Paradise Park Phase I
The City of Thomasville is renovating Paradise Park, providing a rare opportunity to highlight an old-growth Longleaf pine forest that is within walking distance of our award-winning historic downtown. This project will increase public education, access, and participation in nature-based activities for both residents and visitors alike and highlight the need for conservation of the Longleaf pine forests within the Red Hills Region.
The original vision for Paradise Park Phase came out of a public design charrette from 2018 that was used to successfully apply for a $200,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. This grant, along with City funds, will be used to construct the first phase of the Paradise Park Project. Phase I will include:
- Restoration of the historic carriageways
- Restoration of the historic bandstand
- ¼ mile oval walkway centered around the renovated bandstand
- Accessible walking paths throughout the park
- Six-acre Longleaf Pine/wiregrass restoration
- New pedestrian scale lighting
- Parking enhancements
- New park benches and trash cans
Work on Phase I is expected to begin in January 2025 and should last three to four months. During construction, all undisturbed portions of the park will be open to the public.
Project Updates
May 2025
Phase 1 of the Paradise Park renovation is complete, pending the installation of the pedestrian scale lighting around the ¼ mile concrete oval. The lighting should be installed before the end of the summer. The historic bandstand and carriageways have been restored, accessible exterior walkways now connect all areas of the park, and the parking area has been enhanced. Also, park visitors can now enjoy new benches and picnic tables. The park is now officially open to the public; however, we encourage all visitors to use caution around areas where new lighting is scheduled to be installed, as work is still ongoing in those locations.
Looking ahead to Phase 2 of the park renovations which are scheduled to begin in 2026, you may notice tree crews working in certain areas of the park throughout the summer and fall. These efforts are part of the early preparations for the longleaf pine tree restoration planned for Phase 2. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to enhance and preserve this important community space.
April 2025
The historic bandstand and most work is complete. Benches and picnic tables will be installed in May to complete this project.
March 2025
Most of the project renovations are either complete or nearing completion. The historic bandstand is getting some last-minute touch ups and the concrete oval and historic carriageways are only a few feet away from being completed. The project should be complete by the end of April.
Feb 2025
All of the peripheral walkways along South Hansell Street are now complete. Restoration work on the historic bandstand is nearing completion. Construction of the historic carriageways is underway, and work on the oval walkway has begun. Parking improvements are being addressed, and new lighting installation will begin soon.
January 2025
Phase 1 of the Paradise Park Renovation Project kicked off this month. Tree removal has been completed, and most of the peripheral walkways along South Hansell Street in the southern section of the park have been installed, along with a new sidewalk along Dawson Street near the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce building. We continue to work closely with Tall Timbers, a nationally recognized organization known for their involvement in wildlife research and conservation projects, as they have salvaged and preserved the removed trees.
As we move into February, you will begin to see work beginning on the historic carriageways and the ¼ mile oval walkway that will surround the historic bandstand – which will also continue to be meticulously restored.
Please click HERE for video footage of Phase 1.
December 2024
As Phase I work begins, you will see the City of Thomasville’s Public Works Department clearly some small trees and bushes to prepare for the restoration of the historic carriageways, ¼ mile oval walkway, and accessible walking paths. These removals are been carefully and thoroughly coordinated with Tall Timbers and Thomasville Landmarks to bring our historic areas back to life and ensure a successful Longleaf Pine/Wiregrass restoration. You will also see restoration begin on the historic bandstand. This work should last eight (8) weeks. Thank you to Thomasville Landmarks for partnering with the City of Thomasville to restore this treasure.
