ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Albany commissioners are weighing how to spend $5 million in remaining recreation funds on projects ranging from a riverside golf course to a centralized sports complex.

The Board of Commissioners met recently to discuss options for the leftover money from the city’s recreation budget. The funds come from the 2022 SPLOST VIII referendum, which allocated $19.4 million for recreation projects, including grants the city received.

The city has already committed $12 million to projects including the Carver Gym, a pickleball and tennis complex, and the Bill Miller Center at Kalmon Malone Park. In September, commissioners allocated $1.6 million to Tift Park Phase 1 and a skatepark.

City Manager Terrell Jacobs says the Commission Board created a top-five priority list of project ideas. One thing on that list was a construction plan along the Flint River.

“The par three 9-hole facility that we’re envisioning is the opportunity to use the river as the backdrop,” Jacobs said. “We need to maximize all that we do to showcase the river. We spent around $135 million on combined sewer separation to address the issues of disposing waste wastewater in the river.”

Officials also considered renovations to Gordon Park to create space for softball and improvements to C.W. Heath Park. One Albany resident would appreciate more features at the C.W. Heath Park in East Albany.

“I come to the park at least three times a week to eat my lunch,” the resident said. “I love the way the park is already set up. But to add some more grills would be nice. And cameras would be beautiful, you’ll feel safer.”

They mentioned other interests like building a centralized sports complex and a new administration and community center. But Jacobs said these projects are boardroom discussions right now.

“What we will do is hire a consultant to evaluate those top five to give us a professional assessment of what they think and the cost of engaging in those improvements,” Jacobs said.

His priority is ensuring that any projects the city pursues are financially responsible, sustainable beyond time, and accessible to all community members.

“We want this to be a live, work, play community,” Jacobs said. “So people can have the opportunity to take their kids into parks, gymnasiums, and community centers to hopefully enjoy the quality of life we have in the good life city.”

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