Augusta officials assess underutilized parks to improve community facilities

The Special Called Meeting of the Augusta Committee took place on May 1, 2025, focusing on the underutilization of parks within Augusta-Richmond County. Mayor Pro Tem initiated the discussion, highlighting the need to assess the 74 parks in the area, many of which are not being fully utilized. The goal is to identify underperforming parks and consider reallocating resources to enhance larger, more popular parks.

Mr. Lance from the city's Information Systems Management (ISM) presented a detailed analysis of park utilization. He explained that an inventory of facilities revealed a significant maintenance cost of approximately $22 million, while the Parks and Recreation budget averages only $1.2 million annually. This discrepancy raises concerns about the sustainability of maintaining all parks.

The presentation outlined a methodology for evaluating park usage based on several factors, including maintenance costs, park classification, condition, proximity to other parks, and size. A grading system was proposed, where parks scoring below 60 points would be considered underutilized. To gather accurate data on park usage, the city plans to install cameras at each park, allowing for real-time monitoring of visitor numbers.

Mayor Pro Tem emphasized the potential benefits of closing underutilized parks, suggesting that proceeds from any land sales could be reinvested into community enhancements, such as improvements to the riverfront and recreational facilities. The discussion also touched on the procedural aspects of selling park land, with legal counsel confirming that the city could follow a bidding process for property disposal.

Commissioner Lewis raised concerns about community input regarding park closures, stressing the importance of engaging stakeholders to ensure transparency and address potential resistance from residents. The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather data over the coming months, aiming to present findings in time for the upcoming budget discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to optimizing park resources while balancing community needs and fiscal responsibility. Further updates are expected as data collection progresses.