Watauga Democrat - Print Story

The Watauga County Recreation Commission wants to know how, what and where people want to play in the coming decade.
The commission is holding a series of public meetings to gather input to help develop a 10-year master plan. While the plan is geared primarily toward facilities, to help county government make budget decisions, facility needs arise from the types of activities people want to pursue.
Parks and recreation director Stephen Poulos said one emerging trend is the move toward public-private partnerships, in which the county works with non-profit groups to enhance facilities. Typically, the county will provide some funding or support through labor and machinery to help develop projects.
The Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex is one such success, resulting in a collaborative effort between Watauga County, Appalachian State University and the High Country Soccer Association to install two artificial-turf fields in Boone, allowing for year-round soccer. The county also helped with community parks in Valle Crucis and Green valley.
The popularity of certain sports changes with each generation, Poulos said. The "traditional sports" of baseball, basketball and football have given way to sports such as soccer, which have wide participation. Poulos said there was also interest in disc golf, lacrosse and other activities, and the meetings will be used to learn about new interests.
"We'll see what the trends are among youths," Poulos said. "This is a blueprint to see what facilities we want and what direction the community wants us to go in."
According to its mission statement, the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide a wide variety of quality recreational programming opportunities in the areas of arts, youth and adult athletics, special programs, special events, special populations including Special Olympics, aquatics, and summer youth camps.
The community meetings will be held at three times and locations: Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at Valle Crucis Elementary School; Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Parkway Elementary School; and Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Hardin Park Elementary School.
The input from the meeting will be combined with the results of a needs assessment conducted for the county by Appalachian State University. The 2020 Watauga County Parks & Recreation Master Plan will cover programs, facilities and expansions, and is being crafted with the help of High Country Council of governments.
The department's mission is for recreational programs to be "enjoyable, fun, fulfilling, safe, and rewarding for all Watauga County citizens." Current county facilities include a gym, a community clubhouse, 26 multi-purpose athletic fields, three parks, 13 tennis courts, six outdoor basketball courts, eight picnic shelters and an indoor pool.
The parks and recreation department was formed in 1973 and is advised by an 18-member Recreation Commission, appointed by the Watauga County Board of Commissioners. The main office is located at 231 Complex Drive in Boone.