EDITOR'S NOTE: You don't have to travel far for summer recreation. Richmond County has 63 parks or places to play. We profile another of them today.
Eastview Community Center and Park in east Augusta was the city's third recreational facility that was turned over to people in the neighborhood to operate with support from the Recreation Department.
The center is operated by the East Augusta Neighborhood Association volunteers who supervise activities for children and seniors.
Thirty-five children are enrolled in a free summer camp that runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday until the first of August, association President Terotha Gantt said.
The children participate in arts and crafts, an inspirational time and field trips, Ms. Gantt said.
The sheriff's office and the fire department present programs on safety; a Health Department spokesman discusses nutrition; and library employees read and tell stories.
"And we've had field trips to Riverwalk and Pendleton King Park," Ms. Gantt said.
The partnership with the city has been successful because of the generosity of sponsors, she said.
"They have donated school supplies and other things we need, so we've been able to do this," she said.
The volunteers also conduct an after-school program for children during the school year from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with tutoring and games. During the summer, the program runs from 2 to 6 p.m., with games such as tee ball and basketball.
The park has a lighted baseball field, basketball court, picnic area, playground and pavilion.
Children must be at least 8 years old to attend without a parent or guardian. Children 6 years old are eligible to attend, but only if accompanied by an adult.
Members of the Senior Citizen Club at Eastview pay $25 a year to participate in a variety of activities, such as bingo on Monday and Wednesday mornings, followed by lunch. Volunteer Princess Robinson runs the bingo games.
Monday through Friday, the seniors exercise, Tuesdays they study the Bible and on Fridays, they play poker-keeno, a modified form of bingo.
Reach Sylvia Cooper at (706) 823-3228 or sylvia.cooper@augustachronicle.com.
EASTVIEW PARK
644 Aiken St.
Features: Community building, supervised, open space, baseball/softball, picnic area, playground, rental facility
OTHER PARKS
Lake Olmstead Park
2200 Broad St.
Features: Community building, lake/waterfront, open space, disc golf, baseball/softball, picnic area, rental facility, supervised area, walking track
FLEMING TENNIS CENTER
1850 Chester Ave.
Features: Tennis courts, supervised area, rest rooms, shelter/gazebo
GRACEWOOD PARK
2309 Tobacco Road
Features: Community building, baseball/softball, picnic area, playground, rental facility
BLYTHE AREA RECREATION CENTER
3129 Highway 88
Features: Community building, gymnasium, open space, picnic area, playground, rental facility, restrooms, supervised area, walking track
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