State money helps Fort Yargo modernize park

WINDER - Paul Bradshaw is a happy man. In the year and a half since he took over as superintendent of the 1,814-acre Fort Yargo State Park, he has secured nearly $1.2 million from the state Department of Natural Resources. <br> <br> The money will be appropriated over the next two years to renovate the park and adjoining Camp Will-A-Way, a facility designed for children with disabilities. <br> <br> Located between Athens and Atlanta off Georgia Highway 81, Fort Yargo is one of the few state parks between the two metropolitan areas. <br> <br> ``We&#39;re a big slice of wilderness within an hour&#39;s drive of a million people,&#39;&#39; Bradshaw said. <br> <br> Fort Yargo has remained among the six most-visited state parks over the past five years. Because of heavy use, the park is in serious need of both an aesthetic and a physical upgrade, Bradshaw said. <br> <br> ``We&#39;ve had no major renovations here in probably 10 or 15 years,&#39;&#39; he said. <br> <br> Bradshaw points to waterfront park cabins built more than 20 years ago that lack insulation and proper roofing. Also in need of repair are campsites, and shower and restroom facilities. <br> <br> The park was named for the 18th century hardwood fort that sits on its southwestern border. It boasts, among other things, a 260-acre man-made lake. <br> <br> Camp Will-A-Way was the first of its kind in the United States when it was built in the early 1970s. Auburn resident Whitney Smith has organized a fund-raising effort to supplement DNR&#39;s government bond-issue funds for the camp, which she considers important. <br> <br> ``The change and the transformation it brings about in these children is incredible to watch,&#39;&#39; she said. ``The renovations are necessary so that can continue to happen.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Bradshaw said the first and second phases of renovation, at the campsites and Will-A-Way, respectively, should be completed by March, with a third phase beginning in 2003. The third phase will cost roughly $250,000 and continue to upgrade campsites and existing amenities. <br> <br> Bob Murphy, Fort Yargo recreation administrator, said government funding is a ``step in the right direction.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> ``Fort Yargo was forgotten (by the DNR) for many years, but we&#39;re finally coming back,&#39;&#39; he said.

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