City of Hardeeville officials received the Achievement Awards for the Population 5,001 - 10,000 Category during the 2022 Annual Meeting in Charleston.
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The City of Hardeeville has received a Municipal Achievement Award for its new recreation center. The town won in the 5,001 – 10,000 population category. Twenty-four cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives for consideration in the annual awards.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina, Hardeeville focused on improving its facilities and offerings, creating a better community for its residents and visitors. For more than a decade, the city worked toward the dream of building the Hardeeville Recreation Center, and received a boost for the initiative in 2018 when a landowner donated more than five acres toward the project.
The project was initially intended to be a simple gymnasium, but the scope grew significantly as the city met with nonprofit groups, schools, the Jasper County government, and undertook formal studies to assess community needs. In 2021, the $8.5 million facility opened, paid for primarily with hospitality tax funding.
The 38,000-square-foot facility offers a collegiate-sized basketball court with seating for 1,000 spectators, two racquetball courts, an indoor walking track, a fitness center, a rentable community room, classrooms and a concession stand.
The center hosts a variety of programs, high school and youth athletics, team sports, community events and special events. Future plans include building a walking trail to connect the center to the city’s recreation complex park.
“This recreation center shows how Hardeeville has a vision for the future of the Lowcountry, and the part it wants to play in that future. As with many local government projects, it is the result of committing to a goal over time. It’s a game-changer for the region’s recreation opportunities,” said Todd Glover, executive director for the Municipal Association.
These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association member cities and towns. Information and a video about the project are available on the Association’s website www.masc.sc (keyword: Achievement Awards).
The Municipal Association of SC initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.
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