PECS committee approves parks grant applications, contract renewals and budget amendments

The committee approved a series of parks-related items including grant applications to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, a contract renewal for a hard-to-recycle program, and several budget amendments.

Paige, Parks staff, told the committee the grant package (agenda 2026-1175) combined two applications: one addressing dam safety and lake/boardwalk improvements (Exchange Park, Chapel Hill Park and Arabia Mountain) and another for Lake and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) funding at Pleasantdale Park. She said the grants identify required local matches and project elements such as fishing piers, trail connectivity and boardwalks. Commissioner Patrick welcomed Pleasantdale Park's inclusion in the grant package; Commissioner Taylor and staff discussed potential trail connections to the South River Trail.

The committee also approved a three-year contract renewal with LiveThrive Inc. (CHARM program) to run the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials, with unchanged contract amounts though payment mechanics will differ. Commissioners asked whether sanitation should manage the contract in future budget cycles; administration agreed to convene parks, economic development and sanitation staff to return with a recommendation.

Budget amendments included a District 3 request (agenda 2026-1216) to allocate up to $800,000 for Sugar Creek (lighting, a retaining wall and a third court). Administration said approximately $400,000 could come from the commissioner's remaining SPLOST allocation, with the remainder from swept capital or reserves; staff will return with final funding sources. The committee also approved a $79,000 amendment for equipment improvements at Porter Sanford Arts and Community Center and instructed Parks to provide an assessment within 30 days.