County plans reuse of former high school for admin, expands animal shelter and advances park projects

Effingham County officials described several facility and recreation projects planned or under construction in District 4, including reuse of the former high school for administrative services, a redesigned animal shelter, and portions of a new recreation complex called Vapor Park.

School reuse and administrative consolidation: The county said it acquired the old school property and is converting parts of the building to house elections, facilities and maintenance, records retention and a potential drive‑through window for the tax commissioner’s office. The county is working with an alumni association to preserve historical classroom features and to set up a 1950s‑era prototype classroom for field trips.

Animal shelter renovation: County architects presented a renovation plan that repurposes the existing animal shelter structure rather than building anew, citing current cost estimates of $550–$600 per square foot for a new facility. The plan includes kennel expansion, covered passageways for weather protection when voting events occur in the adjacent elections space, improved visitor areas, landscaping and paved parking; officials said the renovation is funded by county sources.

Parks, Vapor Park and annex upgrades: The county described Vapor Park construction (sport fields and a gymnasium) with phased builds based on available funding; the plan includes natural turf fields, expanded parking and a proposed dog park. The annex/library site will receive parking, batting‑cage and restroom upgrades and planning for an accessible playground and a separate 10‑foot multiuse trail that could feed into the state’s high‑level trail network.

Ending: County officials said construction and design work is underway, with the school reuse and shelter renovations expected to progress over the coming year and park phases to follow based on funding availability.