Commission hears Diamond Lakes water park update; $5 million set aside as incentive for private operator

The Augusta City governing body received an update on the proposed water park at Diamond Lakes after public comment from Reverend Melvin Ivy, who asked what progress had been made and whether city-owned property would be used.

Administrator (name not specified in the transcript) told the commission, "I have spoken to Mister Benish. We have a meeting actually scheduled for tomorrow to review the responses that he has received in regards to the water park." The administrator said staff and partners will brief the governing body and provide an update to the community after that meeting.

Commissioner Clark clarified the scope of the current work and the role of public funds: "What's in scope and what was stated was, $5,000,000 was set aside as a, enticement or as an incentive for a business to come in and develop, build, and operate a water park, not for Augusta to do it." Commissioners and staff described the model as a public-private partnership; interested private parties have responded to outreach and staff expects to meet with them.

Reverend Ivy and other public speakers urged the commission to consider a locally run facility and emphasized missed opportunities for youth employment and recreation if the city depends solely on outside operators. The commission accepted the update as information with no objections and asked staff for a follow-up report after vendor meetings.