Oconee County approves pre-application for $3 million stewardship grant to expand Heritage Park; 110.7-acre purchase discussed

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 30 approved a resolution authorizing county staff to submit a pre-application to the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program seeking $3,000,000 to help expand Heritage Park.

County staff said the proposed grant would support purchase of a 110.72-acre tract adjacent to the southern boundary of Heritage Park and development and refurbishment of trails, stream-buffer restoration and passive recreation amenities. The county would seek the $3 million grant with a required 50% local match.

The request is intended to increase Heritage Park and its preserve area to roughly 474 acres. Justin, county staff member presenting the item, told commissioners the acquisition includes about 579 feet of frontage on the Apalachee River and a two-acre pond, and that the parcel would expand the county’s equestrian and hiking trail network. “So the ask is for the board of commissioners to approve the resolution in your packet that…