NEWBERRY COUNTY — The Newberry County Recreation Department strives to provide affordable, quality programs meeting the needs of the community and is committed to providing quality recreational services that are educational, fun and rewarding for all Newberry County youth.
Gerdi Lake, director of Newberry County Recreation, is a one-person recreation department and dedicates countless hours of her time making sure the recreation department operates at its highest potential.
Lake has been working with The Newberry County Recreation Department for 11 years.
The Newberry County native got involved with sports and recreation when she moved back to Newberry after receiving her animal health science degree from Los Angeles College.
Before becoming director of Recreation, Lake served on the Recreation Commission where she orchestrated recreation in various areas across the county. She served as the liaison for Newberry County and the town of Prosperity.
Lake also worked as a contracted employee for five years helping organize sports all over the county. Her expertise showed that she was not trying to duplicate programs, but bring fresh ideas to the Newberry County Recreation Department.
She receives assistance seasonally from Newberry college students, but other than that, “I’m the only employee of the recreation department,” she said.
Lake said the numbers of participants in all sports have doubled and tripled since she took the position 11 years ago, something she sees as a sign she is being successful.
The Brookland Cayce graduate is also the chair for Coats For Kids in Newberry County.
“We genuinely want to do everything we can as a partner in our communities, and our ultimate goal is to make sure that everyone who needs a warm winter coat this season has one — even in these hard economic times,” Lake said.
The program sends Dec. 16. Donors are encouraged to locate gently used winter coats, have them cleaned, and then drop them off at a location listed below.
“Winter weather is starting and people are scrambling to find warm coats to wear. With tougher economic times, we’re finding more people in need of warm clothing,” said Lake. “Newberry County is committed to programs that are in the spirit of giving back to the community during the holiday season. This is an outstanding program, and I ask each citizen of the County to search his or her closets for a coat that will help keep a child warm this winter. We are also accepting warm winter blankets.”
The Newberry County Recreation Department also promotes participation by all Newberry County residents. Call the Newberry County Recreation Department at 803-924-8328 for more information.
According to Lake, they had a record number of 16 teams this season. Soccer is regulated through the county and receives guidance from the Newberry College men’s soccer team through team clinics/workshops and game officiating.
Here’s a look at some of the offerings for 2017:
Dixie Youth Baseball
Registration is Jan. 13 to Feb. 13 for ages 8 to 13 years. The fee is $50. Games are played at Prosperity.
Girls Fast Pitch Softball
Registration is Jan. 13 to Feb. 13 for girls ages 8 to 15. The fee is $45. Games are played at Prosperity.
Dixie Boys
Registration is March 15 to April 15 for ages 13 to 16. The fee is $50. This is a competitive county league. Games played at Newberry College and Newberry High School.
T-Ball
Registration is Jan. 26 to Feb. 26 for youth ages 4 to 6. The fee is $45. Players hit off a tee. Games are played at Prosperity.
Coaches Pitch
Registration is Jan. 26 to Feb. 26 for ages 6 to 8. The fee is $45. Coaches pitch to players. Games are played at Prosperity field.
Soccer Academy
Registration is Jan. 26 to Feb. 26 for ages 4 to 14. The fee is $50. This is an instructional league only and taught by the Newberry College men’s soccer team. Games are played at Newberry College and the YMCA.
Officials urge parents to get their children registered early. When teams are full, players will be put on a waiting list.