T.W. Briscoe Park will be the site of a major lacrosse tournament – the largest event since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down normal operations in early spring.
The Georgia Southern Shootout Lacrosse Tournament is expected to draw 1,000 players and family members.
"We are very happy that Briscoe Park will be the host site for the Georgia Shootout Lacrosse Tournament put on by Monkey Up LLC this coming weekend," said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A. Platt, CPRP. "The Snellville Parks and Recreation Department is here to serve our citizens and visitors and with the COVID-19 pandemic, that has been very hard to do with the standard programming we have done in the past. All of us, no matter the age are struggling to remain both physically active and mentally positive with all that is happening in the world today. Sports has always been a great way for the youth to grow and learn about themselves and those around them."
The event will bring visitors to the city, many of whom are staying at Hampton Inn and Suites off of Highway 124.
The two-day tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway.
Safety will be a priority at the event, Platt said.
"Whether it is a Snellville Parks & Recreation program or in this case, another group using our facilities, we are implementing strict regulations to adhere to current Centers for Disease Control, state and federal guidelines relating to pandemic precautions."
An example of the precautions? To name a few - Teams will not be allowed to bring tents to gather between games; one team cannot get onto field until previous team leaves area; and games have been scheduled to allow no overlap with more time between.
"We want people to use our great facilities, and in my opinion organized youth sports are a great equalizer and teacher for our youth to learn how to interact with others, to see and feel diversity, to learn to loose gracefully and the adrenalin rush or reward of being a part of the winning team," Platt said. "We will continue to serve our community as best we can while trying to ensure all are as safe as possible during these unprecedented times. This tournament is just one example of how we can serve our community and with over 50 teams involved it is obvious there is both a need and a desire for organized sports and programs. We welcome all of the players, families and spectators to our great park this weekend and hope they will return again after the tournament to enjoy the facilities."