HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Recreation Director Matt Youngblood attended July’s county commissioner’s meeting to inform the community about the county’s sports facility, including the reason he believes an interest in youth football has decreased.

“One thing that has been a concern for us at the rec department is the interest level in football. I know a lot of people are wanting to know what happened with football in our area,” Youngblood said, explaining that parents have raised concerns about head injuries – specifically concussions – that could result from tackles, and that only two children had enrolled to participate. The recreation director reported that the center began offering flag football as a milder alternative, although only five children signed up for the added sport.

Towns County Recreation Center basketball courts

Enthusiasm for other physical activities is different story, however, with 67 athletes participating in the center’s basketball camp, Youngblood said. Towns County Recreation Center offers the annual basketball camp in association with Young Harris College Division II Basketball. The program began in 2017 with the help of YHC Assisant Men’s Basketball Coach and former player, Steve Viterbo. With the vision of giving youth an opportunity to learn fundamentals from Division II athletes while they impart knowledge, show offensive and defensive drills, and create an energetic atmosphere where youth can prosper.

The sport center offers two high school regualtion size basketball courts with a drop down divide to separate the dual courts, and multi-purpose flooring with a 2 millimeter cushion to help prevent injury. Soccer was added to the roster this past year, drawing approximately 90 players of both genders, Youngblood said.

Towns County Recreation Center fitness facility

Two ball fields were constructed at the Young Harris facility that can be used for both baseball and softball. Located separately, within the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, are three ball fields that will soon receive updated scoreboards. The area consists of one 14u baseball field, and two fields that serve as multi-purpose for 12u, 10u, coach pitch, and T-ball. An outdoor pickleball complex, located near the fairgrounds, boasts 14 courts, and an indoor pickleball court is available at the former recreation center, just west Hiawassee city limits on State Route 76.

Towns County Recreation Center features a one-tenth mile indoor walking track, along with a fitness center, provided free of charge for all Towns County residents. Fitness equipment ranges from treadmills, ellipticals, recumbant bikes, bench press, and a line-up of Cybex body equipment.

The state-of-the-art facility is located at 150 Foster Park in Young Harris. Additional information on Towns County Recreation Center is available by clicking this link.