The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has approved a $42,700 budget amendment to account for an insurance payment for storm-related damage to ball fields of the Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency.

Significant damage was reported to foul ball nets and batting cages due to heavy snowfall Dec. 8-9, according to a staff report to commissioners. OneBeacon Insurance evaluated the damage and repair estimates, with the result being a $42,700 check to the county.

Affected facilities included the lower and upper fields and Bascomb Elementary School fields at Hobgood Park; the Hunkey Mauldin Sports Complex at Kenney Askew Park; and Dwight Terry and Sequoyah parks.

Personnel also reported tree damage throughout the park system, with some fallen trees and numerous large branches on the ground, but the damage was not significant. Maintenance crews cleaned up the debris.