Effingham County gives update on parks, population growth during State of the County event
Parks, transportation and population growth were key topics at the annual State of the County event in Effingham County on Wednesday. Local officials provided updates to the public on how the county is addressing change.
Here is what to know.
Residential development
A whopping 3,068 residential units are slated for development across 18 subdivisions, although no timetable was given as to when the neighborhoods will be complete. Six subdivisions are proposed for Highway 30 and four on or near Hodgeville Road.
“There is always a delicate dance, of sorts, between balancing growth as it relates to commercial versus residential, but the city of Rincon is mindful of how we want our city to look in the future,” said Rincon City Manager Jonathan Lynn. “We have the opportunity to create our skyline of the future, and that challenge is accepted by our elected officials and staff. We are forging ‘the Rincon Way.’”
During the meeting, Lynn said Rincon will not be content and will be careful when determining how the city grows.“We don’t have to say 'yes' to everything anymore,” said Lynn. “We want to be selective in what we do.”
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Parks and recreation
According to County Manager Tim Callanan, the county has grown at a steady pace at just 3% per year over the past 15 years. But there has been a significant uptick in various departments, which points to the uptick in the population. Youth softball and baseball is at 1,200 participants and 911 calls are up 60%.One of the biggest feats the country presented is a number of upgrades coming to all parks in the county, giving residents more places to enjoy outdoor recreation.
The grand opening of Patriots Park will take place 6 p.m., April 22. Tennis courts were resurfaced and future improvements are in the works, according to Lynn.
The proposed South Effingham Community Park will feature a pickleball court and walking trail among other recreational amenities. Other suggested improvements include a disc golf course at Pineora Park and multi-purpose fields at Clarence Morgan Park. McComber Park will get fields, fencing and other facilities.The county is considering a revamp to Treutlen Trail, an abandoned railway owned by Georgia Power. Callanan said the trail would go from Downtown Guyton to Sand Hill Park and, eventually, to Atlas Community Park.While upgrades to local parks and residential growth surge, industrial growth has been relatively quiet – for now.
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Industrial growth
Brandt Herndon, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, said the county is receiving interest from other industries due to Hyundai supplier Sewon locating in the Grand View Industrial Park.
The company currently has two projects that are awaiting approval but nothing is set in stone yet. Herndon added the ECIDA is always mindful about which companies they bring into the county. “There are some that have come our way that we have said 'no' to,” said Herndon. “We want you all to trust us and believe in our mission. We are not chasing any and all.”
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Effingham County provides update on residential, population growth
