Elizabeth Parks and Recreation seeks county land, outlines trails and open-space master plan

At a Feb. 19 Elbert County work study session, Mike Barney, director of the Elizabeth Parks and Recreation District, told county commissioners the district is finishing public engagement for a Greater Elizabeth parks, trails and open-space master plan and asked the county to re-evaluate allowing use of a county-owned parcel south of Spring Valley for a regional park.

The plan, Barney said, is intended to guide how the district and partners serve a growing population across the district and parts of the town of Elizabeth and the Elizabeth School District. "We currently have a survey out, a community survey that we're trying to get feedback on," Barney said, adding the survey will remain open through the end of the month.

The request that drew the most detailed discussion was the county-owned property near Spring Valley. Barney said the parcel could be suitable for regional amenities — he listed possibilities…