Hickman finds success with community help

Hickman Park is a shady 1.6-acre neighborhood park on Hickman Road between Walton Way and Central Avenue. It has a small community center that was built in 1945 by the Augusta Recreation Commission. Today, the park and center are operated by the Richmond County Recreation Department.

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Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Hickman Park in Augusta

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Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Hickman Park in Augusta

"This is an interesting park," said Robert Martin, the department's facilities supervisor. He said the city had discussed closing it several years ago to save money.

"Fortunately, we were able to enter into this agreement with the Summerville Neighborhood Association," he said. "We provide the staff person here, but the Summerville Neighborhood Association reimburses us for that staff person."

The department won a Trendsetter award from Georgia Trend magazine last year for the agreements it has with neighborhood associations to manage the city's parks and community centers, such as Hickman Park.

"It's one of the most popular neighborhood parks that we have," Mr. Martin said. "It is a safe park."

The Summerville association has a July Fourth celebration and Christmas tree lighting at the park, usually the day after Thanksgiving.

This year, the agreement between the department and the neighborhood association allows the park and community center to be rented for private events. It is suitable for birthday or graduation parties.

Betty Mercer, the staff superintendent, opens the center and remains on site during the event.

"We do require the person renting our facilities to pay the superintendent," Mr. Martin said. "Monday through Saturday, it's $12 an hour. On Sundays, it's $15 an hour."

If alcohol is served and more than 100 people attend, the renters must hire a police officer and a fire marshal, he said.

Ms. Mercer is also on site during normal staffed hours, answering the phone, explaining the rules and regulations and taking rental applications.

"I keep the grounds and take care of the tennis court, as far as people playing," she said. "A lot of people come without shirts. The rule is you have to have shirts.

"And I keep the kids in line. I keep them from hurting themselves. If I see anybody walking their dogs, I remind them of the rules of the park."

The park has doggie bags for people to clean up after their pets, she said.

"I remind them about that rule," Ms. Mercer said. "A lot of people are nice about it, but when I'm not here on the weekends, some people don't follow the rules."

Mr. Martin said he can't emphasize enough how wonderful the relationship has been between the recreation department and the neighborhood association.

"They do a great job," he said. "They're easy to work with."

Reach Sylvia Cooper at (706) 823-3228 or sylvia.cooper@augustachronicle.com.