Despite $5M approval, South Augusta water park still lacks location, timeline

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners are moving forward with plans for a long-promised water park in South Augusta, but the city will not build the facility alone.

The city set aside $5 million in taxpayer money to help jump-start the water park project.

Instead of building it itself, Augusta is trying to recruit a private company to contribute additional funding and operate the park.

The city administrator said Destination Augusta has been collecting proposals and intends to meet with potential partners Tuesday.

Residents push for updates on water park progress

The water park remains in the early planning stages, with no confirmed location or timeline. Voters approved the $5 million in funding through SPLOST in 2021.

Frank Howard, who lives near Diamond Lakes Park, has pushed commissioners for months about the project.

“South Augusta is hungry, we are hungry for some change, for some improvement, for something coming to South Augusta,” Howard said.

Melvin Ivey, another area resident, said he wants transparency about the project’s status.

“We have voted on it twice and no one has said anything. No one has presented any plans or anything. I want to know what’s going on,” Ivey said.

Diamond Lakes Park sees improvements while water park plans develop

While water park plans continue, Diamond Lakes Park is adding three new shaded areas that are currently under construction.

Howard showed the improvements at the park, saying the additions are “much better” and “only the beginning.”

Ivey believes Diamond Lakes Park would be the ideal location for the water park because the site spans more than 250 acres.

“I think Diamond Lakes is the ideal location,” Ivey said. “Diamond Lakes is over 250 acres and all you need is depending on the size.”

Both residents emphasized the need for a quality facility that serves the entire community.

“If you gonna bring water park over here, bring a water park that’s going to be satisfactory to everybody in South Augusta. Not only South Augusta, but the whole Richmond County,” Howard said.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.