Federal funding will help bring improvements to Community Center at Putney Park

PUTNEY — Dougherty County Commissioner Anthony Jones’ gut reaction to the check presentation Tuesday that paved the way for development of a community center and an enhanced park in this small south Dougherty community revealed the passion he has for the project.

“Dreams do come true,” Jones said.

U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop was the star of the 2 p.m. ceremony Tuesday at 1108 Antioch Road, offering words of unity before presenting a symbolic $685,000 check to Jones and fellow commissioners Lorenzo Heard, Ed Newsome, Victor Edwards and Russell Gray.

“Greenspace is important in so many ways,” the 2nd District congressman said. “It’s not only healthier, it brings people together. That’s why it’s important for Congress to be a partner with communities like Putney. We find ways to help each other and make our communities better.”

The Dougherty Commission had already allocated funds to build a community center at Putney Park, and Jones said the federal funding will allow the county to add infrastructure and amenities that will enhance the portion of the 1,300 acres the county purchased to provide the facility for the community.

He said an enhanced walking trail, restroom facilities, new playground equipment and wiring in the projected 3,300-square-foot community center that will allow a county book mobile to spend a large amount of time in the community are among the plans for the park.

“The Putney Neighborhood Watch was meeting in a dilapidated old building that was the home of the area ‘Coon Hunters Club when I was elected in 2014,” Jones said. “It just was not a safe place. I started getting calls from people in the community, and I’m thankful that (former County Attorney) Spencer Lee and (city/county Planning Director) Paul Forgey helped get things rolling out here. We purchased the 1,300 acres through the county land bank, and the commission approved funding for the community center in 2023.

“I saw Congressman Bishop at an event — and he’s always been a friend and supporter of this community — so I told him about the need here. And like he’s always done in the past, he came through for us.”

In addition to Bishop and Jones, others offering comments at the ceremony were Commission Chairman Heard, Newsome, Edwards, Gray, Putney Neighborhood Watch head Mike Burrell, Dougherty Facilities Management Director Heidi Hailey and Albany architect David Maschke, who is designing the project. New County Administrator Deron King and Assistant Administrator Barry Brooks also attended the ceremony.

Burrell praised Jones’ efforts to bring improvements to the park.

“Anthony Jones is the kind of commissioner we need; he’s always there for this community,” the Putney citizen said. “He’s responsible, straightforward, and if you call him, even if he doesn’t answer immediately, you know he’s going to call you back. We need a commissioner we can trust, someone who stands on his word, and that’s what we have.”

King said he came to Dougherty County at “the right time.”

“Albany and Dougherty County are the jewel of southwest Georgia, and I’m happy to be here today to be part of this celebration,” he said. “I came to the county at the right time, a great time, and today is one of the many exciting things we hope to bring to our county.”

Jones, meanwhile, received the praise of his fellow commissioners for his efforts to make Tuesday’s event a reality.

“Good things happen to good people who do things for a good reason,” Gray said.

Staff Photo: Carlton FletcherFile Photo: Carlton Fletcher

Staff Photo: Carlton Fletcher