Oglethorpe mayor pitches raffles, gym upgrades to fund park repairs

Mayor Daniels proposed using monthly raffles and donated prizes to raise money for repairs at city parks and upgrades to the municipal gym rather than using Transportation Impact Aid (TIA) funds. He showed photos of playground wood that needs replacement and other items in need of repair, and said the city could start with donated items such as cakes and bicycles and volunteer services from a local group called the GENTS.

The proposal matters because council members said the parks and gym lack amenities for teenagers and need repairs that are not covered by existing budget lines. “He feels that our kids deserve nice parks and we need to give it to them if we can,” Mayor Daniels said while outlining ideas for fundraising and programming. The mayor suggested repainting the gym (council discussed color schemes, with most preferring red trim) and exploring a concession stand and multipurpose uses for the space.

Councilors discussed timing and logistics. The gym painting is expected to be completed by the end of the year, planned around weekends so Council Member Mahone can be present during work. The mayor asked that staff proceed with purchasing paint for city speedbumps and said the city would reimburse local volunteers for materials. The council briefly discussed a proposed dedication of the gym to retired Council Member Kenneth Hudson once renovations are finished; the dedication was deferred until the facility is complete and in operation.

The council also noted related recreation events and outreach tied to the Parks and Recreation budget, including City Week April 20–26 and a Food Truck Friday Roundup planned for April 25 that carries a $50 vendor fee. No formal vote or budget appropriation occurred at the work session; the mayor’s plan will move forward as a proposal for future budget discussions or fundraising actions.