Significant improvements at Waycross parks at Bailey and Elizabeth streets as well as in Garlington Heights are closing in on being completed.
The facilities were targeted last year for improvements with the help of a $2.5 million state grant which also was supplemented with money from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act fund. The city’s estimated $400,000 contribution to the effort helped ensure it would received the program’s maximum award.
Key components of the upgrades were splash pads, a pavillion and restrooms for Elizabeth and Garlington. Bailey Street has received a new softball- baseball diamond with fencing, restrooms and walkways.
Each of the parks also had any aging playground equipment updated.
A construction firm from Macon handled the bulk of the work supplemented by staff from the city’s Public Works Department.
Target date for completion when work began was later this month so the facilities would see use while warm weather was still available.
The city has said it hopes to hold dedication ceremonies for the parks upon completion of the work at each one. It held separate ground-breaking ceremonies for each of three.
City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford has provided updates on the progress in his bimonthly, livestream reports on the city’s Facebook page.
A new splash pad, pavillion and bathroom facility were constructed at Elizabeth Street park and at Garlington Heights park. SPECIAL PHOTO
