Recreation Board

The Habersham County Recreation Board was created in March 2005 by state law to oversee the operation of the county's recreation department. The board meets monthly at 6 p.m. at the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center near Clarkesville, unless otherwise announced or advertised. The current meeting schedule may be viewed by clicking on the link to the right.

The board consists of five members appointed by the county commissioners. Members must live in the county and agree to serve five-year terms without compensation. The board must be representative of the community.

The board elects its chairman and other officers annually, and officers may be reelected for succeeding terms.

The board acts in an advisory capacity with the following responsibilities:

Advise in the initiation, planning, organization, implementation and coordination of public recreation programs and activities for the county.
Advise in the initiation, planning and design and to recommend a system of parks, facilities, etc., that will accommodate the public's need for parks and recreation activities.
Assist with the preparation and development of rules and regulations by which parks and recreation programs may operate.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of parks and recreation programs.
Advise and recommend ways and means by which parks and recreation programs may be improved or strengthened.
Support new programs and activities as public need may dictate.
Recommend a system of fees and charges for use of parks and recreation facilities or for participation in parks and recreation programs.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be conferred by the Board of Commissioners from time to time.

To perform these duties, the board shall have the following authority:

To adopt bylaws and other rules of procedure to achieve its purposes and functions
To recommend rules governing participation in parks and recreation programs
To suggest rules governing the hours of operation and use of county parks and facilities
To endorse county staff approval of contracts for the provision of certain programs and services related to recreation facilities and activities which are awarded within guidelines established by the Board of Commissioners
To adjudicate complaints, disputes or other grievances from the public arising out of parks and recreation activities
To evaluate programs and activities which are offered from year to year
To file an annual report with the Board of Commissioners relative to program accomplishments for the preceding fiscal year