Multimillion dollar recreational project coming to northern Walker
New activity hub will provide community gathering space to promote physical activity
Walker County will receive $2.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to invest in a much-needed recreational project in the fast-growing northern end of the county, said Joe Legge, the county’s public relations director.
Gov. Brian Kemp announced the grant award for Walker, which is one of 142 qualified projects across the state aimed at improving neighborhood assets.
“We greatly appreciate Governor Brian Kemp and his team, state Representative Mike Cameron, and numerous other state partners, for recognizing the benefits of this project for our community,” said Shannon Whitfield, chairman of the county Board of Commissioners. “This new activity hub will enhance the quality of life for our residents and improve accessibility to outdoor recreation.”
Walker County submitted a competitive proposal to build a playground, splash pad, walking trail and pavilion with restrooms
at the Rossville Recreation Center. The project will create an environment for residents and visitors to get outdoors, exercise, socialize and play, Legge said.
“This project will transform an unused grassy area and dilapidated parking lot into a community gathering and play space for children and adults,” Legge said. “We believe this will become a prominent community asset and are hopeful it will lead to a greater conversation about parks and recreation opportunities in our
community.”
The new activity hub will be located in the southwest corner of the recreation center property, off Salem Road. The county hopes to complete the project by fall 2024.
The city of Rossville also received $425,700 from the grant program to make improvements to the John Ross Commons site. New features will include a playground with a 60-foot slide, fencing to match the duck pond area,
restrooms, and traffic calming devices to slow traffic near the Commons.
“This will help transform our great city,” Rossville Mayor Teddy Harris said. “We’re connecting the heart of our community by making Rossville more walkable and creating public spaces for residents and visitors to gather. We’ve needed restrooms and
a playground in this area for quite some time and I’m thrilled we’re able to expand the John Ross Commons area to add these features.”
Rossville is targeting a groundbreaking for its project this summer, with completion by mid-fall.