Augusta moves forward with major improvements at 3 parks
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An infusion of millions of dollars promises to revamp, revitalize and re-envision some of Augusta’s most beloved parks.
Augusta Commission , meeting Tuesday at the committee level, decided to move forward with some of the plans.
Some of the work would be funded through state grants that were announced in May.
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With $6.5 million in SPLOST dollars hitting Dyess Park, this will be the most dramatic change.
Boykin Road Park received $1.6 million, while May Park received $2.2 million. It will bring a much-needed change.
“It’s a process. It won’t happen overnight,” said Augusta Parks and Rec Director, Maurice McDowell.
While it will take away a historic building on the corner D’iantignac Street and James Brown Boulevard and the old swimming pool, it’s bringing two more basketball courts, six pickleball courts, a new walking trail, a picnic pavilion with restrooms, an outdoor fitness area, a new parking lot, a community center, a splash pad, a picnic shelter, and a new bandstand.
DYESS PARK PLANS:
Boykin Road Park in south Augusta, however, has been in need of getting any attention.
“We’re excited about bringing Boykin Road back to life and giving it some much needed TLC. It historically hasn’t been one of those areas that hasn’t received funding,” said McDowell.
May Park will mainly see a new restroom and concession facilities, but a new walking path will also connect to Magnolia Cemetery next door.
There will be additional parking, a picnic shelter, seating, and a walking track and replace the old comfort station, tennis and basketball courts, and the grills. There will also be improvements inside the community center, including renovations to the restrooms, locker rooms and steam rooms.
“We’re in a good position to begin in the next year and to be moving forward with some construction on these sites that are in desperate need for some repair. So we’re really excited about it,” said McDowell.
Demolition of current facilities will take some time, and preparation is necessary.
But then work can start once the final design is approved.
City officials expect the work to start in the second quarter of 2024. It will take nine months to a year to complete.
The historic Magnolia Cemetery itself has been a subject of discussion recently, with restore a crumbling brick wall.
MAY PARK AND BOYKIN ROAD PARK PLANS:
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