The county has started taking applications to form a recreation advisory board as a follow-up to the commissioners' acceptance of a master plan in January.

Commissioners at their meeting today were quick to stress no funds have been allocated for forming a recreation department in the county.

“There have been so any misstatements,” board Chair Vernon Bryant said before commissioners gave the OK to begin allowing applications for the advisory panel. “We have not put money in this plan.”

Bryant did note that Halifax County ranks 99 in health outcomes in the state. “We have got to improve that.”

(An application is available at the end of this story as a PDF download)

In requesting the formation of the advisory board, Assistant County Manager Dia Denton recommended in documents contained in the agenda packet that the former Recreation Partners Program be suspended and any funds that were set aside for that program be rolled forward to support the advisory committee as it begins its work.

Denton told the board the committee will be made up of 15 members who should represent a diverse cross-section of the county.

The advisory board will make recommendations to the commissioners.

Applications may be found on the county's website at this link. Downloadable applications may be found by following the links in the red shaded box at the right of the page.

Denton said following the meeting anyone who is interested in recreation in the county should apply. “We hope to get members from all areas.”