Originally purchased by Gwinnett County in 2006, the redeveloped park will feature six reconstructed baseball/softball fields; a new artificial-turf field for football, soccer and lacrosse; concession/restroom buildings; a playground; picnic tables; benches; new parking lots; and a redesigned entrance on McGee Road. Existing facilities will be demolished except for the indoor hockey building, which will remain in operation throughout construction.
The project also includes new lighting, reforestation, sewer connection and a prefabricated maintenance building. The multi-purpose field will have bleachers and a press box and the baseball complex includes batting cages, dugouts, fencing, irrigation and shade structures.
“The park’s previous owner, the South Gwinnett Athletic Association, has provided youth sports programs here for many years, so we’re happy to be working with them to undertake this major park redevelopment project,” said District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter. Last year, 550 kids played on SGAA baseball or softball teams, 313 played football and 87 participated in cheerleading.
Hayes James and Associates Inc. designed the new facilities under an earlier $239,840 contract. Funding comes from the 2009 and 2014 SPLOST programs.
Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “Once again I am grateful to Gwinnett voters for their support of SPLOST over the years. This project demonstrates like so many others that we are fulfilling our promise to use sales tax funds to renovate and improve existing public park facilities.”