Florence County Offers Wealth of Sporting Opportunities
Published Apr 17, 2008
Nearly 30 courses, including Florence Country Club, lure golfers.
As a growing number of new residents and businesses choose to call Florence County home, the local sports community continues to shine as a positive economic force that enhances the quality of life.
With nearly 30 courses in the area, golf is one of the most popular local participatory sports.
“This area is truly one of South Carolina’s best golf vacation spots,” says Lisa Haynes, golf director of Swamp Fox Country Golf, a vacation booking company based in Florence. “Last year we had over 2,700 people travel to Florence from across North America to play golf. The average stay was six nights.”
Tennis also has many enthusiasts here, as evidenced by the activity on the 14 lighted courts in Florence’s Timrod Park. A new $4.3 million tennis complex is planned near North Cashua Drive close to Lucas Street. If approved by the city, the 30-court complex will host tournament and league play as well as informal matches.
“The new complex would allow us to grow tennis events and bid on state-level adult and junior tournaments. The current economic impact of tennis, $2.6 million annually, would increase significantly,” says Ed Sprenger, president of the Florence Tennis Association.
At Lynches River County Park – a 676-acre reserve offering trails, water recreation and a 1,200-foot-long riverwalk – new features are drawing residents and visitors.
A $400,000 splash pad opened in July 2007 to an overwhelmingly positive response. Another new attraction, the $1.1 million, 2,700-square-foot Environmental Discovery Center, offers hands-on exhibits, while a canopy walk outside provides a treetop-level vantage point.
“Between all of these new projects for the county and city, Florence is staying on the forefront with quality resources and facilities,” says Joe Eason, director of parks and recreation for Florence County. “We’re striking a balance by finding something to offer for everyone.”
Workout enthusiasts have various opportunities from which to choose. They include the 100,000-square-foot McLeod Health & Fitness Center, part of McLeod Health, as well as the YMCA and the Fitness Forum. Florence also offers a growing network of pathways for walking, jogging and biking.
The city’s Department of Parks & Leisure Services maintains 13 parks covering more than 500 acres. The centerpiece is the Freedom Florence Recreation Complex, which has nine championship-quality softball/baseball fields and numerous other facilities. In July and August 2007, the Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament and the Dixie Majors World Series were staged there, pumping an estimated $3 million into the local economy.
Spectators also are drawn to the 10,000-seat Florence Civic Center to watch the Florence Phantoms of the professional American Indoor Football League. In addition, the Florence Red Wolves compete in the Coastal Plain League for college baseball players.
Story by Valerie Pascoe
Photo by Ian Curcio
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