Arlington has construction bid opening for park renovation; plans for recreational park include pickleball, tennis courts and splash pad

ARLINGTON – Two companies placed bids on the Arlington Park improvements project Friday. A decision on the bids is expected by the end of this week, and renovations are set to begin before the end of the year.

The park, which sits behind the City Park Gymnasium at 849 Pioneer Road, will receive renovations and an expansion to 9 acres. James Anderson, a project engineer for Carter & Sloope – the project engineer for the renovation – said the team will fix up existing facilities as well as add new ones. A diagram for the completed park includes courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball; a splash pad; a playground; two baseball fields; picnic areas; an event area; restrooms and a new parking lot with 80 spaces.

Carter & Sloope, a consulting engineering company, has offices throughout middle and southwest Georgia, including Macon and Moultrie. This isn’t their first time doing work for Arlington. The company is currently overseeing work on the city’s water treatment facility and has completed streetscape work as well.

The first bid, from AC Blount Concrete, based in Moultrie, was $2,066,673 for construction costs. The second bid by LRA Constructors Inc. of Albany, was $3,338,117. The city and project managers will decide which to approve by the end of this week, Anderson said. He said the city will most likely choose AC Blount Concrete for its price and because the company has completed work for the city before.

Arlington received a $2 million Improving Neighborhood Outcomes City Park Renovation grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will fund the renovations.

Stephen Rakestraw, a Carter & Sloope consulting engineer, said this act was targeted toward infrastructure that would get people to walk and exercise more in their communities. The city was awarded the highest amount possible, the largest grant the city has ever received.

Rakestraw said the grants are awarded based on need.

Hurricane Michael tore up trees and equipment in the park in 2018. Today, the park is overgrown with grass and benches and chain-linked fences are worn with damages in some areas. Anderson said it’s an opportunity for the city to finally address some of these damages.

The park will connect to a nearby housing facility for easy access.

Rakestraw said the renovation also will provide the city with opportunities for more events, like its annual May Day Festival.

Arlington Mayor Jerome Brackins said the city has made small additions to the park over the years, including new playground equipment, slides, etc.

“But it’s nothing of the magnitude of what we’re doing now,” he said.

Brackins said the new park will provide residents with opportunities for exercise, using walking trails and sports courts.

“We’re in an area where health is very important,” he said.

Brackins said he’s also hoping the park becomes a space that inspires “community collaboration.”

“It’s a thing we need so much in this town, bringing the community together, young and old – just a great avenue for people in a small town,” he said.

The mayor said safety is also paramount at a time when residents feel unsafe going to some places because of crime. The park will have light installations, and the mayor said there will be a consistent police presence to make people feel comfortable.

Arlington has four public parks. The city is using another grant for a new park named “Downing’s Park” after a late Arlington resident and sandwich salesman.

Brackins said Arlington’s plans for upgrading its public facilities caught the attention of leaders from neighboring areas like Early County.

“It’s the biggest thing we’ve ever had, and I think it will be wonderful for the community,” he said.

The city held a public meeting to ask the community what it would like to see throughout the city, including in the park renovations.

“We’re a small town, and I’m just trying to make sure I give the community what they ask for,” the mayor said.

The city will continue to post updates about renovations and meetings open to the public on its Facebook page. Residents can expect construction to begin by the fall/winter holiday season.

Staff Photo: Lucille LanniganArtist rendering