Smyrna close to shared-use agreement with school district to upgrade Campbell Middle School athletic complex

Mayor Derek Norton said Smyrna and the Cobb County School District are close to signing a long-term shared-use agreement that would allow the city to master-plan and invest in upgraded athletic facilities behind Campbell Middle School.

Norton said he met with Superintendent Ragsdale and that both parties agree the site—formerly Campbell High School—has “a ton of potential.” Preliminary, high-level concept sketches prepared by city staff include an eight-lane track with full track-and-field elements around a multiuse field, two new baseball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trail with exercise stations, large multiuse fields, an adaptive sports field and a shaded playground with adaptive elements. Norton said the stands behind the school had been condemned and are scheduled for demolition this winter.

The mayor said the project would be funded with a combination of general fund dollars and SPLOST 2028 funds and that he will seek council approval before year end to begin improvements.

Norton emphasized the agreement would give the city the ability to master plan and invest but noted the property remains school-district-owned; historically Smyrna has not been able to invest major resources on district property without such an agreement.

Ending: Mayor said he is thankful for the Cobb County School District’s cooperation and that he expects to bring a request for council approval on initial investments before the end of the year.