Lula takes over operation of Rafe Banks Park

LULA - Rafe Banks Park in East Hall County has now re-opened, thanks to the city of Lula.

Hall County Commissioners agreed Thursday night to lease the park to Lula for 25 years at a fee of $10 per year. Hall County's acting Parks and Leisure Services Director Mike Little said there is plenty of responsibility that goes along with the lease.

"The city of Lula will maintain the facility," said Little. "They incur all the utilities, all the cost of operating and upkeeping the facility.

Lula officials said Friday they are still working on clean-up in the county-owned portion of the park, but it has been re-opened for use already.

The park, which is on Athens Street in Lula, offers baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, a nature trail and playground. The property was donated to Hall County in 1976. Lula already owned a portion of the park.

Rafe Banks Park was one of four county parks closed as a result of budget cuts by Hall County.