Ware County backs Concept 1 for recreation master plan; applies for matching grant with $50,000 pledge

The Ware County Commission recommended Concept 1 from the recreation master plan, which places eight pickleball courts off Raleigh Road, and authorized staff to proceed with a matching grant application, commissioners said at a work session.

Lance, a county staff member, described Concept 1 as the product of a master‑plan update by Lowe's Design and said the placement near an existing sewer line and maintenance shop would reduce construction costs. The county will submit the application in the first part of August, staff said.

County staff noted the grant is a matching program of up to $1,000,000 and that State Representative Bridgette James has secured a $50,000 allocation for the project that can be claimed via invoice. "We just gotta send the invoice and call them and see how we gotta do about securing that funds," staff said.

Commissioners indicated support for Concept 1 and carried the recommendation forward. Staff said the plan includes future phases (recreation center, aquatic features) and that the selected concept provides the most cost‑effective location for initial courts and restrooms.

Next steps: staff to submit the grant application and coordinate with the state for the $50,000 contribution; design and grant documents will be brought back to the commission.