Recreation and opportunities for all ages abound in the Toombs County area. From softball tournaments to soccer games and fishing to cycling, when it comes to recreation, this area hits a home run.
Rivers
Natural wonders are the order of the day in Southeast Georgia. Where the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers meet to form the Altamaha River, nature's outdoor playground awaits. The Altamaha, the largest river east of the Mississippi, runs through more than two million acres of forestland. The Oconee provides 24.5 miles of hunting and fishing area with public docking access. These waters are home to 15 sporting and edible species of fish. Each year many area residents anticipate hunting seasons for a variety of species. A fourth river, the Ohoopee, borders the counties of Toombs and Tattnall and is a favorite recreational site for anglers, hunters and water enthusiasts. Plan an entertaining day along one of our picturesque rivers. Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, camping, fishing or hunting, it's sure to be an exciting river trip.
Vidalia Recreation Department (VRD)
The Vidalia Recreation Department has more than 40 acres of community parks, ball fields, playgrounds and pavilions. They offer diversified programs for all ages including athletic leagues, day camps and swimming programs at Toombs County's only public pool. The Ed Smith Complex in Vidalia offers covered pavilions, a lighted walking trail, batting cages, lighted fields, basketball and tennis courts and concessions. VRD oversees several playgrounds and pavilions located throughout the city. In addition to the playground at Ed Smith Complex, there is the bay Street Recreation Area with city pool, Godbee Park on Church Street, Gaynelle Davis Park on Sixth Street, H.W. Miller Park on Epstien Street, Flossy Hayes Pavilion on Roosevelt Street.
www.vidaliaga.com/parksrecreation
Lyons Recreation Department (LRD)
In the summer every year, the Lyons Recreation Department plays host to the largest and longest running youth softball tournament in the State of Georgia, with more than 100 teams participating. Organized activities for the youth include Tee ball, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, football and cheerleading. The "must-see" park includes a putt-putt course, a lighted half-mile walking trail, four playgrounds and one covered playground, volleyball court, nine outdoor pavilions and BMX bike trail as well. The LRD also has a city gym, which is an auditorium building seating 1,500, and is used for basketball, karate, dance, scouts, clubs and other events. The Callaway Center at Partin Park, complete with a stage, sound system, warming kitchen and enough tables and chairs to comfortably seat 500 individuals is often used as a community meeting place. Routinely, the Lyons Recreation Department sends invitations to the more than 300 senior citizens who use the facility for various programs. The NeSmith Birthday House and the Durden Cabin at Partin Park are available for special events such as family and class reunions. All three facilities require reservations and cumulatively are used more than 600 times each year.
