Bulloch County approves purchase of 10-acre site in Register for new active-living park; one commissioner recused from vote

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved a real estate contract to purchase roughly 10 acres in the Register area to create an "active living park" that will include a pavilion, playground and a multipurpose open field to support soccer, football and future ball fields.

Recreation and Parks Director Dee Cosby said the department identified the parcel while pursuing the department’s goal of placing recreational opportunities across the county. "We have found 10 acres that we think will be suitable," Cosby said, and described initial plans for a pavilion, playground and a multipurpose field with room to expand to ball fields depending on future funds and growth.

Cosby told the board the purchase will come from the recreation department’s capital allocation. During the discussion a commissioner stated he would recuse himself from the vote because the seller is a distant cousin; the chair then asked that commissioner to sit in the audience for the vote. The board then moved, seconded and approved the acquisition; the minutes record the motion as carrying unanimously among voting members.

The approval covers acquisition and allows the county to proceed with development planning. Construction timing and exact facilities will depend on available funds; Cosby said playgrounds and pavilions are the immediate priorities, with courts and ball fields to be added later if funds permit.