In 2008, former York County Administrator James “Mac” McReynolds was walking through the property on which the York County Sports Complex would be built.
On his walk, McReynolds came across a baseball sitting among the tall grass and weeds. The moment was poignant for McReynolds, finding a baseball sitting in roughly the same spot baseball and softball fields were going to be built years later.
The memory of McReynolds, who died unexpectedly in October 2014 after serving as the country administrator from 2001, will live on thanks to a decision by the York County Board of Supervisors to rename the York County Sports Complex to the McReynolds Athletic Complex in April.
The complex will be simply referred to as The MAC — a fitting tribute to McReynolds, who was called “Mac” by his colleagues.
A renaming ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 at the sports complex with McReynolds’ wife, son and daughter in attendance. Thomas Shepperd, chairman of the York County Board of Supervisors, is expected to make some brief remarks before concluding the ceremony.
In addition to the renaming ceremony, which is free and open to the public, a rendering of a bronze informational sign will be on display. The sign will be a permanent fixture at the McReynolds Athletic Complex and will explain why the complex is named after McReynolds.
“He was a supporter of sports and activities in York County and he was instrumental in getting the sports complex built,” said Gail Whittaker, a county spokeswoman.
The multipurpose complex features 13 lighted athletic fields, including soccer, baseball and softball fields. In addition, the complex has playground areas, a multi-use trail, picnic shelters, restroom and concession buildings and a community garden.
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