Plans for an 80-acre park in south Forsyth will cost the county $483,797 more than expected, after the county commission decided to install an artificial turf football field.
The commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve the change with Hardin Construction.
The plans originally called for a cost of about $12 million.
The additional funding will come from parks and recreation bond money, and will include the artificial turf as well as a different type of fencing for safety issues.
Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Kinsey said the turf will save the county about $30,000 to $40,000 a year in maintenance.
“It lasts about 10 years,” Kinsey said. “It’s safe, you can play year round and not wear it out.”
Each of Forsyth County’s five public high schools feature a similar surface on their football fields. Officials have been pleased with the results.
The park, which is planned at Hwy. 9 and Castleberry Road, could be finished by spring 2011.
The entire project is funded through parks and recreation bonds, as well as $1 million from impact fees, or charges collected through building permits.
Plans for the park include a baseball and softball complex, as well as soccer fields and tennis courts.
Also included are multipurpose courts, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, walking/jogging trails and a recreation center. Funding for construction of the recreation center will be part of a separate contract.
The commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve the change with Hardin Construction.
The plans originally called for a cost of about $12 million.
The additional funding will come from parks and recreation bond money, and will include the artificial turf as well as a different type of fencing for safety issues.
Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Kinsey said the turf will save the county about $30,000 to $40,000 a year in maintenance.
“It lasts about 10 years,” Kinsey said. “It’s safe, you can play year round and not wear it out.”
Each of Forsyth County’s five public high schools feature a similar surface on their football fields. Officials have been pleased with the results.
The park, which is planned at Hwy. 9 and Castleberry Road, could be finished by spring 2011.
The entire project is funded through parks and recreation bonds, as well as $1 million from impact fees, or charges collected through building permits.
Plans for the park include a baseball and softball complex, as well as soccer fields and tennis courts.
Also included are multipurpose courts, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, walking/jogging trails and a recreation center. Funding for construction of the recreation center will be part of a separate contract.