South Fulton residents could

soon be seeing concerts under the stars without having to drive to Chastain

Park or Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater.

The Fulton County Commission's

budget for this year includes $2.5 toward the design and construction

of a 3,000-seat amphitheater near the Wolf Creek shooting range.

South Fulton Commissioner Bill

Edwards said he was approached by residents looking to add this amenity

to their community.

"I was glad to do it.

Last year, nearly 80 percent of the 8,000 single family homes were in

South Fulton and they deserve this type of amenity," he said.

The amphitheater is part of

Edwards goal to have South Fulton County as a live, work and play community.

The amphitheater would be a revenue-producer for the county and Edwards

said the desire is there for a concert facility.

"Last year, we had 15,000

residents attend concerts at the shooting range," he added.

The total cost of the project

is pegged at $5 million, and Edwards said the design process should start

fairly soon. The Fulton County Commission would have to approve the additional

$2.5 million in next year's budget for the facility to be completed.