“Our public service announcements and media initiatives highlight the benefits of shopping locally,” Parsons says.“This supports our economy and fosters a sense of community.” TOURISM AND RECREATION Tourism is another vital component of Hardeeville’s economy.The city’s recreation and tourism department has implemented several new community festivals and events, promoting sports tourism and attracting regional visitors. “We’ve spent millions on our recreational facilities,” says Czymbor. “We have a turf field, baseball and softball fields, and a 40,000-square-foot recreation center with a college-sized gymnasium. We also plan a memorial park to honor our service veterans and first responders.” The city’s natural attractions, such as the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and the Savannah River, and outdoor activities at Sergeant Jasper Park also its citizens and encourages input on community matters. The fire and police departments utilize advanced systems to improve emergency response times, while the public works department has implemented a portal, “Hardeeville Hears & Helps”, for residents to report issues directly. “Hardeeville is committed to being a forwardthinking, connected community,” Czymbor explains. “We’re introducing an interactive digital wall at City Hall, multilingual digital kiosks, and digital signage in key areas to enhance citizen engagement and service delivery. The initiatives position Hardeeville as a tech-savvy city poised for future growth.” Additionally, the city uses real-time file sharing with vendors and contractors, streamlining project workflows and improving efficiency. A new crime dashboard provides real-time officer location tracking, gunshot recognition, and detailed crime statistics, integrating camera systems with the police department to expedite investigations. / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM / WORK / PLAY / STREAM always connected to delivering fast, reliable Internet in the communities we serve. www.sparklight.com 196 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx