Spalding County hears conceptual parks, trails and facility recommendations including Flint River trail and Blalock Park reuse

Consultants updated the Spalding County Board of Commissioners on a parks and recreation master plan that identifies facility gaps, recommends county-specific service standards and presents concepts for parks and a North–South trail connecting Sunnyside to Orchard Hill.

The presentation laid out a gap analysis that compared national Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) levels to the county’s 2025 supply and proposed a customized “Spalding County standard” with needs projected to 2030 and 2035. The consultant said the county-specific recommendations “take into account what you already have and what we identify as maybe a gap in the Spalding County community.”

Why it matters: The study frames a 10‑year capital and programming outlook for county parks and trails and will inform future cost estimates and budgeting. The consultant said finalized cost estimates and a draft report will be presented to the steering committee before a final plan comes to the board for adoption.

Key concepts and site ideas presented included reuse of the existing fire station and collection center at what the consultant called Blalock Park—the plan would convert the current fire station into a multiuse “Flint River Center” for daytime senior programs and evening community gatherings. The consultant noted staff are adding a boat/kayak launch at the site and said the collection center is slated to close and the fire station is expected to relocate.

Dundee Ballpark was described as physically constrained; the concept proposes a three‑field configuration and expanded youth and adult programming amenities. At Tyus Park, the plan recommends enhancements such as improved circulation, more gym stations, a nature center, expanded youth fishing opportunities and additional pickleball courts, while preserving the park’s character.

Green Valley concepts aim to create a destination around the new aquatic center and IDA site, with trails, picnic areas, expanded parking, a renovated event cabin for receptions, and expanded disc golf and boardwalks—staff cautioned these concepts will require coordination and agreement with the Industrial Development Authority.

A phased North–South trail concept would connect Sunnyside in the north through Quarry’s Edge, Fairmont and Heritage Park and continue to Orchard Hill Park at the southern county line. The consultant said phase 1 would follow Kilgore/Old Atlanta and existing rights‑of‑way and later phases would use a mix of road right‑of‑way, utility corridors and portions adjacent to railroad right‑of‑way where available. The plan lists potential trail amenities such as restrooms, kayak launches, benches, overlooks, picnic shelters and designated access points.

Board members and other commissioners raised practical questions about alignment and surface type, asking whether the concept assumes sidewalks, paved multiuse paths or greenway trails within rights‑of‑way. The consultant said the presentation was conceptual and that final design, surface decisions and right‑of‑way agreements would require further study and negotiation with stakeholders.

Next steps: The consultant outlined remaining steps: finalize recommendations and cost estimates (OPCs), convene steering committee meeting No. 4 for review, produce a final draft report, and return to the board for adoption. Cost estimates and implementation timing will be prepared so the county can prioritize projects for budgets and grant opportunities.

Speakers quoted in the presentation and discussion included the project presenter (“Cindy,” consultant) and multiple county commissioners and staff who raised alignment, funding and implementation questions. The presentation was an informational update only; no action or vote was requested or taken at the workshop.