ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany commissioners got a look at Phase 1 design plans Tuesday, Sept. 15, for the southeast corner of Tift Park, nearly a year after approving funding to revamp the area.

Tift Park’s future has sparked debate for years, including proposals to build Fire Station 2 on the site before commissioners approved Phase 1 funding a year ago to revamp the southeast corner.

Frequent visitor sees neighborhood benefit

Pamela Hendley, who visits the park almost daily to read and draw, said the park needs a lot of upkeep.

Hendley said she believes the upgrades will benefit the surrounding neighborhood.

“Maybe some more of the people that live around would show more interest,” Hendley said. “It would give them a lot of reasons to show more interest in it. And it would probably bring property value up on it, too. That would be good.”

The Phase 1 design plans feature revitalized pickleball courts, new restrooms, expanded parking and a fenced-in dog park. The plans are part of a broader five-year master plan for the park.

Parks director says city working quickly

Albany Parks and Recreation Director Steven Belk said the city is moving forward on the project.

“We didn’t really look at how much time, we just took advantage of making our time count,” Belk said. “So, we took advantage of making our time count to give the community a fine product that I think everybody would be appreciative of and love at the end of the day.”

The commission will vote on the design plans at the end of September. If approved, the project will go out for bid, and construction could possibly start within 90 days.

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