AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. () – Exciting progress is underway at the Aiken County Recreation Center as enhancements continue.
NewsChannel 6 offered an inside look at the newest feature—a basketball court that opened its doors to the community just two weeks ago.
“I’ve been here almost daily since we launched—from Monday through Friday—and it’s always buzzing with activity. Conducting this interview without any crowd is quite a unique experience,” shared Colby Parnell, Director of Aiken County Parks and Recreation.
However, this brief tranquility quickly ended as Demarkus Young and Anthony Tyler arrived, eager to play and thrilled about the enhancements.
“I feel it’s safer now. It’s become a much safer place for the kids. The improvements to the basketball court are impressive,” they remarked.
They say they’re looking forward to seeing even more upgrades and hope the new amenities help bring the Graniteville community closer together.
“Just bring the community closer together more and see more people, that’s the main thing, is doing events here now, whatever they need to do to bring everybody closer.”
Creating a central gathering place for the community is exactly what county leaders hope to accomplish.
“There’s food distributions that will happen here. This building will be rented every day, probably every day, starting in January,” Parnell said.
In the coming months, the recreation center will also add a splash pad, expand the playground renovate the pool area, and convert the building behind the center into new administrative offices.
The full project is expected to be completed by October 2026.