SPLOST for Parks and Greenspace

Augusta is known as the "Garden City", and as such there has been importance assigned to the creation, enhancement, and preservation of parks and green spaces through the use of SPLOST funds. The list below illustrates a sampling of the many park-themed projects that have been implemented through SPLOST. Many more parks and community centers have been modernized and enhanced through the use of SPLOST.
To see Projects that are part of the November 3, 2015 SPLOST referendum, click here!

Augusta Aquatic Center

Project Status: Complete
SPLOST III Project Cost: $4.3 million
SPLOST III funded the construction of the Augusta Aquatic Center in 1999. This complex features a 50-meter pool for competitions, a 25-yard recreational and instructional pool and a 13-foot diving well. The Augusta Aquatics Center has proudly hosted numerous local and regional events, including the 1999 Georgia Games.

Aquatic Center Front Entrance

Aquatic Center
Brookfield Park
Project Status: Phase I Complete
Project Cost: $1.2 million
SPLOST IV
Located at 2740 Mayo Road, this 6.5-acre park was opened on November 14, 2003. Funded by SPLOST Phase IV, the first phase of the development includes a 1/3 mile walking trail, a gateway interactive display fountain, a nine hole artificial putting green, picnic areas, playground comfort station, two gazebos, a grass volleyball area, landscaping and paved parking for 40 vehicles. Phase II development would add a community center and tennis courts to the park completing the master plan.

Brookfield Park Landscaping

brookfield-park-augusta-ga
Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Project Status: Ongoing
SPLOST III & IV: $12 million
SPLOST IV: $1.4 million
SPLOST V: $782,000
SPLOST VI: $1.35 million
The former Augusta International Speedway site was transformed into a regional parks in 1999 thanks to $12 million of SPLOST III and IV funding. Phase I of development included a five-field baseball and five-field softball complex with concession, scoring and restroom towers at each complex. Phase II included a joint community center/ library facility. Future development may include additional ball fields, a soccer complex, tennis courts, an executive golf course, campgrounds, pond restoration and renovations to the old racetrack.

Eisenhower Park
Project Status: Complete
SPLOST III: $1.5 million
SPLOST V: $45,000
SPLOST VI: $100,000
Eisenhower Park is the home of the West Augusta Athletic Offices and houses the premier sports complex in West Augusta. SPLOST funding provided a complete makeover for the park that included four new ball fields, walking track, playground, ample parking, two scoring towers (one containing office space, rest rooms and concessions) and landscaped areas.

Aerial View of Eisenhower Park Ball Fields

Eisenhower
Fleming Tennis Center
Project Status: In Progress
SPLOST III Project Cost: $140,000
SPLOST IV Project Cost: $90,000
SPLOST V Project Cost: $112,500
In 1999 SPLOST III funded $140,000 for improvements at the Fleming Tennis Center. Originally consisting of ten courts, five were rehabilitated and combined into three. Other improvements included resurfacing the courts and new nets, posts and lights. SPLOST IV funding of $90,000 greatly enhanced the tennis center, including an addition to the pro shop.

Aerial View of the Fleming Tennis Center

Fleming Tennis Center
Lake Olmstead Park
Project Status: Complete
SPLOST III Project Cost: $600,000
SPLOST IV Project Cost: $425,000
SPLOST V Project Cost: $207,000
Lake Olmstead Park was created in 1872 and remains a significant recreational area for the citizens of Augusta. In 1996 the Augusta Commission approved a master plan for development. SPLOST III and IV funding of nearly $1,500,000, provided funding for improvements to the park, including renovations to the BBQ Pit and Julian Smith Casino, upgrades to the gazebo, parking areas, historical stone work, landscaping and shoreline.

The Gazebo at Lake Olmstead

Julian Smith Gazebo
McBean Community Park
Project Status: Phase I Complete
SPLOST IV Project Cost: $1 million
Close to both McBean and Hephzibah, McBean Community Park features a new community center, walking track, multi-unit play system, parking and plenty of open space and picnic areas.

Aerial View of McBean Park

McBean Park
Newman Tennis Center
Project Status: Complete
SPLOST IV Project Cost: $120,000
Recreation and Parks Department has been operating Newman Tennis Center since 1997. SPLOST IV’s funding of $120,000 enabled the tennis center to replace roofing, install new flooring, paint the pro shop, resurface the tennis courts and improve access for patrons and deliveries.

Aerial View of the Newman Tennis Center

Newman Tennis Center
Sand Hills Park
Project Status: Complete
SPLOST IV Project Cost: $1.1 million
Sand Hills Park, the 2.5-acre recreational area on Wheeler Road, opened in Spring 2004. The park includes a paved walking trail, playground, open play areas, parking for 28 vehicles and a 7,300 square foot community center. The community center contains a recreation staff office, the neighborhood association meeting room and a police substation. The center also houses a 40' x 60' multipurpose room, craft room, computer and study room, meeting rooms, restrooms and a full service kitchen.
Savannah Place Park
Project Status: Complete
SPLOST IV Project Cost: $800,000
SPLOST funding rehabilitated the highly utilized Savannah Place Park, providing the construction of a new parking lot, softball field, basketball court, playground equipment and picnic shelter. Being a full-service community facility, Savannah
Place Park provides a multitude of leisure offerings and also features a gymnasium completed in 2004.
Woodlake Park
Project Status: Complete
SPLOST III Project Cost: $100,000
Woodlake Park illustrates how SPLOST III-funded projects can revitalize neighborhoods. SPLOST funds allowed Augusta to add two new modular play systems, construct a footbridge over wetlands, lay concrete walkways to improve accessibility and renovate the picnic shelter.