Dozens of kids took their first dip in Luetta Moore park’s newly renovated pool after Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony headed-up by the City to honor the park’s namesake.
Grice Connect live streamed the ceremony. You can watch it below by clicking play below:
“It is my hope that the addition of this new playground, new swimming pool, new volleyball courts and other improvements at the park will serve to further Miss Moore’s legacy and continue the work that she started over 60 years ago,” said Mayor McCollar.
Luetta Moore took over the job of Statesboro’s recreation director in 1956, giving up her studies at Savannah State to plan youth activities and team sports for the community. Moore spent 29 years engaging with the people of Statesboro, having turned the site into a community recreation center.
“I think it’s great because it’s giving the children on this side of town more opportunity, without transportation to Mill Creek,” said Margaret Moore, Luetta Moore’s niece. “We’re remembering her through all these years, and her legacy never ends. It’s a great achievement.”
The additions and renovations at the park began in March 2021 as part of a $4.5 million improvement project for both Luetta Moore Park and Rev. W.D. Kent Park. Prior to the improvement project, Luetta Moore Park had a softball field, little league field, playground, basketball court and multipurpose building.
After completion of the project, the park retained the multipurpose building, little league field and basketball court and added a volleyball court, swimming pool, splash pad, bath house, ADA compliant multi-age playground, two family pavilions with grills, improved lighting, security cameras, expanded parking and WiFi access.
All of Margaret Moore’s grandkids live in Atlanta, but Moore has already made plans: “When they come down. I’ll bring them here.”
Entry to the playground, courts, fields, and pavilions at the park are free to the public. Admission into the pool and the splash pad will cost $3 per person after the opening weekend. Hours of operation for the pool and splash pad will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The pool and splash pad will be open through Labor Day, Monday, September 6 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will reopen for the 2022 season in May of next year. The pool will have certified lifeguards on the premises during its hours of operation.
