Watkinsville approved for $3.55 million loan for 100-acre property to build a new park

The city of Watkinsville was recently approved for a $3.55 million low-interest loan to be used for the purchase of land inside the city that will be used as a park.

The city announced in May that it had reached a deal to purchase the 100-acre parcel for $4.55 million.

The land was sold by brother, Mark and Mitch Thomas and is located along Simonton Bridge Road. The land was once owned by their father, the late C.H. “Hot” Thomas, who was widely known for his barbecue restaurant located south of Watkinsville.

The loan was approved by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority board of directors and was one of six communities in Georgia to receive loans, according to a news release from the authority based in Atlanta.

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The property is planned as a greenspace park and includes 20 acres of wetlands and two tributary creeks of Calls Creek, which is a tributary of the Middle Oconee River, according to the release.

The city will pay 1.63% interest on the 20-year loan.

According to information from the city, the property is the largest parcel of undeveloped land inside the city limits. It includes two homes, two ponds, pastures and forests.

The city also announced that other sources for financing includes money from Special Purpose Local Option Tax, money from the American Rescue Plan Act, and an increase in property taxes.

The city also announced plans to construct a sidewalk from downtown to the property.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Watkinsville approved for low-interest loan for property purchase