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Ribbon cut on Clarence Morgan Complex
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Local World Series champion Josh Reddick, Effingham County Recreation and Parks Director Clarence Morgan and Morgan's grandson share a float ride in Saturday morning's Champions Parade. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

SPRINGFIELD -- Saturday morning's damp, dreary weather didn't hinder the celebration of a facility that will brighten the lives of current Effingham County residents and generations to come.

Braving rain and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, more than  300 people turned out for the grand opening of the Clarence Morgan Complex. The SPLOST-funded facility's namesake, Morgan, the longtime Effingham County Recreation and Parks Department director, and an assortment of dignitaries performed the official ribbon cutting, including local World Series champion Josh Reddick.

Reddick, who was honored with the Champions Parade earlier in the day, discussed how important recreation was to him and how he is confident this complex will help children uncover their potential, even if it isn't in athletics.

The Astros outfielder donated nearly $1 million toward a Morgan Complex field that will bear his name. Set to be completed early next year, it will be accessible for disabled youngsters.

 

The $10 million first phase of the Morgan Complex, including several lighted fields, a walking track and playgrounds, is virtually ready to go. A gymnasium, batting cages and additional fields are planned for coming phases, bringing the eventual cost of the state-of-the-art facility to close  to $20 million.

See the Dec. 13 edition fo the Effingham Herald for more details.