Memorial Park Improvements

Project Overview:

Memorial Park is one of Athens' most beloved parks and requires necessary stormwater infrastructure updates to ensure future generations are able to enjoy this community park. A recent engineering report on the state of the stormwater system in the park indicates the dire situation the park faces. The increase in development around the park has resulted with increased stormwater flow into the park, overloading the pond's capacity. The pond and forebay are now in a critical situation that requires dredging, re‐engineering, and significant repairs in order to prevent failure of these stormwater mitigation components. The ancillary stormwater pipes, inlets, basins, and other features are either silted in, washed out, or have completely failed. As part of the improvements these ancillary stormwater infrastructure will be replaced as specified by engineers.

Athens-Clarke County residents are invited to be part of the process. Stay connected and learn about project updates, public input opportunities, and timelines.

What's Next for the Project?

Public input will be received from June 13 - July 10, 2022 to prioritize funding for these proposed projects.

Public Meetings:

Saturday, June 18, 2022 - 11am - 2pm at West Broad Farmers Market
Saturday, June 18, 2022 - 5pm - 9pm at 19th is the New 4th event at Holland Youth Sports Complex
Thursday, June 23, 2022 - 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Memorial Park Picnic Shelter #2
Saturday, June 25, 2022 - ~~10am - 11:30 am~~ 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at AthFest

Each meeting is drop-in and staff will be available to discuss the proposed elements of the project.

Proposed Elements for the Project:

Stormwater Infrastructure Replacement

Stormwater infrastructure items to be replaced include dredging and enlarging the lake's forebay, increasing the capacity of the forebay's spillway, draining and dredging the lake, removing the island, restoration of the lake's edge habitat, dam repairs, reconstruction of the dam's emergency spillway, and replacement of ancillary stormwater infrastructure, that will result in less flooding, better drainage of the pond, and an overall better aesthetic of the lower area of the park.

Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation

Along with the stormwater replacement, the park drive, pedestrian walkways, and parking will be improved.

Playground and Picnic Improvements

Improvements to the playground and picnic pavilions would include stormwater improvements to resolve flooding issues during heavy rain events, improving ADA access, and upgrading playground components. Each of the above sections are included in 2020 SPLOST Project #16.

Dog Park Improvements

Improvements to the dog park are being provided by a partnership between Athens Clarke County Leisure Services and ACC Public Utilities Department through a Priority Sewer System Improvements Project. This project will require the re-routing of the existing sewer line through the dog park and re-grading of the dog park to create an access drive for utility service vehicles. Improvements to the dog park will include improved ADA access, a pet water fountain, new seating throughout the park, a covered shade structure with a concrete pad and seating, and improved fencing around the dog park. Construction of this project is scheduled to start late June 2022. Site furniture, shade structure, and the additional cost for upgrading the dog park fence to a 5' no climb fence will be provided by 2020 SPLOST Project #20. The remainder of this project is funded by the Priority Sewer Improvements Project.

Bear Hollow Zoo Improvements

Improvements include construction of a reptile house with restrooms, quarantine houses, animal enclosures and night houses to improve the lives of the zoo inhabitants, enhance visitor experience and/or as matching funds for grant opportunities. These improvements will be included in the 2020 SPLOST Project #21 and are scheduled to being Summer 2027.

See the full details of the SPLOST projects for Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo.

Let us know what you think!

Please email LeisureServices@accgov.com or call 706-613-3800.