Months after pandemic peak, Baldwin County Rec facilities back in full swing

Published 10:18 pm Monday, June 28, 2021

It’s a sunny Friday morning at the Baldwin County Recreation Department and the sounds of a heated pickle ball game can be heard amid the nearby traffic.

It’s just another sign that the local rec facilities are mostly back to normal as post-COVID life inches back to the community. 

The gyms at Walter B. Williams are open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, badminton and pickle ball are going full force. Soccer and football will be back in the fall and county officials expect the new splash pad to open later this summer. 

In addition, weigh watcher and square dancing have returned for regular sessions. 

“We’re gradually getting back to normal,” said Tracy Rollins, BCRD director. “A lot of people are out here walking … our pavilions are full just about every weekend, so that’s good seeing people back out. I think it’s turning around.” 

Although adult leagues are not being played at the moment, other than badminton and pickle ball, the youth programs such as softball and baseball are wrapping up their seasons.

The pickle ball courts are seeing their regular following of participants return.

“What’s great about this sport is, in this particular case, everybody plays with everybody,” Henry Craig, avid pickle ball player and chairman of the County Commission said between games Friday morning. “There are three generations out here playing with each other. It’s not about winning, it’s about good exercise and having a good time with each other.”  

The basketball seasons started back in November, which led into soccer, softball and baseball in the spring. Now the focus is on the transition back to fall sports as recreation football will be back in the fall after the season was lost last year to COVID-19. 

Not everything is back to normal, but Rollins hopes that changes soon.

“Our building hasn’t completely gone back to normal,” Rollins said. “As far as birthday or anniversary parties, we haven’t started that part back yet … once the gyms are back open on Saturdays and Sundays, then we’ll go back to the adult stuff.” 

Activities for seniors such as badminton and pickle ball have had great numbers and is continuing to grow according to Rollins. Pickle ball participants range anywhere from 30 to 40 people per day, everyday of the week. The badminton group has had around 15 to 20 people on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We love seeing them and I think they are glad to be back as well,” Rollins said.

Rollins encourages the community to come to the recreation center and enjoy what they have to offer.

“Come out, everything is open,” Rollins said. “Our ball fields … soccer fields … track are open, we are working on a water park, as well a little splash pad, at Harrisburg that’s going to be great for kids. Coopers Park, great are out there, nice walking track. We got a lot to offer, just people need to come out and enjoy it.”