Fayette County approves Georgia Power-funded pocket park and 1,020-foot trail on Veterans Parkway

Public Works Director Phil Mallon told the Board that Georgia Power will fund construction of a pocket park, a roughly 1,020-foot, 12-foot-wide concrete trail segment, and associated roadway landscaping on county-owned parcels near the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Eastin Road.

Mallon said the project would include elevated portions of the path, a trailhead on Eastin Road with a vehicle entrance and gravel parking, and ADA-accessible connections. He told commissioners that the delivery mechanism is an agreement between Fayette County and Georgia Power, that the work will occur entirely on County property, and that the County will own and maintain the infrastructure after completion. Mallon said project costs would not exceed $2 million and that Georgia Power would cover design, permitting and construction costs.

Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell asked whether the parking area would be paved; Mallon said it would be gravel but acknowledged the concern and supported paving some handicap-accessible spaces. Commissioner Charles D. Rousseau asked whether roundabout construction near the site could be coordinated to reduce traffic disruptions; Mallon said the pocket park would begin within a few months, while the roundabout would start several months later. Chairman Lee Hearn said county staff could pave a few designated accessible spaces if needed and did not want the technical concerns to delay the agreement.

Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved to approve the Fayette Beautification Project Agreement with Georgia Power; Commissioner Maxwell seconded and the motion passed 4-0 with Commissioner Charles W. Oddo absent. The County will take possession and maintenance responsibility for the completed park, path and landscaping.