Henry County, Ga. will need 8-10 acres of course property in McDonough. Jonathon Penn, who oversees parks and recreation for the county, says the county will use construction of the aquatic center to create a golf course pro shop and cart barn, remodel the course, and possibly add a restaurant. “This will enhance the golf course. I want to make that clear that we are not removing the golf course,” he says.
Henry County, Ga. will build its long-sought aquatic center at the county-owned Cotton Fields Golf Course in McDonough, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The $22 million facility will be near hotels and restaurants, and is centrally located, a key requirement for supporters.
“We will only need 8 to 10 acres for this aquatic center,” Jonathon Penn, who oversees parks and recreation for the county, told Henry County Commissioners on April 5. “This will enhance the golf course. I want to make that clear that we are not removing the golf course.”
Architecture Unlimited will design the facility for $1.1 million, The Journal-Constitution reported. The project will be constructed using special purpose local option sales tax funds. The county did not provide details on amenities for the center.
The county board’s unanimous decision reverses earlier plans the county made about a year ago to build the facility on private land at a mixed-use development in Stockbridge, Ga., The Journal-Constitution reported. That deal fell through.
“This isn’t the first time we are presenting this,” Penn said. “We were directed to go back and find county-owned properties that would be a great location for this aquatic center.”
The aquatic center has long been a dream of many in Henry County, including the family of Kensley Grace Kirby, The Journal-Constitution reported. The 5-year-old Henry girl died in 2011 and her family has sought to bring the aquatic center to the county as a way to remember her.
Penn said the county will use construction of the aquatic center to create a golf course pro shop and cart barn, remodel the course and possibly add a restaurant, The Journal-Constitution reported.
Commissioner Dee Anglyn said the project will meet several needs. The golf course will be improved with a practice putting green and the driving range will remain, The Journal-Constitution reported. The aquatic center will give Henry Schools swim teams a practice facility, eliminating the need for them to go out of town to train.
“This facility will be able to provide all that,” he said.
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