3 recent headlines from City of Sumter and city council

City, USC Sumter, National Fitness Campaign join to open free Fitness Court to community

City of Sumter, University of South Carolina Sumter and National Fitness Campaign recently announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court and digital wellness programming to Sumter. The Fitness Court, at 199 University Drive, opened June 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

According to a news release from the city, the Fitness Court was developed to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. The court is the world's best outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.

"This project is an important investment in the health, wellness and quality of life of our community," Mayor David Merchant said in the release. "Partnerships like this demonstrate what we can accomplish when organizations come together with a shared vision of building a stronger, healthier Sumter for generations to come."

Fitness Court workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels for ages 14 and older, allowing participants to move at their own pace, according to the release. Use of the court is free. Users can download the free Fitness Court App, which acts as a coach in your pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. Sumter is one of the first Campaign Partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the region, with the help of Williams-Brice-Edwards Charitable Trust.

CITY LEADER ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO GET INVOLVED WITH CITY'S SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS

Lefford Fate, support services director for City of Sumter, encouraged businesses to partner with the city to potentially expand the Youth Corps and Youth Co-Op summer programs. Youth Corps places students in various city departments, while Youth Co-Op partners with local businesses to provide hands-on work experience. Participating businesses pay half of each student's salary and provide job training, while the city covers the remaining half.

In addition to employment opportunities, participants receive weekly professional development training.

"We work with Palmetto Pride and the Sumter Litter Patrol. These kids cleaned up all of Lafayette [Drive]. The program is a testament to how we can come together not only to help make young people better, but to make the city better," Fate said.

The program also emphasizes family involvement and community engagement. Parents or guardians are required to attend workshops alongside their children, and participants take part in community service projects throughout the summer.

During Sumter City Council discussion at its meeting Tuesday, June 2, city leaders emphasized the importance of partnerships with local businesses and organizations in sustaining and expanding the programs.

"Every year, people from the county are trying to get their kids into the program, but we can only serve 35 students within the city limits," Fate said. "With more support and more resources, we could expand the program in Sumter and even across South Carolina."

COMMUNITY CONCERNS ON CELL TOWER SITING

During council's public comment period at its regular meeting Tuesday, May 26, Sita Henson, a resident of the Rembert community, raised objections to a proposed 400-foot cell communication tower being built on private land at 261 Dingle's Mill Road.

"The tower will sit on a recognized historic site and will be directly adjacent to the Congaree Land Trust Nature Preserve, known for its wildlife habitats that harbors endangered species," she said.

Henson explained that the trust had visited the site but could not intervene because the tower is not directly on its easement. Even so, she said the trust reportedly stated it would "never allow a cell tower or solar field on conservation land" because of concerns about impacts to natural resources and wildlife habitats.

She also argued that the proposed location raises concerns about children's health and safety, stating the tower would broadcast "toxic radiation" within less than half a mile of a local elementary school where children spend much of their day.

In addition, Henson stated the tower could negatively affect surrounding property values and questioned whether another tower was necessary, citing the presence of three other towers within a few miles of the area. Her comments connected the issue to both community impact and concerns about redundant infrastructure, while also requesting legal guidance from the county.

County Councilman Carlton Washington agreed the matter warranted further review and urged council members to consider the broader implications for nearby residents and the surrounding community.