variety of services are offered throughout the year such as dance classes, karate, yoga, fitness classes, and water aerobics.
In the Sports Complex are racquetball courts and a fitness center that has multiple pieces of exercise equipment. The lap pool is open daily and is often used to hold swim meets. This summer, over 300 people were present to watch swimmers compete and recently, the lap pool was updated with a more efficient pool heater. A dehumidifier is to be installed in the pool area after grant money has been received.
There is also a hot tub with powerful jets that will massage those aching muscles and relieve stress. The indoor pool is often the main event for children’s birthday parties or just to swim in during the cold winter days.
The outdoor pool was updated in 2015. A slide and splasher were added and children love these two new amenities. Pageants are often held around the pool and Red Cross teaches swim lessons here also.
Marshall County High School basketball players sometimes use the basketball courts for practice and in the fall, youth basketball games are held in the gym. In the summer, the courts are often used for youth basketball camps. The court is also equipped for indoor volleyball, tennis, and pickle ball. An indoor walking track is above the gym area and is very convenient for runner or walkers who would rather stay inside.
A 50-person capacity meeting room is available for parties, bridal showers, baby showers, small group meetings, etc. There is a larger meeting room, 300-person capacity, that is great for family reunions, wedding receptions, large group meetings, and even proms.
The nine-hole golf course is utilized daily with availability of carts. Golf tournaments are often held on this course for fundraising and the course serves as the home course for the Cornersville High School Golf Team.
The outside tennis courts are the home courts for Lewisburg Middle School and Marshall County High School Tennis Teams. The courts are open to the public as well.
Fire and police use the Recreation Center for training purposes. It is also the location for day camps in the summer and plans for the near future are to have fall break camps and winter break camps; but, it depends on staffing.
Children enjoy the Exploration Station that is located in the middle of the half-mile paved walking track. The Exploration Station was first constructed in the early 2000’s. Several improvements have been made over the years and recently, Talos Engineering LLC, pressure washed, re-painted, and replaced several pieces of playground equipment. The Exploration Station is much cleaner and brighter and even safer now, after Talos’ employees spent hours giving the playground a much needed facelift, which is greatly appreciated.
A new pavilion was built thanks to Lewisburg Rotary Club which helped fund with the construction. Talos Engineering LLC completed the electrical work and Lewisburg Public Works assisted with the demolition of the old pavilion. Several picnic tables are under the pavilion for anyone to use.
The Lewisburg Recreation Center offers many opportunities for employment. Lifeguards, desk workers, day camp aides, outdoor grounds maintenance are a few of the required jobs at this facility. These positions are great opportunities for high school students or anyone who enjoys working with the public.
“We try to help in any way that we can with the community,” said Director Whitesell. “Without the staff that we currently have, the Lewisburg Recreation Center would not be able to function. They are dedicated employees. All the departments work closely together and we do what we can to keep this city functioning to the best of our ability. We all stand together and support each other daily. We are all heartbroken over losing one of our key components and it’s going to take a while to get over this loss – but we know we still need to jump in there together, start together, do it together.”
The Lewisburg Recreation Center is a major contributor to our economy. It is a source of jobs as well as promoting healthy fitness whether it be specialized training programs or just working out individually. If you have questions or want to know about hours or fees, call 931-359-2482.
