Waldo Recreation Director Smith honored

WALDO ‒ On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Erika Smith received an Eagle commemorating her 20 years as Waldo’s Recreation Director, Babe Ruth Softball District 3 Commissioner, Babe Ruth Softball Florida State Assistant Commissioner and softball/baseball tournament expert. Smith is also the longest standing Alachua County Task Force of Recreation (A.C.T.F.O.R.) representative.

Smith received accolades honoring her years of dedication to the youth of Waldo and Alachua County during the City of Waldo’s Council meeting at Waldo City Square Auditorium, 14450 N.E. 148^th Avenue, Waldo.

In addition to High Springs Parks and Recreation Director Damon Messina, others honoring Smith included retired physical education coach of 40 years, Babe Ruth Official and umpire for more than 30 years, and A.C.T.F.O.R. member Coach Ray Crone, and past Micanopy Parks and Recreation Director and current City of Gainesville Recreation Coordinator Jimmy Goachee.

“Erika Smith is by far one of the best tournament directors in the state,” said Babe Ruth Softball Florida State Commissioner Doug Robinson.

"When the City of Waldo was going through some tough times (losing the school) she was the strength that kept them moving forward. She always finds hope in a brutal situation," said former City of Alachua Recreation Director Hal Brady.

Brady also said, “Erika, for over 20 years put her blood, sweat and tears into Parks and Recreation. She continues to produce the biggest and best district tournament in the country. Erika put her own city of Waldo on the map nationally.”

Vice President/Commissioner of Babe Ruth League, Inc. Robert A. Connor, sent a letter commending Smith. In it he wrote, “She never fails to go above and beyond, even when personal and other commitments prevail. Her sincere devotion to youth and the game of softball has been witnessed repeatedly during her involvement at the Babe Ruth Softball local league and World Series levels.”

In addition, Connor went on to comment, “I cannot say enough about Erika’s untiring efforts as a top-notch youth enthusiast and community leader. We applaud her for being an exceptional human being and for helping give all kids the hope for a better future.”

“Erika and I have hosted tournaments together for more than 20 years. Jimmy Goachee said. “Erika always championed for Waldo to be a part of all the recreation activities in Alachua County.”

Messina called Smith, “The Godmother of Recreation in North Central Florida.” He described her as a natural leader. Listing some of Smith’s accomplishments as Waldo’s Recreation Director and Babe Ruth League Softball District Commissioner in this area, Messina remarked about the numbers of teams, which increased year after year under her direction.

“Each year she broke the record for Babe Ruth National throughout the country for both baseball and softball. She even crushed our competitor (Little League) for the number of teams participating in District Play.”

Remarking on the economic impact Smith has had, Messina said, “She’s developed a method on hosting softball in communities where money will be put directly back into their own local economy. It’s a formula now used throughout the country.”

Crone added, “Erika, first and foremost, does what is right for the kids, even if it’s not the popular decision.”

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