The National Park Service has officially approved grant funding for a new park in Hall County.
Hall County Government submitted the final application for a federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant in February 2020 to help fund a new park in District 4. Following several layers of review, which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, Hall County is now set to receive $536,500 to help construct the new 13-acre park, located on Athens Street in Gainesville.
“The residents of District 4 have patiently awaited this much-needed funding, and it is a high honor to see federal dollars awarded to such a worthy project,” Hall County District 4 Commissioner Jeff Stowe said. “I look forward to seeing construction begin as these grant funds are put to good use, providing a place for residents in this area to enjoy an elevated quality of life.”
The park’s proposed amenities include a new playground, pavilion, restrooms, basketball court, splash pad, parking, exercise/nature trails, signage, landscaping, utilities and lighting.
Funding for the ORLP grant is part of $11.7 million in federal dollars allocated to benefit communities underserved by parks and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
The ORLP program grew out of a 2014 Congressional directive to create a nationally competitive grant program to complement the 54-year old Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance Program. Both programs are administered by the National Park Service.