Fayette County approves Georgia Power-funded pocket park and 1,020-foot path along Veterans Parkway

Fayette County commissioners approved an agreement Dec. 11 to accept a Georgia Power-funded pocket park and paved path along Veterans Parkway that county staff said will be built entirely on County-owned parcels and conveyed to the County for ownership and maintenance after completion.

Public Works Director Phil Mallon told the board Georgia Power will pay all project costs — design, permitting and construction — and that the total project cost will not exceed $2 million. He described the planned path as approximately 1,020 feet long and about 12 feet wide, constructed of concrete with portions elevated and a trailhead at Eastin Road that allows for future expansion. Mallon said the project includes a vehicle entrance, parking, ADA-accessible connections and landscaping.

The project was presented as a partnership that would provide passive amenities and an opportunity to model a more linear park system across the county. Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell praised the project and asked whether the parking area would be paved or gravel; Mallon said the lot would be gravel but agreed to evaluate paving a few accessible parking spaces to improve mobility access. Commissioner Charles D. Rousseau asked whether roundabout construction near the site could be coordinated to reduce traffic disruption; staff said the path would proceed in the next few months while the roundabout is scheduled later.

Chairman Lee Hearn and other commissioners emphasized a desire not to delay the agreement for technical details that County staff could address in-house. Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved to approve the Fayette Beautification Project Agreement; Commissioner Maxwell seconded. The motion passed 4-0 with Commissioner Charles W. Oddo absent.

The board vote authorizes county staff to finalize the agreement with Georgia Power. County staff said the County will own and maintain the path and park once construction is complete.