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Oconee County outlines major parks upgrades and water‑supply expansion
Summary
County leaders announced a $3 million state grant to expand Heritage Park by 110 acres, design and construction timelines for multiple park projects, and a Cause Creek water‑treatment expansion that would raise the county’s treated water share from 4 to 9 million gallons a day.
On June 16 the Oconee County Board of Commissioners detailed a series of parks projects and water‑resource upgrades that county leaders said will support recreation and growth across the county.
The chair told residents the Oconee Veterans Park tennis project contractor has been awarded and design work is underway, and county officials expect to begin moving dirt in the fourth quarter of 2026. "We could have dirt moving in the fourth quarter of this year," the chair said.
Heritage Park will receive a $3 million grant from the state to support an expansion that adds about 110 acres to the site, bringing the park to roughly 474 acres once work is completed. County staff plan to update 18 miles of existing trails and add three new miles, build parking areas and restrooms, improve signage, and expand equestrian facilities with a new arena and a covered arena, the chair said.
Permitting and construction schedules vary by site. The Wendell and Betty Dowson Park grading and infrastructure plans are in for permitting; the chair noted federal permits are required because the project crosses a stream and that a contractor award is expected in the fourth quarter. Fields, support buildings and concession/restroom facilities are slated for document and permit work in the second quarter of 2027, with contracts to follow once sites are ready.
County water‑resource updates accompanied the parks report. Officials said the LAS decommissioning is underway and that the Cause Creek expansion is in its final phase, including installation of a discharge line to the Middle Oconee River. Plans are expected in August with bids in September or October. The chair described the county’s share of treated water rising from about 4 million gallons per day to roughly 9 million gallons per day after the project’s completion. The Hard Labor Creek treatment plant is under construction, but county staff said they will not withdraw from that reservoir until transmission lines are completed.
The county did not provide firm dates for all construction milestones; several timelines are tied to permitting and site readiness. The chair emphasized continuing coordination between parks, water resources and road work to ensure projects proceed in sequence.
