One of Thomasville’s most beloved public parks is set to reopen next month after a renovation project of approximately $480,000 is completed. The City of Thomasville will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand re-opening of Francis Weston Park on Thursday, May 6th at 10:00 a.m. The public is invited.
“This ceremony symbolizes a collaborative effort between engaged community stakeholders, City Councilmembers, and City staff to revitalize the beloved Dewey City neighborhood park,” said City Manager Alan Carson. “We are honored to stand side by side with our community to celebrate this joyous re-opening of Weston Park.”
According to Mike Owens, Manager of Parks, Recreation, and Golf, the completion of the current phase of renovations has changed the look, feel, and usage of Weston Park. “Phase II has provided Weston Park with a new one-third mile lighted walking track, resurfaced basketball courts, and improved parking at both entrances. It is a beautiful green space that the entire community can take pride in,” said Owens. “With additional picnic tables, benches, trash cans, a comprehensive landscaping plan, and further improvements to the restrooms, the overall aesthetics of Weston Park will continue to make it a destination for birthday parties, family reunions, church outings, and various other celebrations.”
Owens says that a community partnership with Thomasville National Bank (TNB) also played a role in the project. “TNB generously provided eight new basketball goals for the resurfaced courts and assisted with the installation of Wi-Fi service at the park,” said Owens. “The infrastructure for the Wi-Fi installation is complete and we are awaiting the delivery of hardware to be able to activate the free Wi-Fi service at the park.”
The process to improve Weston Park began several years ago and included input from numerous community stakeholders. “Using feedback gathered during a 2017 charrette, input from the park steering committee, and neighborhood criteria, a conceptual master plan with a prioritized list of projects was created,” said Kenny Thompson, City Planner. “In 2018, the City Council adopted the final Weston Park Vision Plan to serve as the guiding document for projects within the park.”
“Over the last couple of years, we have made enhancements at Weston Park as part of the preliminary phase of the vision plan,” said Thompson. “Restroom renovations, a new shaded pavilion, picnic tables, benches, and playground equipment were all part of the first phase of improvements that were completed.”
Carson is pleased to see the longstanding improvement project for historic Francis Weston Park nearing its completion. “The project has revitalized the cherished park with more than $600,000 in improvements and enhancements dating back to 2017,” said Carson. “These improvements will provide our citizens with a well-deserved enhanced experience as they visit Weston Park. I appreciate the efforts of many community members, leaders, and City staff whose combined efforts made the Vision Plan a reality.”
For more information about the Weston Park Grand Re-Opening, please visit Thomasville.org or contact Sherri Cain at 229-227-4154.
