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Jessica Nelms

Jimmie Meece tours the playground at Nettles Park. Meece, has just completed his first month on the job as Clemson Parks and Recreation Department Program Director. He formerly served as the Director of the Central Parks and Recreation Department’s athletic programs.

CLEMSON — The man who once guided the Central Parks and Recreation Department’s athletic programs has joined the Clemson Parks and Recreation Department, albeit in a different capacity.

Jimmie Meece, who was employed by Central for five years before leaving to start his own business, was named the new program director for the Clemson Parks and Rec Department last month. Meece replaces Margaret Wilson, who moved to Virginia.

“Things are going great,” Meece said of his new job. “I enjoy what I’m doing.”

A native of Pickens County, Meece grew up in the Six Mile area and graduated from Daniel High School in 1994 and Clemson University in 1999. After graduation from Clemson, he worked for the Central Parks and Recreation Department before leaving in 2004 to open his own pool and spa business.

But Meece, who still owns his Clemson business, said he was ready to get involved in the community once again — even if the job duties are different.

“This is more special events as compared to just youth and adult sports,” he said. “It gives me a different look, and different is good sometimes.”

Meece said he is looking into new programming opportunities, including an “Old-fashioned Drive-in Night” this fall at Nettles Park. The event would involve showing an old movie, complete with a drive-in atmosphere, where people could drive up in their cars and go to a concession stand to purchase hot dogs, nachos or other items.

“It would be a form of entertainment without costing much and would take advantage of the resources of Nettles Park,” Meece said. “If it’s successful, we’ll grow it from there.”

While planning new programs for the city is a priority, Meece said he doesn’t want to overlook programs that have long been in place. Those include the Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for 10 a.m. April 11 at Nettles Park, and the summer-long Camp Clemson, held at Clemson Elementary School for 90 children per week featuring various themes.

Not only will the Pumpkin Decorating event on Halloween, Breakfast With Santa and the Christmas Parade continue, but Meece is also excited about the return this fall of the Golden Games after a hiatus of several years.

“This is for individuals over 50 years of age and will take place the week of Sept. 14,” he said, adding that the event will again feature track events, tennis and bowling among other sports. “We will work with the Central Recreation Department on this event.”

Meece said the rec department will also provide tennis lessons in four sessions to take place from early spring to early fall. In addition, he is pleased with the response to youth volleyball for ages 7-12 that has seen 50 girls sign up — the most ever for the sport.

As program director, Meece will also work with the Central-Clemson Young at Heart program to provide assistance. He plans to coordinate a senior luncheon in December that will hopefully evolve into an annual event.

A resident of Clemson, Meece said his new job is truly “like coming home again.”

“It’s nice to be back and working in the community where I live,” Meece said. “I’m really happy the opportunity presented itself.”