By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

The Morgan County Recreation Department (MCRD) Aquatics Center brought in more than $17,000 from October through December 2012.

Their second largest money maker for the fourth quarter: youth activities with a total close to $14,000.
In all, the MCRD brought in $43,807.58.

Their gymnastics program had the largest number of participants for the same time period: 246.

Lance Alexander, director of the Morgan County Parks and Recreation, said members of Hope Church had approached him about using the MCRD gym for four hours on Sundays.

He said they have offered to pay for materials to put in air conditioning, which he estimated would cost between $20,000 and $25,000.

Alexander pointed out that having air conditioning might bring in more money as they could then rent out the facility for events.
While no vote was taken, members of the board agreed that Alexander should get more details for them to discuss at their next meeting.

In other news:
• Armstrong shared that their phone update program, available through their website www.mcplayrec.org, “is a hit!” and that people are signing up to receive updates to their phones.
• Their new sign is up and running. Sponsors will have an opportunity to be featured on the sign. Alexander said over 650 vehicles drive by the sign every morning during a one-hour period.
“It’s going to pay for itself,” he said.
• They will host a Soccer Town Hall Meeting Jan. 31. Details will be forthcoming.
• A Baseball/Fast Pitch Town Hall Meeting will be held Feb. 28.

Printed in the January 17, 2013 edition.