CLEVLEAND - Christmas has come early for White County as county commissioners have signed an agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the lease on 1,000 acres next to the current county park for future recreational use.
In a special called meeting Monday, the board approved the 50-year agreement, which comes at no cost to the county, except for improvements made to the property. The land is the former Outdoor Therapeutic Program camp. That camp was used by the state to work with troubled youth for several years, but because of budget cuts, was closed at the end of 2009.
Homer Bryson, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, attended the meeting and said this is a real win-win situation for county and the state.
"This is a piece of property that the state has owned," he said. "We have struggled with trying to find a use for it. We really feel it fits into the mold for what the county is trying to do. It's great that the state government and county government can work together."
According to County Commission Chairman Travis Turner, the state and county have been talking about this partnership for over a year. Turner, as well as his fellow commissioners, were all smiles about getting the agreement approved.
"We realize in the coming years that our current recreation facilities will not suffice with our growth and the growth of the community. Therefore, we need to plan ahead for our next generation," said Turner.
The property offers many opportunities for the county, including a variety of outdoor activities, which includes the use of a 53-acre lake.
Turner emphasized that the county is not opening the area to the public just yet.
"There's a lot of planning ahead we must do," he said.
Also, the agreement must be approved by the DNR board, which is expected to come during its January meeting.
Friday
May 10th, 2024
7:26PM
