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Augusta Commission Approves Improvements at Diamond Lakes Park

Community members at Diamond Lakes Park celebrating recent improvements.

News Summary

The Augusta Commission has approved enhancements at Diamond Lakes Park following a community petition that received nearly 2,000 signatures. The decision aims to improve safety and accessibility for families using the park for sports and events. Local advocate Frank Howard expressed gratitude for the long-overdue changes, particularly addressing safety concerns like poor lighting. The enhancements, which include sidewalks, additional lighting, and security measures, are estimated to cost around $491,000, funded by SPLOST 8 tax revenues. The improvements are expected to attract more visitors and foster community engagement.

Augusta – The Augusta Commission has authorized improvements at Diamond Lakes Park following a community petition that garnered almost 2,000 signatures. This decision is intended to enhance safety and accessibility for families utilizing the park for sports and community events.

The petition was spearheaded by local advocate Frank Howard, who expressed gratitude towards the commissioners for their decision, labeling the improvements as long overdue. Community members have consistently raised concerns regarding safety, particularly pertaining to inadequate lighting conditions after dark, which have made the park feel unsafe.

During the decision-making process, Augusta municipal employees urged city leaders to reject a private proposal for a large pickleball and tennis complex. Instead, they presented a comprehensive improvement proposal that included a detailed cost breakdown for necessary upgrades. The committee approved most of the proposed enhancements, but they decided against allocating $200,000 aimed at installing security cameras throughout the park.

The estimated cost for carrying out all recommended improvements stands at approximately $491,000. Funding for these initiatives is largely sourced from the existing $500,000 budget tied to SPLOST 8 tax revenues, which are designated for local improvements.

Details of Proposed Improvements

The Parks and Recreation Director, Tameka Williams, noted that the most significant proposed upgrades included installing sidewalks near the park entrance and enhancing security measures, particularly through the installation of additional lighting and cameras. Commissioner Alvin Mason sought a prioritized list of immediate needs for the park, which included features such as speed bumps.

Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle emphasized the importance of Diamond Lakes Park, calling it the “signature park” of the region due to its high user engagement and frequent activity. The ongoing upgrades aim to respond to the palpable request from the community for enhanced safety measures amidst reports that the park’s conditions are often described as “pitch black” during evening hours, highlighting the urgency of these improvements.

Background Context

The push for park improvements can be traced back to a previous report highlighting safety issues within Diamond Lakes Park. Howard, during his campaign, underscored the park’s inadequate lighting, which contributed to a perception of danger among park-goers. Following his advocacy, the community rallied around the petition, culminating in the substantial support for enhancing park facilities.

As the Augusta Commission moves forward with these improvements, officials remain hopeful that the changes will not only improve safety conditions for current users but also attract more visitors to the park, reinforcing its role as a vital community hub for recreation and social gatherings.

The approved enhancements reflect a broader commitment to community welfare, ensuring that public spaces like Diamond Lakes Park can be enjoyed safely by families and individuals alike.