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Board hears proposed Mount Taber Park land swap, $175,000 developer contribution for pavilions
Summary
The board reviewed a proposed triparty land exchange that would convey 12.22 acres of parkland to a developer in exchange for a 2‑acre parcel and $175,000 from DR Horton to fund pavilions and trail restoration; staff said the conveyed park acreage will have a deed restriction prohibiting residential development.
Paulding County staff and commissioners described a negotiated triparty agreement at the June 9 work session to exchange 12.22 acres of underused parkland at Mount Taber for a 2‑acre parcel and private contributions to restore park infrastructure.
Commissioner Keith Dunn and county staff said the conveyed 12.22‑acre parcel (north side of the park) is currently undeveloped and effectively landlocked from the main park area because new park entrances and parking have shifted circulation. As part of the proposed exchange, Dr. Horton would contribute $175,000 to build two covered pavilions between tennis and pickleball courts, repair a covered dock at the pond below the playground, and restore disrupted asphalt walking and mountain‑bike trails.
“Part of the agreement includes a deed restriction that prohibits construction of residential, commercial or industrial dwellings/buildings,” Mr. Phillips read during the meeting, and staff emphasized that the restriction permits recreational amenities such as courts, fences, signage and entrance hardscape.
Staff said appraisals were completed for both parcels: the 12.22‑acre park parcel was appraised at $40,000 and the two‑acre parcel to be acquired by the county was appraised at $12,400; the developer’s contribution is intended to offset the difference and fund park improvements. County staff told the work session the exchange will be presented for action at the regular 2:00 p.m. meeting.
Commissioners described the arrangement as a multi‑year effort to reunify and improve Mount Taber Park after earlier disruptions to trails and parking. Affected improvements named in staff comments include restored walking trails, repaired trail lighting, restored mountain‑bike trails, new parking access and construction of two shade pavilions.
The work session did not record a final board vote on the triparty agreement; staff said the item will be returned for decision at the regular meeting.
