Parks a priority in upcoming SPLOST | News

With projects ranging from 2025 to 2030, one item that jumped to the forefront was a LINC Trailhead and Downtown Park.

The park would coincide with the city’s bicentennial celebration in 2028, which is only four years away. The $3 million park was set to begin construction in 2027, but Council Member Cynthia Jenkins requested it be moved up to the front of the line.

Bicentennial Park would be located in the empty lot behind the Train Depot on the other side of the railroad tracks. Preliminary sketches include a parking lot on East Broad Street and on-street parking on East Washington Street.

Jenkins said having a park on the east side of town makes good sense, especially when incorporating it as a trailhead for the LINC.

“We’re approaching our 200th year as a city and we don’t have a public park that really tells Newnan’s story,” Jenkins said. “We’re looking for something that does that, and lets people know what makes us unique and special and this park is a great opportunity to do that.”

Other projects slated for 2025 include renovations to Greenville Street Park, which would see the stage pushed back to the area currently occupied by the courtyard and water fountain.

The renovation would allow a greater viewing area for the audience and the integration of a cantilevered stage covering.

An expansion of the LINC is also proposed. With $2 million set aside for the project, the city could add up to two miles of new trail,…