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Thomasville council approves funding and private grants for Central Recreation Campus upgrades
Summary
Council authorized Budget Amendment 2026-P6-01 to fund Central Recreation Campus improvements and approved grants from the T. Austin Finch and Doak Finch foundations; plan includes six pickleball courts and master planning for Strickland Center.
The Thomasville City Council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to approve a budget amendment and accept foundation grants that together advance planned upgrades at the Central Recreation Campus and preliminary planning for the Strickland Center.
Parks and Recreation Director Cory Tobin told the council Budget Amendment 2026-P6-01 would appropriate $155,000 from the recreation reserve plus contributions of $150,000 from the T. Austin Finch Foundation and $20,000 from the Doak Finch Foundation to support construction improvements, including six pickleball courts, new lighting, fencing and renovations to a tennis court. The amendment also included $65,000 from the recreation reserve for master planning for the Strickland Center and Carver Park.
Tobin said the project will follow a similar public engagement process used for the Aquatic Center, with community meetings at Carver Park and the Strickland Center and monthly updates involving the council and the Recreation Committee over a six- to eight-month planning window. Council Member Hunter Thrift thanked staff for securing grants and expressed excitement about including the Strickland Center in the planning.
Council members approved the budget amendment and the acceptance of the Finch Foundation grants by unanimous votes. City staff will proceed with design and public engagement steps required to implement construction phases.
