A spirit of cooperation that elected leaders defined with words such as historic, amazing, and just the beginning flowed through Blue Ridge City Hall Monday afternoon.
Representatives of the Blue Ridge City Council and Fannin County Board of Commissioners gathered May 2 and signed a deal that gives the Blue Ridge City Park on Gray Street to the county.
Included in a 20-year lease agreement are promises by the county to replace the existing swimming pool with a new pool and splash pad and to replace the current playground equipment with new equipment. The pool and splash pad are to be opened in April 2024.
The lease, which took effect immediately, gives the county the park for $1 per year through April 30, 2042.
Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight said, “We’ve just entered into an historic agreement.”
She told how officials of the county government and recreation department approached the city in January with the idea of leasing the park.
She praised City Administrator Eric Soroka and county Recreation Director Eddie O’Neal for their dedication to work out the terms of the agreement. This praise was echoed by numerous officials on both government boards.
Haight said the result saw everyone involved “truly look at the needs of Blue Ridge and Fannin County.”
Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley echoed Haight’s remarks, adding, “It’s a special day for all of us, Fannin County and the City of Blue Ridge as well.”
Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson agreed with the plan saying, “we’re all going to enjoy the fruits of this agreement.”
Councilman Jack Taylor cited the cooperation between the governments. “I want us to continue working together,” he said.
Councilwoman Christy Kay, who oversees the parks for the city, could not hold back her emotions. “I can’t express how excited I am,” she said,choking back tears.
Kay talked of how the park helped shape her character growing up and how it can do the same for today’s young people. “We need it for our kids,” she said.
Kay will be one of two city representatives on an advisory board being formed to make recommendations for the park.
Councilwoman Angie Arp said she is “thankful the city and county have elected leaders willing to do what’s best.”
Both elected bodies passed the necessary motions to enter into the lease unanimously. All were present from both bodies except Councilman William Whaley and Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce, who both attended and voted by phone.
Scearce said the lease is proof “governments can work together to do what’s right.”