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The transformation of Yahoola Creek Park has been kick-started with an approved budget of $109,000 for the restoration of five of its ballfields. This unanimous decision was made by the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners at their routine session held on March 19.
Ballfields 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are all set to receive renovations, with the lion’s share of the funds – $70,000 – allocated for Field 5’s rehabilitation.
County resident Frank Pelligrino had previously brought to the commissioners’ attention the poor condition of Field 5, which had forced his senior softball teams to shift their practices and games to White County. However, at the conclusion of the most recent regular meeting, he expressed appreciation for the planned renovations.
“I’m grateful to you for sanctioning the necessary funds for the field repairs. We’re looking forward to reinstating our games in Lumpkin County next year,” Pellegrino informed the board.
His positive comments were a significant departure from his earlier complaints at the February meeting, particularly regarding the state of Field 5.
Pelligrino, a Lumpkin County resident of two decades who takes pride in representing Dahlonega in his senior softball teams (58-and-older and 68-and-older), urged the board to ensure that visiting teams leave with pleasant memories of the town.
“Field 5 in its current condition — dangerous and visually unappealing — doesn’t do justice to our beautiful community,” he told the board. He highlighted the uneven infield, spotty grass in the outfield leading to unpredictable bounces, and hazardous ant hills that had led to a player suffering a severe allergic reaction. Pellegrino concluded by informing the board of his teams’ decision to temporarily relocate to White County due to the substandard quality of the field, much to the detriment of local businesses.
In response to his feedback, the board committed to addressing his concerns.
TEST RUN
By the next month’s work session, County staff had already compiled a proposal for the board’s consideration regarding the renovation of the ballfields.
“We recommend the necessary improvements for all listed fields due to their current conditions and safety concerns,” the meeting’s agenda item description read, adding that “there is a growing demand for our fields, which we foresee will only increase.”
The board held a discussion following this proposal, with questions regarding the funding source for this ‘unbudgeted expense’ and whether the considerable investment would prevent similar issues in the future.
In response to these inquiries, Tim Towe, Parks & Recreation Manager, assured that a rigorous maintenance plan would be put in place following the upgrades. He estimated that subsequent major upgrades would likely not be needed for another 18 years.
Finance Director Abby Branan suggested using previously set-aside funds designated for improving fields 4 and 6, which were now made available due to a profitable grant for turfing the fields.
DECISION TIME
The recommendation for the renovations was put to vote at the board’s March regular session.
The board voiced unanimous support for the improvements, with the proposal passed upon the motion of Commissioner Dr. Bobby Mayfield, seconded by Commissioner Tucker Green.
Post the vote, County Manager Alan Ours clarified that the Department of Housing and Development Grant worth $2,815,318 reported last year would still be utilized for merging two Yahoola Creek baseball fields into a multi-purpose synthetic turf field and transforming a second soccer field into a multi-purpose artificial field.
“The turf grant applies to the large multi-purpose field and fields 4 & 6. The exact cost estimates and final design for this grant are still in the works. However, the work approved by the board earlier this week is completely separate from the turf grant,” Ours clarified.
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