Governor Brian P. Kemp announced preliminary grant awards totaling more than $225 million for 142 qualified projects that improve neighborhood assets like parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities all across the state. The awards are part of a state grant program, Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities. The City of Thomasville is a recipient of $998,800 of these grant funds for improvements at Cassidy Pond Park.
"With our partners on both the local and state levels, we've prioritized helping Georgia's communities further recover from the pandemic with a bottom-up approach," said Governor Brian Kemp. "Today, we're investing these funds to see that those most heavily impacted have even more resources at their disposal, and I want to thank our partners for helping us make that possible."
In accordance with grant requirements, awarded funds will go to eligible non-profits and local governments to utilize in improving or maintaining recreational facilities in Qualified Census Tracts or for repair or maintenance needs due to significantly greater use of public facilities during the pandemic.
Improvements at Cassidy Pond Park include a half-mile walking trail, fishing dock, restrooms, additional picnic facilities, and a disc golf course. This project will give access to increased opportunities for recreation and healthy activities for residents currently living in the vicinity that don’t have access to other facilities.
“We’re excited to further activate Cassidy Pond Park through the use of these grant funds,” said Mike Owens, City of Thomasville’s Manager of Parks/Recreation & Golf. “Cassidy Pond is primarily known as a fishing spot, and we’re excited to build on that by adding additional amenities for the community to enjoy.”
A complete list of award recipients and project amounts can be found here. For additional information about the City of Thomasville’s parks and recreation facilities, visit thomasville.org.