Aiken Welcomes Back the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center
Aiken, a city known for its vibrant community spirit, is buzzing with excitement as the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center has officially reopened its doors. After several months of renovations, the grand reopening took place on September 25, 2024, and it was a heartwarming event filled with enthusiasm from the residents who cherish this facility.
Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting
As the sun began to set on the evening of the reopening, Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner and Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Jessica Campbell stood proudly at the center, ready to cut the ceremonial ribbon. “We’re excited to open up the facility this evening,” Mayor Milner announced to the gathered crowd. “We hope you come back often for recreation. Bring your family and friends.”
The atmosphere was electric, as many community members cheered and shared in the joy of having the recreation center back in action.
A Tribute to a Beloved Leader
The reopening ceremony also included a special tribute to Betty Gyles, a former supervisor at the center who dedicated her life to serving the community. City Councilwoman Gail Diggs, who represents the district where Smith-Hazel is located, spoke fondly of Gyles, who passed away in 2021. “Betty is in heaven smiling down upon us,” Diggs expressed. “I think she’d be pretty satisfied” with the updates to the center.
Community Voices
The reopening of the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center was not only about cutting ribbons; it was also a time for community members to reminisce. Mary Yarborough, a longtime visitor, expressed her delight in seeing the center open again, recalling her experiences helping senior citizens during Gyles’ tenure. “I always helped out with the senior citizens. I just want to see what the new additions to the inside look like now,” she said.
Another attendee, Hattie E. Thurmond, reflected on the many memories she has of the facility, where she spent her teenage years dancing. “For all those years, there were too little stalls and the toilets were always broken,” she pointed out, happily noting the significant improvements in the restroom facilities.
Fitness Enthusiasts Are Back!
With a new fitness room now part of the facility, fitness enthusiasts like Susan Harrison were thrilled to test the new equipment. “I will be walking from my home on Abbeville Avenue, I will do my exercises and I will walk back home,” she shared, showing her gratitude for having such a nearby facility.
Making her own memories, Cassandra Gordon was delighted to see a photo of herself and her peers from a class in 1963 displayed at the center. “I’m glad to see they kept them. It makes me feel happy,” she said with a warm smile.
Renovation Journey
The journey to revamp the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center began last December, when the city closed the facility for updates. City Councilwoman Lessie Price shared her gratitude for the community’s patience during the renovation process, stating, “We’ve been saying it’s coming. It’s finally here.” The center, which opened in 1963, hadn’t received significant upgrades since then, aside from a new pool.
What’s Next?
While the center has reopened, renovations are still ongoing in the surrounding park area, which is anticipated to reopen in March. The excitement and anticipation within the community for these updates continue to build as residents look forward to enjoying more activities at the enhanced facility.
All in all, the reopening of the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center marks a momentous occasion for the city of Aiken, bringing back a beloved hub for recreation, socialization, and wellbeing. The community is eager to embrace the changes and make new memories in this newly renovated space.
