Cherokee Parks Design Contract and Master Plans Approved The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement for the design of the future park on Highway 92 at Hunt Road. The 52-acre parcel, which was part of the Southwest Cherokee Parks and Trails Plan, is a combination of what was known as Parcels 1 and 2 in the master planning process.Plans include a recreation/community center fronting Highway 92, sports fields, hiking trails, a playground, and open lawn. The $175,000 cost for designing and constructing Phase 1 is fully funded, through $2 million in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Phase 1 includes the initial design and construction of parking, restrooms, playground, trails, and the open lawn area.Phase 2 of the project is expected to focus on the recreation/community center, tree canopy walk, and sports fields. The $27 million needed for the complete development of Phase 2 will include funding from recreation and parks impact fees. A portion of the funding required is included in the proposed project list for SPLOST 2024. Commissioners also recently got their first look at the full Northeast Cherokee Parks Master Plans. The County engaged TSW last year to create master plans for three parcels including the 102-acre E.W. and Edith Cochran Park, the 24-acre Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area, and the 538-acre Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area. The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the three parks master plans as part of the Cherokee Recreation, Parks Green Space & Trails Master Plan. The proposals for Long Swamp Creek include an open lawn, walking trails, a wildflower meadow, and a feature to highlight the Native American settlement. The plan also shows a picnic area, orchard and pollinator garden, archery range, and a visitor’s center and restrooms.The Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area will feature separate equestrian/hiking trails and mountain biking trails. The drastic topography changes on the property make it ideal for trails. The concept plan also calls for primitive campsites. E.W. and Edith Cochran Park concept designs include two open green space areas, including one with a loop trail and fitness stations, a playground, two dog parks, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Due to its proximity to Free Home ES, the park offers a partnership opportunity with the school district to utilize an outdoor classroom for educational purposes. The parcel also features Buzzard Flapper Pond, providing the opportunity for a fishing pier. Rough cost estimates for the design and construction of the three parks is $24.8 million. Completion time is dependent on funding source identification and allocation.
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