Fannin County approves upgrades at Horseshoe Bend and athletic-field work; board OKs disc golf layout

The Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved three parks projects presented by Recreation Director Eddie Ollie: modest upgrades to the new pavilion at Horseshoe Bend Park, installation of a nine‑hole disc golf course at Tom Boyd Park, and laser grading/topdressing for six athletic fields ahead of summer tournaments.

Ollie said the new pavilion at Horseshoe Bend is “95% complete” and musicians requested screening to protect sound equipment, a concrete tie-in to the existing walkway and additional lighting. Ollie requested $12,559 to finish the pavilion work and said the funding source was "SPLOST-funded" in his remarks. A motion to approve that request passed on a voice vote.

Ollie also described a nine‑hole disc golf layout he had sited and staked in Tom Boyd Park and asked the board to approve installation and equipment. He cited a vendor cost earlier in the presentation of $27,009.50; the motion recorded in the transcript approved $27,950 for the project. Commissioners asked about parking and course routing; Ollie said the course uses knolls that were otherwise unused and that he had marked the layout with pink ribbons.

The board approved a $41,400 contract for laser grading and topdressing across six fields — four at Tom Boyd and two at Blue Ridge City Park — to prepare for multiple summer tournaments. Ollie said some of the work is time-sensitive to have fields in tournament-ready condition. All three motions were seconded and carried on voice votes with “Aye.”

The recreation director said the topdressing and course installation are meant to increase the county’s ability to host events, which generate rental and concession revenue.