Commissioners weary of problems within Parks and Recreation Department
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Recent posts
THANKS TO COMMISSIONER MCKNIGHT…. for calling attention to the terrible maintenance conditions of so many places in Augusta. It is truly a disgrace.
It’s past time for an investigation in to the Parks and Rec department and some new leadership. Criticism is not enough-the city deserves some action on this!
It’s past time for talking. Take action! Good grief!
That is what you get when you hire by something other than qualifications.
Exactly
An audit of this department is needed both fiscally and to determine why there is such a huge turnover rate with employees, do it quick and maybe he can bunk with Fennoy.
What were his qualifications, beside his race? Also, what led to him leaving the last position he held. If Hardie Davis is your cheerleader, you are sunk. Pools and water features require people with knowledge of aquatics to run them. I have no confidence he knows how, but wonder if he’s even able to train people to do it. Hopefully there is a Certified Pool Operator on Staff because the Dept of Health will not let you operate without one.
Augusta is one big dumpster fire. The new mayor will certainly have his work cut out for him to right this foundering ship
He began working for Augusta as a capital projects’ manager? That may explain why many recent capital projects ran into the ditch and why they are now in a state of disrepair. If McDowell had no verified project management experience, training, and certification when he was hired, and based on the condition and operation of our recreation facilities, he should be terminated. So tired of Augusta electing or hiring people based on race, campaign contributions, name recognition, personal relationship, or willingness to support or ignore the corrupt activities of the person who got them hired.
Any commissioner who has not publicly questioned the financial management of the mayor’s office and supported an audit will be as guilty as the mayor if he is indicted and convicted.
While I am not going to defend or condone what Mr. McDowell has done or has not done, you all need to understand one thing — Parks and Rec in ARC is an uphill battle trying to keep things working and in good repair. The most recent example of this is the new Splash Pad. How in the Hell is he supposed to keep ahead of the DAMN VANDALS ! They have vandalized a Splash Pad that is only THREE DAYS OLD !! This is pitiful and disgusting. These are out of control destructive “you know whats”. They are not arrested, and their parents are not held financially responsible. This is taxpayer monies paid out for the kid’s enjoyment, vandalized by people with too much time on their hands. The Splash Pad at Evans Town Center Park has been operational for several years. The Park is also patrolled by CCSO, and concerned citizens. Maybe Sheriff Roundtree and Sheriff Whittle should “chat”. I witnessed the lifeguard issue during our visit to SC. The hourly wages are not attractive enough to have enough staff. Two of the five Water Parks in Myrtle Beach are closed, because they cannot get certified lifeguards in place. It is a problem, that I do not see an easy solution to resolve. Lastly, the Henry Brigham Center renovations had to be re-bid, because the original bid was allowed to expire. As Mr. McDowell correctly explained, when you show your “cards”, the next “hand” (bid) gets more expensive, because everybody knows what the original winning bid was. Plus, you have to now figure in the higher price of materials, the second time around.
He is supported by the mayor, tells you all you need to know