Clay County residents looking to burn off pandemic pounds can take advantage of the many physical activities offered by the Clay County Recreation Department. Last week the workout center reopened with limitations but those who are more outdoor oriented can also find plenty of ways to enjoy the campus. No matter the age, Director Jerry Payne thinks everyone can find a way to enjoy the upcoming fall season.
“With the state going into the next phase, we’ve been able to get our organized sports going again,” Payne said. “Right now we have started our flag football program and soccer program back up.” While there is a sense of normalcy, the team practices look a little different with players minimizing shared space and eliminating high-fives altogether. Flag football teams will play all games at the rec department and will only play other Hayesville teams. “We feel like this was the best way to limit the possibility of exposure,” said Payne. In addition to that policy, spots on teams were limited to Hayesville students and athletes who have been in the program previously. “In past seasons we’ve opened it up to surrounding counties, but with things being the way they are, it just made sense to keep it local this year,” he said.
For soccer, Payne has partnered with the league in Blairsville for the 12U and 10U teams. Younger teams will follow the flag football model, facing only other Hayesville teams. Payne is also staying in constant contact with volunteers. “I meet with the coaches and talk about steps they need to take to minimize a potential infection, but the biggest safeguard we have is parents keeping a kid at home if they don’t feel well.”
A new sport for the department is cross country. The program was started four weeks ago and was a way for Payne to give kids an opportunity to compete. “We started this as a way to allow athletes to run and train while everything else was on hold.” Payne said a total of 22 runners have taken advantage of the program which makes sure to follow all social distancing guidelines. There is no mask mandate. For those interested in attending a competition, there are guidelines. “At this time, we ask families and groups to stay together and allow distance between themselves and other groups of fans,” said Payne. There will also be signs in place to remind attendees to be aware of their proximity to others.
While youth sports are a big part of what the department offers, anyone can use the grounds for physical activity. Walkers can log thousands of steps as they wander throughout the parks trails. Pedestrians can choose to stay on the main access road or follow the path to Spikebuck Mound and along the creek side for a more scenic route. Dogs are welcomed but must remain on a leash and the owners are responsible for making sure there is no evidence of their dog left behind.
Looking for something more competitive as a workout? Pickleball is back in full swing at the Harry Jarrett courts. “Our pickleballers are back and they are doing a great job with social distancing and masking up when they’re not playing,” said Payne. “We’ve had no issues.”
Coming soon to t h e grounds is an outdoor sand volleyball court. Having an outdoor court will give Clay County citizens a chance to practice their rallies while minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. “Once we have finished and operating families, churches or other groups will be able to reserve the court for their gathering,” Payne said.
Payne and his staff welcome those using the facilities but remind everybody to do their part to ensure safety for others.