The Phase III expansion of the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) was formally opened on Saturday, July 24 with an unveiling of the dedication rock and engraved plaque on the 11-acre site. The ceremony was held in the park’s newly-completed pavilion, with Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Hinman presiding.
The vision to expand the 69-acre Granville Athletic Park began in 2013 when the County obtained additional acreage to construct tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, an inclusive playground space, a fitness station, open green space, corn hole pads and a nearby shelter area. Future plans include an additional nine holes for the existing disc golf course.
Funding for the expansion project included grants from:
- * Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), $300,000
- * Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), $250,000
- * U.S. Tennis Association, $50,000
- * U.S. Tennis Association Southern, $20,000
Instrumental in the planning and support of the Park expansion was Michael McFadden, Chair of Granville County’s Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee, who joined others in providing comments during the dedication ceremony.
“I’ve seen this Park go from Phase I, and then the dedication of Phase II, and now it’s a real pleasure to watch Phase III get dedicated,” McFadden said. “I am very grateful and humbled about how Granville County Government operates and works to meet the recreational needs of our citizens, including the inclusive parts of the Park.”
Manager of the project was Scott Phillips, Granville County Development Services Director, with assistance from C3 Design and Engineering and construction by H.G. Reynolds Company, Inc.
Now at 80 acres, the Granville Athletic Park is located at 4615 Belltown Road in Oxford and is Granville County’s largest outdoor recreational area. To learn more about the Park, please visit www.granvillecounty.org.
Pictured are Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Hinman; Assistant County Manager Korena Weichel; former Granville County Management Analyst Charla Duncan; Granville County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Committee Chair Michael McFadden; Commissioner Russ May; Commissioner Zelodis Jay; County Manager Michael Felts; Commissioner Jimmy Gooch; Commissioner Tony Cozart; Commissioner Tim Karan; Commissioner David Smith; and Charlynne Smith, Director of Recreation Resources Service (PARTF and LWCF funding).
