ELLIJAY, Ga. – After several months of budget hearings, and new information from the Commissioners monthly meetings, the Gilmer County Parks and Recreation Department is nearing completion of new playground equipment at River Park.

The equipment is currently being installed an unusable at this time. However, with weather permitting, the playground will be open and accessible within the next two to three weeks.

The playground is located next to the parking lot across the street from the Piedmont Emergency Department. It is next to the ball fields and walking path of river park.

Continuing the work of the park, the Commissioner’s have also approved a paving contract to lay new asphalt on the walking path to repair and improve the spot. Though they originally wanted to change from asphalt to concrete, the project would have seen too many obstacles due to the “land disturbing activity.” It was labeled as such due to the path’s proximity to the river.

Discussions last year also indicated the Commissioner’s were considering renovating the tennis courts to include pickle ball as well. This along with the work on the playground and path, Gilmer citizens may be seeing future changes to transform River Park into something unrecognizable compared to what we are used to at the site.