News

The City of Hartsville Parks and Recreation Department is exercising control of its recreational facilities, marking a significant shift from previous operations under Darlington County government oversight. This transition allows the department to exercise full autonomy over its facilities while expanding services for local families.

The move represents a strategic decision by Hartsville to better serve its community's recreational needs. While Darlington County will continue operating recreational programs in other areas of the county, Hartsville now manages its own facilities independently, enabling more targeted programming for city residents.

Director Kendrick Robinson leads the department with impressive credentials from his previous role as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation in Colorado. Robinson, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Georgia, brings approximately a decade of experience to his current position.

His career began early at age 15 in Gainesville, Georgia, where he later served as Recreation Coordinator for approximately 1,000 children, building extensive sports management expertise that now benefits Hartsville. Robinson came to Hartsville 2 years ago and is now an integral part of the city and its activities.

Parks and Recreation Manager Elvis Kisonas contributes a decade of college basketball coaching experience to the team. Kisonas earned a double major in Psychology and Sports Management from Garner-Webb University in North Carolina, followed by a Master's degree from Mercer University in Georgia, where he also served as Director of Operations.

The leadership team will be further strengthened when Sports Coordinator Christian Boatwright returns from his U.S. Air Force deployment in September. Boatwright previously worked with Richland County Parks and Recreation Department before joining Hartsville's team in May of this year.

The T.B. Thomas Sports Center at 701 West Washington Street serves as headquarters for the department's operations. The 23,000-square-foot facility, which opened December 16, 2008, has been a cornerstone of recreational activities in the area. The city maintains over 130 acres of parks and green spaces distributed throughout the Hartsville community.

The department has received significant community support. Sonoco of Hartsville contributed $15,000 for uniforms and equipment, enabling the department to maintain a comprehensive selection of sports equipment.

The Hartsville Parks and Recreation Department focuses on providing diverse, year-round activities designed to enhance the quality of life for area residents. According to Director Robinson, the importance of recreational programming became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Recreation is very important," Robinson emphasized. "We found that out during COVID."

The department prioritizes youth development and safety as fundamental aspects of all programming, with leadership committed to creating better opportunities for young people throughout the community.

This transition to independence positions Hartsville Parks and Recreation to better respond to local needs while maintaining the high standards of programming that families have come to expect.

For more information on The Hartsville Parks and Recreation Department and/or their programs, see their website at https://www.hartsvillesc.gov/.../government/parks-recreation or please call them at (843) 339-2878.