Commissioners discuss ARP funding for parks in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Some commissioners are cut up on how one can spend one million {dollars} of American Rescue Plan funds meant for Augusta’s parks.

We’ve heard concepts to make use of the cash for Riverwalk as a result of it’s considered one of our greatest vacationer sights.

Others argue the cash is required extra at parks like Diamond Lakes, that are in good situation however wants upgrades to their bogs and rec areas.

Proper now, it’s not a accomplished deal on the place this cash will go. Augusta Parks and Rec Director Maurice McDowell debated forwards and backwards with commissioners on the place the precedence lies for this cash.

One of many points is the restroom services at Diamond Lakes. There are lots of porta-potties.

Ben Hasan, commissioner for District 6 mentioned: “We’re speaking about how Riverwalk is used. To neglect it’s a disservice.”

It was forwards and backwards Tuesday with totally different tasks however the identical cash.

McDowell mentioned: “One which involves thoughts is the ‘Saturday Market’ mission we bidded that out; these funds are quick there, in addition to the bbq pit.”

McDowell will current a cash breakdown on the place his division thinks the cash ought to go between tasks at Diamond Lakes Park and the Riverwalk.

Brandon Garrett, commissioner for District 8 mentioned: “When guests do come to city, they’ve the chance to stroll alongside the river, and so they see the situation that it’s in at the moment. It’s been disrepaired in lots of locations.

Within the meantime, residents are weighing in.

Daryl Walker mentioned: “I feel the commissioners have been placing in lots of good work for south Augusta.”

Walker has come to Diamond Lakes Park for the previous ten years. He says it’s good and that the Riverwalk wants extra consideration.

“That’s underutilized. There’s not sufficient promotion. I don’t suppose there’s sufficient emphasis on beautifying that for vacationers and locals alike,” he mentioned.

Jrhn Brinson has additionally been coming to Diamond Lakes for the previous ten years, and whereas he loves this park and its workers, he says the general public restrooms must be a precedence.

“You’ve bought bogs over right here, and also you’re going to shut them to the general public? That’s silly,” he mentioned.

The place will we go from right here?

The cash was authorised within the Public Service Committee Tuesday, however commissioners need McDowell to come back again to fee with a breakdown of the place his priorities are between these two parks.

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