Sharpsburg celebrates its first town park

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Councilman Keith Rhodes said the park was the brainchild of Mayor Wendell Staley, who quickly gave the credit to City Clerk Donna Camp. Pictured, from left, are City Clerk Donna Camp, Councilman Keith Rhodes, Mayor Wendell Staley and council members Clay Cole, Stan Parton and Polly Garlington. Photo/Ben Nelms.

The dedication of Sharpsburg’s first town park was held on Oct. 28. Crowds were on hand on Saturday morning for the dedication and the park’s first venue, an arts and crafts festival.


Above, Councilman Keith Rhodes said the park was the brainchild of Mayor Wendell Staley, who quickly gave the credit to City Clerk Donna Camp. Pictured, from left, are City Clerk Donna Camp, Councilman Keith Rhodes, Mayor Wendell Staley and council members Clay Cole, Stan Parton and Polly Garlington. Photo/Ben Nelms.


The one-acre park adjacent to Town Hall features amenities such as passive and active play areas, a pavilion, gazebo, tot lot, playground, a little library, restrooms and a parking area.

Plans for the new Staley Park, named for Mayor Wendell Staley were put in place several years ago, with conceptual development plans coming in 2015.

Though named for him, Staley at the dedication was quick to give the credit to Town Clerk Donna Camp who, Staley said, worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.

Staley said the funding for the amenities and landscaping totaled approximately $100,000, and was funded through SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) revenues.

Coweta County commissioners in June 2015 unanimously agreed to help with some of the work needed to construct the park.

Commissioners on the recommendation of county staff agreed to assist by providing equipment, labor and supervision, demolition, erosion and sediment control, grading, storm drainage, temporary grassing, curb and gutter and asphalt paving. The county’s contribution totals $48,709.