DOUG PORTER: Lee County should include Chehaw in in SPLOST plans

I was disappointed to read the Dec. 18 article “Lee preps for SPLOST VII” in The Albany Herald and not see any mention of support for Chehaw Park. Perhaps support is part of the package and just wasn’t mentioned — but if not, why not?

Chehaw Park is one of South Georgia’s premier regional assets and two-thirds of it is in Lee County. The county line places the Creekside Center, the playground, the zoo, and much of the campground in Lee County. When building permits are required on the Lee County side of the park, they are approved by Lee County. When a liquor license is needed for the Creekside Center, Chehaw officials must go to Lee County government for their approval.

It has been two years since I retired from the park and I have not been privy to any talks that may have occurred between the Park Authority and Lee County. When I was involved, the sticking point was that Lee County had no representation on the Board. If that is still the case, perhaps it is time to rectify that.

Dougherty County voters have long recognized what an important asset Chehaw is to our region and have approved millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements. This type of governmental support encourages businesses to provide financial support, as well.

I wish the voters in Lee County — many of whom are ardent supporters of the park — would contact their representatives and insist that support for Chehaw be placed on the ballot before it is too late.

DOUG PORTER

Albany

EDITOR’S NOTE: Doug Porter is the former executive dircetor of Chehaw.