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Rec now has countywide director
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Bryan County Recreation Director Dr. Samose Mays stands next to a bulletin board. - photo by Photo by Alena Cowley

Bryan County, north and south, has a new recreation director who said he is committed to consistency in quality programs.

Dr. Samose Mays became the countywide director after an unanimous vote from the Bryan County Board of Commissioners. Mays’ appointment follows the former director Pratt Lockwood, who retired after 30 years.

In the past, the county has had a director for each end of the county.

Mays started as an athletic director in March 2014 and became the south Bryan recreation director in January 2016.

"Just consistency," is what the public can expect in the recreation department under his leadership, he said, adding that Bryan County has a lot to offer residents.

"To be officially recognized as director of both, I don’t really see it as a challenge. I see it as an opportunity to just continue to offer the community what they deserve, as far as recreation goes," Mays said. "I’m just excited to see these kids and these parents come out and experience what we have to offer."

Besides Mays’ other roles, Bryan County Administrator Ben Taylor said Mays had been actually working in the position as an interim in the last few months.

"I have great confidence that as countywide director, Dr. Mays will ensure that a high level of service is being delivered to all of our parks consistently," Taylor said.

"During his time of service, I have watched him evolve as a leader while never falling short of excellence," Taylor added. "I have also had the pleasure of watching him begin to form a team of dedicated and proactive individuals that are willing and capable of meeting the needs of our citizens."

Considering the county’s anticipated growth, Taylor described Mays’ education and experience has being particularly beneficial.

"Samose’s practical experience in the field of recreation along with his impressive and immediate relevant educational obtainments will easily help us meet the demands of the public today and in the future," Taylor said.

Growth means residents are participating in recreation and the programs are effective, according to Mays.

"And that’s a great thing because when we put these programs out, we always have a great number of participants," Mays said.

He said Bryan County’s potential brought NFL flag football to north and south Bryan. The program is just in its second week and has 235 participants.

"Luckily, the NFL approached us about the growth in our area and wanting to come here," Mays said. "So, we worked out a deal with them and brought it in and it’s been very successful."

Adult kickball is another program that recently rolled out.

Mays said the programs offered in Bryan County are dynamic. He wants to improve current ones and try to implement new programs. Mays also applauded the department staff.

"We have great staff and they work really hard behind the scenes to create these programs," said Mays, who grew up playing all sports.

"I kind of migrated to track and field in high school and I broke a school record in the 300 hurdles," Mays said.

Clearly excited about his new role, Mays also described the public’s well-being as a motivator.

"Recreation is important because this is leisure time," Mays said. "It’s all about families. We have walking trails. We have people who come in for line dancing here. We have adult activities during the day. So, I think it’s all about leisure, fun, and sports and a way to get out and be with your family when you’re off work or on the weekends."

Mays is married to Dominique Mays and they have two sons, Michael, 8, and Levi, 4 months.

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