ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) —Dougherty County is applying for a $3 million state grant to preserve Radium Springs, one of the Seven Wonders of Georgia.

The grant is from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Government Outdoor Stewardship Program. If awarded to Dougherty County, it would combine the former Radium Springs Country Club and Gardens into Radium Springs River Park.

Proposed improvements

Plans include restoring historic features near the casino and beach, improving trails, adding picnic areas, and building an elevated boardwalk and outdoor classroom.

Architect Kent McClure said the project is centered on outdoor recreation and education.

“It’s outdoor recreation, it’s learning about what the woods is all about, about the nature, the birds, the wildlife, the water, how all that works, you know, how do we survive, you know, and hopefully we’ll give them a little bit better knowledge and broader breadth of how our world works,” McClure said.

The project won’t bring swimming back to Radium Springs as it would be a huge liability for the county, and McClure says restoring its historic flow isn’t guaranteed as water use continues to pressure the aquifer

“We are hoping with some key investments by the state and the federal folks to ask the farmers and some of the major industries and players in this area, in this region, if they go down deeper into the deeper aquifers, then that relieves some of the pressure on the Floridan aquifer that everybody gets their water out of right now,” McClure said.

Commissioner sees added opportunities

Dougherty County Commissioner Victor Edwards, who represents District 2, said adding amenities is just the beginning. He said the grant could open the door for more opportunities at Radium Springs.

“Riding the golf carts. I think that’s a need. I think that’s something that this community needs, like Peachtree City has it. So, where you able to leave Radium Springs and get on your golf cart and actually come all the way down to downtown? I think that’s going to fill a gap for what we need,” Edwards said.

Edwards said it’s important for people to realize that new ideas are what will save Radium Springs and restore it to its former glory.

“I think some of the older communities still want Radium Springs to be the old Radium Springs. But nothing stays the same. What is the need for a new generation? And how do you kind of reserve the past but also improve for the future?” Edwards said.

Local funding match

If awarded, Dougherty County would contribute $400,000 in SPLOST funds as a local match.

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