Scare in the Boro A Success

The Statesboro-Bulloch Parks and Recreation Department (SBCPRD) and Splash in the Boro hosted a new event for Halloween in 2010. After draining all the water from the Lazy River, staff and volunteers created a 7-section River of Screams. Subway of Statesboro was the title sponsor for this event. Chick-fil-A and Mellow Mushroom were also sponsors of the event.

Each section was filled with terror and screams as almost 1300 people (499 paid customers, 800 during free "Tame Hour" during Mill Creek's Trick or Treat event) filed through the River. The sections included a Witch's Room, Phobia Room, Carn-evil, Butcher Shop, Scare Alley, Torture Chamber and an Insane Asylum.

SBCPRD and Splash in the Boro would like to thank all the staff and volunteers, sponsors and patrons who made the first Scare in the Boro a success!!

Click on each of the images to make larger.

2010 Volunteers of the Year Recognized

The Statesboro-Bulloch Parks and Recreation Department (SBCPRD) hosted its annual Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon in late August. Volunteers are an integral part of a successful recreation department and its programs. SBCPRD relies on over 500 volunteers per year.

“Without the support of our many volunteers, SBCPRD would not be able to successfully run many of our programs,” says Mike Rollins, Director of SBCPRD.

Volunteers were honored at the recent luncheon for five awards: Hall of Fame, Recreation Advisory Committee Member of the Year, Athletics Volunteer of the Year, Community Recreation Volunteer of the Year and the Counselor in Training (CIT) Award.

SBCPRD’s Hall of Fame honors citizens who have made outstanding contributions and provided exceptional service to the department. Neal Dunn, who passed away earlier this year, was inducted into the SBCPRD Hall of Fame. “Neal gave of his time and talents in many ways,” says Rollins. “He will always be remembered for the giving person he was.” Dunn was the “backbone” of the department’s therapeutic horseback riding program—having served on the committee since its inception as well as volunteering numerous hours for the program. Neal’s wife, Lisa, accepted the award.

Tim Robbins has been involved in many volunteer positions within SBCPRD for decades. His most recent being Chair of the Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC). Each year, the staff chooses a RAC member who has been instrumental in the success of the department. For 2010, Robbins was selected for the role he plays in parks, facility, and program development. “As a volunteer coach for over 25 years as well as being a RAC member, Tim has been the ultimate volunteer,” says Rollins.

The Athletics Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Shawn Haralson for his dedication to coaching football, basketball, and baseball teams. Haralson was also the driving force behind SBCPRD beginning a youth wrestling program, which he coaches as well. His commitment to the athletes and the department made him very deserving of this award.

The Community Recreation division of SBCPRD hosts a variety of programs, but none more unique than the Stirrup Some Fun Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program. This program gives children with disabilities or challenging life situations an opportunity to experience outdoor fun and recreation using a horse as a tool to improve their lives. This rewarding program requires dedicated volunteers who are experienced with horses. SBCPRD presented the Community Recreation Volunteer of the Year Award to Norma Stallings—the Department’s very own “horse whisperer.” Ms. Stallings is always making sure that the riders are safe and can sense if a horse is uncomfortable. She has been a hands-on volunteer with the program ever since she helped co-found it in 2003. SBCPRD is proud to call Ms. Stallings a friend of the department and Community Recreation’s Volunteer of the Year.

SBCPRD offers volunteer opportunities for youth ages 13 to 15 to gain valuable work experience for future jobs. These Counselors-in-Training (CITs) provide assistance in recreational activities with younger children during Summer Camp. This year’s award recipient, Ally Cheshire, gave up three weeks of her summer vacation to volunteer with SBCPRD. Ally had a willingness to work and gave 110% at everything she did—all with a smile on her face. “Ally worked incredibly well with the children,” says Supervisor Joy Deal. “She was such a great role model for them to see!”

“We’d like to thank all of our volunteers who give unselfishly of their time and energy each season, each year,” says Rollins. “It is you who makes our department successful and you who the children will remember for years to come.”

To become a volunteer with SBCPRD, please contact Shelly Salter at (912) 489-9087, email her, or pick up an application at the Honey Bowen Building or online at www.bullochrec.com.

Lisa Dunn accepts
Hall of Fame Award for late husband, Neal Dunn.

Tim Robbins (center) accepts RAC Volunteer of the Year Award from Mike Rollins (l) and RAC Chair Hadley Campbell (r).

Shawn Haralson (right) accepts Athletics Volunteer of the Year Award from Athletics Superintendent Darryl Hopkins (center) and RAC Chair Hadley Campbell (l).

Norma Stallings (center) accepts Community Recreation Volunteer of the Year Award from RAC Chair Hadley Campbell (l) and Supervisor Alison Brown (r).

Ally Cheshire was not able to attend the awards ceremony due to school schedules, but graciously accepted the CIT Award at a later date.

Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks and Recreation has a list serve that can keep you updated on new programs, schedule changes, rain cancellations, and more.
If you would like to begin receiving e-mails,
please click here to send an e-mail that will get you started!




Interested in the happenings at Splash in the Boro? The waterpark and family aquatics center now has its own e-mail list serve. E-mails will be sent periodically about programs, opening and closing dates, and much more!
If you would like to begin receiving emails,
please click here to send an e-mail that will get you started!