SPRINGFIELD — One of the most impressive recreational facilities in the Coastal Empire is slowly but surely emerging from the ground in Effingham County.

Phase I of the SPLOST-supported project will be completed soon and games will be played on its five athletic fields early next year.

“We hope to have a grand opening in December or early January,” said Clarence Morgan, director of the Effingham County Recreation and Parks Department.

In addition to quality fields, the complex, located on Ga. Hwy. 21 southeast of Springfield, features a concessions area, restrooms and a Thorguard lightning detection system.

Each field boasts top-of-the-line Musco lighting, a public address system, bleachers, bleacher covers, scoring towers and scoreboards. The scoreboards will be donated by Coca-Cola.

“When you walk into it, you will get the impression that this is one of the best facilities in the area,” Morgan said. “I’m biased, but I get chills all the time because I know what we’ve had and what we never thought we would have. I will put this up against anybody.”

See the Oct. 4 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.