As part of the City of Thomasville’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, renovations at Balfour Park are scheduled to begin in November. The project reflects community input gathered through public engagement and a visioning charrette, which helped establish priorities for future park features and programming. Working with the professional design team at Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., the City developed a design concept for Phase 1 of the renovations.
Planned improvements include a pavilion, new restrooms, playground equipment, a splash pad, and enhanced parking. The project will be funded through a combination of grants and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds, including a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Tire Products Grant for playground surfacing, and an Urban Canopy Grant for landscaping.
Although the City of Thomasville manages over 20 parks, the Balfour Park renovations will mark new milestones with the introduction of the City’s first splash pad and first accessible, inclusive playground. These improvements will expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.
A Tire Products Grant through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will help fund the playground surfacing, providing a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional mulch or wood chips. Made from recycled tires, the smooth, uniform surface will also improve accessibility by not shifting underfoot.
“This poured-in-place surfacing will be a more durable, low-maintenance option,” said Mike Owens, Director of Parks and Recreation. “This is the first time we’ve used this type of playground surface, which will make it easier for individuals with mobility issues to navigate the playground.”
Inclusive playground equipment will be installed to welcome children of all physical and cognitive abilities to play together rather than in separate spaces. “A ramp will be installed for easy access to playground equipment,” stated Owens. “We have installed pieces of inclusive equipment at our other park playgrounds, but this will be the first city park with an entire playground designed around inclusivity and accessibility. We’re excited to create this play space for our community.”
The splash pad will feature areas with interactive splash play including splash buckets and water sprays as well as benches for parents, grandparents, and friends to sit close by and monitor children while playing. “Outside of a lake or pond, this will be our first park with a water feature catered to children,” stated Owens. “This will be a fun recreation feature at Balfour Park.”
To accommodate the upcoming renovations, the Thomasville Dog Park has relocated to Cherokee Park, near the large grassy area by the park entrance sign. Dog park hours are sunrise to sunset. The City will be partnering with local organizations to expand programming and amenities at the dog park, creating more opportunities for residents and their pets to enjoy the park and connect with the community. New signage will also be installed in a few weeks.
“These changes and improvements represent the City’s continued commitment to investing in parks and public spaces that bring people together,” noted Owens. “With new opportunities for play, recreation, and community gatherings, Balfour Park will offer even more ways for residents and families to enjoy the outdoors.”
The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at Balfour Park, located at 417 S. Pinetree Boulevard, on Thursday, October 29, at 2 p.m. Renovations are expected to be completed by mid-2027.