Work at Ogeechee Crossing Park continues
The environmental review for the development of Ogeechee Crossing Park has been completed.
"This review required us to examine wetlands, historical preservation, fish and wildlife; and, the effects on neighboring properties," Jefferson County Administrator Jerry Coalson said. "Starting this week, the Public Works Department will be installing silt fencing and clearing and grading the paths for the roads, utilities, and 14 RV campsites. The engineer and architect have completed the plans."
The county is currently in the advertising phase of requesting proposals from construction contractors.
"Construction will include several parking areas, two pavilions, restrooms and a bathhouse, outdoor classroom, kayak launch area, playground, a rain garden, a butterfly garden and over 7 miles of cross-county, mountain biking and hiking trails," Coalson said.
Jefferson County Commissioner Tommy New, also a forester, has identified and tagged more than 100 tree species along the existing trails. The project is being funded with a $896,000 Georgia Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Stewardship Grant. The County will also contribute approximately $200,000 of labor and in-kind services.
During 2021, the county completed and opened Ogeechee Crossing Disc Golf Course.
"The 18-hole course along the river is already ranked as one of the top Disc Golf Courses in the state just behind the courses in Columbia County at the International Disc Golf Headquarters. The Facebook page can be found at 'Ogeechee Crossing Park,'” Jefferson County Purchasing Director Robert Yonchak said.
Jefferson County Commission Chairman Mitchell McGraw expressed enthusiasm for the park and its future.
"It opens up an avenue we've never had before," he said, adding people can go to the park and walk along the trails and enjoy nature and its beauty, especially the beauty of the trees.
"We have something that nobody else has," McGraw said. "It opens up a huge opportunity for our county, for our town."
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Work at Ogeechee Crossing Park continues
