At its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6, Cornelia’s City Commission took another step to re-envision citywide parks after approving a comprehensive study aimed at long-term improvements.
In March, city officials announced a decision to bring in third-party consultant SPG to collaborate with Carter and Sloope, the city’s engineering firm, on a thorough assessment of Cornelia’s eight parks. The study will evaluate park layouts, equipment, safety features and lighting needs, forming the foundation for a broader masterplan.
On Monday, commissioners unanimously approved entering into the $78,500 study, which will be funded through the city’s reserve funds.
“We’ve already done some preliminary work,” Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson said. “We’ve had a survey of Oak Street Park done and the landscape architect has looked at all the parks. We’ve had a meeting to go over our vision and wish list. We’re hoping to make that a future SPLOST project, as far as the work.”
Cornelia Mayor John Borrow said the future masterplan will lay a foundation for the city to see that parks meet the needs of all residents.
“We want to inventory the equipment and make sure everything is nice, functional and safe,” he said. “…not just on playgrounds, but surrounding areas – playgrounds, walking trails, and helping to provide a safe, family-friendly environment for recreation. We want to get a cohesive plan for our park system and make them the best they are.”
Cornelia City Attorney Steve Campbell described such long-term plans as powerful tools in a strategic step toward long-term community development.
Cornelia City Attorney Steve Campbell described such long-term plans as crucial in the development of a tangible, concrete strategy to see the city define its own destiny, providing current and even future leaders with “a reference to what is possible.”
“When it’s time to make a decision, it kind of just opens you up to the idea,” he said. “Having something you can see and touch and put together helps, so, even after you’re gone, somebody else can come in and say, ‘That’s a really good idea – let’s put money behind that.’ Just putting that together really helps development going forward…it’s a planning tool, and it’s a vision tool.”
SPG is also designing Cornelia’s new three-acre city park off Grant Place, which will feature a 5,000-seat amphitheater. The park’s first phase, costing $2.1 million, is funded by a $1 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant, SPLOST funds, and the city’s general fund, and is set for completion by December 2025. Phase II, costing $1.5 million, is planned for 2026, with full amphitheater completion expected in early 2027.
