A special ceremony was held Tuesday, December 30, to name the newly-constructed gymnasium at the Curry Colvin Recreation Complex after Walker Norman, then chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Pictured are: (l-r) Commissioner Larry Collins, Commissioner Darryl Henderson, Chairman Norman, Commissioner Mike Hawkes, and Commissioner Allen Walker. Approximately 150 people attended a ceremony naming the newly-constructed gymnasium at the Curry Colvin Recreation Complex after Walker Norman, then chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

The ceremony took place Tuesday, December 30.

Norman, whose term expired December 31, served as commission chairman for a total of 24 years.

Presiding over the program was Darryl Henderson, District 1 commissioner.

After Henderson welcomed those present, the invocation was given by Rev. Paul Reviere.

He was followed by District 4 Commissioner Allen Walker, who gave an overview of the history of the Lincoln County Recreation Department.

"Back in the '70s a dream was born in the hearts of a few Lincoln Countians to establish a recreation department," according to the commissioner. "The dream began to take shape under the leadership and guidance of Curry Colvin, commission chairman at the time."

Walker paused to thank three former commissioners in the audience for all they did to foster the dream in those early, early years. The men were Allen Goldman, Talmadge Reed, and Welcome Mason.

"These people got together and decided to push out a spot for a ball field," Walker continued. "There were no ball fields at that time, except for a small field at the high school, the pastures we played in, and a big field at American Legion Post 194 that everybody used.

"The ball field became a reality, and as the years went by and the dream began to grow, other fields were built as well. Then, lighting was installed to allow the high school baseball team to host home games at the complex; a soccer field was built; and an additional 16 acres of land were purchased for future use, to help the dream continue to enhance the quality of life for the people of Lincoln County."

Commissioner Walker went on to recognize people such as Jack Bryant and John Burke, both of whom are now deceased, for their contributions to the dream. "These people got involved — they did not want the dream to die. We're here tonight because the dream still exists."

In further comments, the commissioner listed many of the other improvements made throughout the years at the recreation complex. Among these were newly renovated restrooms, the construction of a swimming pool, and the addition of playground equipment.

"This brings us to today," Walker stated. "There was an explosion of that same dream in 2004 that caused the board of commissioners to adopt a SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) resolution that included the construction of this gym. The 13,000-plus square-foot facility was subsequently approved by referendum by the people of the county, who did not want the dream to die.

"S.D. Clifton Construction was the low bidder, and work on the facility began in April of 2008. We had hoped the gymnasium would be fully operational by now, but due to the weather and other constraints, that proved impossible."

In additional remarks, Commissioner Walker pointed out some of the new gymnasium's amenities such as:

.. A regulation basketball/volleyball court, with a rubberized floor.

.. A fitness center.

.. An indoor walking track.

.. A game room, containing pool tables and so forth.

.. A 12-station computer lab. .. A full kitchen.

.. A conference room.

.. An office for the recreation department director.

In closing, the commissioner stated, "As one of your board members tonight, I have one request to make of the people of this county. Don't allow this dream to die. Let's keep it going. Let's utilize the additional 16 acres of property we have. Anytime an opportunity arises, let's take advantage of it. We must continue to have a vision — we must to continue to dream and to want growth.

"I've traveled all over this wonderful state and nation, and I can tell you that Lincoln County is second to none in anything you want to look at, especially this recreation complex. Let's keep the dream going."

Following Walker's address, Henderson thanked the commissioner for his 12 years of service on the board.

At this point in the program, Commissioner Larry Collins formally dedicated the new facility in honor of Chairman Norman.

"It is very fitting that we dedicate and name this gymnasium for a man who has done so much for Lincoln County. Chairman Norman has served the county for 24 years, and during that time, he has overseen the construction of The Lincoln Center, the public library, the health department, the department of family and children's services, the law enforcement center, and the EMS office. Also, under his leadership, the county acquired and renovated buildings to house the planning and zoning department, the tax assessor's office, and the public safety office.

"Chairman Norman has done a lot for Lincoln County, and to my knowledge, nothing has had his name on it until tonight."

Commissioner Collins then presented Chairman Norman with a framed picture of the gymnasium, while Jimmie Justice, another former commissioner, unveiled the lettering on the front of the building designating it as the "Walker T. Norman Gymnasium."

Norman was rewarded with a round of applause.

In his comments, the chairman said, "I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming tonight.

I didn't have any idea that in 2004, when the people of the county voted to build this facility along with some other things, that we'd be here tonight naming it for me. It is an honor, and I deeply appreciate it. I will forever be grateful for those of you who made it possible."

Chairman Norman then thanked former commissioners Talmadge Reed, Allen Goldman, Welcome Mason, Jimmie Justice, and Dr. Alcye Hawes; Kathie Davis, recreation director for the county; and Roby Seymour, the director of public works, who also served as the project supervisor.

Addressing Davis and Seymour, Norman said, "You did a good job, and I am forever grateful to you."

The chairman likewise thanked members of his family for their support throughout the years.

Turning to the sitting board of commissioners, he said, "To these four gentlemen here tonight — Darryl Henderson, Mike Hawkes, Larry Collins, and Allen Walker — I will never be able to tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you named this facility after me. You have been good people to work with."

Then, looking out at the audience, Chairman Norman stated, "I appreciate the friendship and all of the years you have given me your support and your words of wisdom. I also appreciate you sharing your true feelings with me when I did something good and when I stumbled and fell. I've often been told that anybody who does anything is going to make mistakes.

"I hope I will be able to carry the name of this gymnasium in the way you would want me to. I appreciate it. Thank you.

"God bless you, and God bless Lincoln County for many, many years to come."

He was rewarded with a round of applause.

After thanking Chairman Norman for his 24 years of service to the county, Commissioner Henderson invited all of the commissioners; Director Davis; and Godfrey Zellars, a representative of the recreation board, to the front of the gym to watch as the chairman cut the ribbon.

Following the ribbon cutting and a blessing given by Welcome Mason, everyone entered the Walker T. Norman Gymnasium, where they were treated to refreshments and a tour of the facility.

The event was catered by Bountiful Baskets.