Gilmer council hears Yamboree Park update, approves $155,302 playground purchase

The Gilmer City Council approved $155,302 for construction of playground equipment at Yamboree Park and received an engineering update on the broader park project on Dec. 10.

City Engineer Stan Hayes told the council that electrical schematics for Yamboree Park are nearing completion and that the first bid package will include baseball-field construction, parking adjacent to the fields and dirt work for the soccer fields. Hayes said the city plans to advertise bids in January 2025 with the goal of having baseball fields ready before leagues begin play in May.

Councilmember Jarom Tefteller raised a design concern, noting that the proposed field orientation could leave batters or fielders facing the sun during games. "I have concerns about how the sun will be in the players' eyes," Tefteller said; Hayes said he could revise the orientation and return with updated drawings.

Separately, the council approved Ordinance 24-048, amending the FY2025 budget to cover the $155,302 construction cost for playground equipment; the motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Herrmann, seconded by Councilmember Michael Chevalier and passed 6–0. Councilmember Michael Chevalier left the meeting at 6:06 P.M.

Why it matters: the park project is a multi-phase capital investment that affects recreation programming and field availability for spring leagues; design changes at this stage can shift construction timing and cost.

What's next: Hayes will return with revised field orientations and finalized bid packages prior to January bidding.

Sources: Stan Hayes presentation to council; motion and roll call recorded in meeting minutes.