An estimated $14 million in proposed projects over the next several years are part of the Recreation Master Plan for the Macon County Recreation Park along Georgia Road, with new pickleball and tennis courts first on the list.
The plan got unanimous approval and praise from the Macon County Board of Commissioners during the Tuesday, Sept. 12, meeting after a presentation by Jim Ford of McGill and Associates, who crafted the plan.
Ford explained that adopting the plan doesn’t obligate the county to build any of the suggested projects. Instead, the plan helps the county apply for and receive grant funding and acknowledges the public’s comments, received as part of the process.
“We’re looking at 30,000-foot conceptual level,” Ford said.
Ford said the park is well loved, albeit dated, and primarily in a flood zone as Cartoogechaye Creek runs through it. The Carpenter Center, which is not part of the plan, and the pool are well used, while the ball fields are used sparingly, Ford said.
An online survey yielded 347 responses representing 642 individuals, which Ford said was a good response.
The top 10 requested amenities are, in order: indoor pool, walking/jogging trails, outdoor pool, outdoor playground, natural surface walking trails, accessible/inclusive playground, pickleball, picnic areas, fitness trail and open space. Ford said walking/jogging trails are typically No. 1, but people in Macon County want to swim in all four seasons like at the covered pool in Highlands.
McGill held a public meeting on Aug. 23 and at least 53 community members took part. Ford said he heard no negative comments on the proposed plan.
“This is a design by the public,” Ford said.
The plan includes moving the tennis courts to the area that is currently a ballfield adjacent to Georgia Road. This area would have six tennis courts, nine pickleball courts, a pedestrian bridge to the Carpenter Building, a new pavilion with restrooms and changing rooms for teams. These courts are part of the Recreation Master Plan’s Phase 1A.
Later in the meeting, the commissioners unanimously approved soliciting requests for qualifications (RFQs) for architectural services for Phase 1A. Ford estimated Phase 1A would cost $1,766,275. Commissioner John Shearl said he feels that the price is likely an overestimate.
Board Chair Paul Higdon liked Phase 1A being in a part of the park not currently used. Higdon has spoken several times about the poor facilities for the Franklin High School tennis teams at the park. Higdon said the current space the tennis teams have is “smaller than my truck.”
Commissioner Josh Young asked about the changing area being adequate for the high school teams. Ford responded that it’s twice the size of comparable spaces elsewhere. Macon County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Adams said he talked to FHS about the changing room and gave the OK.
County Manager Derek Roland said there’s $200,000 set aside in the budget for the previously paused pickleball court construction.
Phase 1B would be the parking lots near the new tennis and pickleball courts plus a new picnic area, estimated at $1,134,963. Ford said he was “beat over the head” regarding pickleball by supporters, some of whom attended the meeting.
Phase 2A would be for the open field area and amphitheater for $918,724. Phase 2B would be a splash pad, covered basketball courts, restrooms and an accessible playground estimated at $4,377,588. Phase 3 is a covered pool and pool enhancements costing $4,669,376. Phase 4 would be a mix of paved trails, sidewalks, shelters, a shade sail, a futsal court, youth soccer fields, a relocated sand volleyball court, fitness stations, bocce courts, creek access and more estimated at $1,618,919. The costs of all six phases together would be over $14.5 million.
“It’s a lot of money,” Ford said. “But think about it, it’s over a long time, and it would have a huge impact on your quality of life, you’ll be meeting the request of your community per your input…and you’ll be eligible to apply for grants to take bites out of this pie in years to come.”
The design includes a futsal court, requested by Latino community members. Ford said that the Latino community of Macon County uses basketball courts for futsal on weekends.
Commissioner Gary Shields called the presentation “overwhelming,” and Young, who worked on this as a recreation liaison, commented, “I believe you covered every detail.”
“I want to see the Fourth of July back in the park, I want to see that grass area used in the summertime for some concerts or some kind of festivals,” Young said. “I want to see kids [and] families utilize the creek…I think we underutilize our natural resources.”
“The ultimate goal here is…we want to put new life into the Macon County Rec Park, I grew up in that park and spent many times there,” said Shearl, the other recreation liaison. “The idea behind that park is to bring families together and give them a place to picnic, kayak, play in the river, fish or whatever.”
Shearl also complimented the plan for not duplicating what the Town of Franklin already had. The town finished its master plan earlier this year, centered around the Whitmire property.