National Park Service Awards Grant to Fund Third Phase of Walker Rocks Park

Rock Spring, GA (August 23, 2024) - The U.S. Department of the Interior-National Park Service (NPS) has awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to Walker County to support the third phase of Walker Rocks Park.

Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommended Walker County's project for approval citing its lasting impact on the community and Walker County's commitment to expand recreational opportunities. "I'm grateful Georgia DNR and NPS want to partner with us to enhance outdoor recreational experiences in our community," said Shannon Whitfield, Chair, Walker County Board of Commissioners. "Expanding the footprint of Walker Rocks Park will advance our vision of transforming the Civic Center campus into a vibrant center of activity for residents and visitors."

The next phase of Walker Rocks Park will include an expansion of the new inclusive playground that opened this summer, as well as two pickleball courts. "When we designed the first two phases of the playground, we knew some major components were missing," said Joe Legge, public relations director, Walker County. "This next phase will include a zip track, swings with adaptive seating, and additional inclusive play features. We have a conceptual design, but will be asking the community for input on some of the opportunities available to enhance our National Demonstration Site® for inclusive play."

LWCF grants are issued on a biannual basis and require a 50% local match. 72 proposals from cities and counties across the state of Georgia were submitted last year. Walker County was one of just 27 projects in Georgia that advanced to the National Park Service for funding consideration.

The estimated cost of the project is $566,000. Walker County hopes to begin construction on the playground expansion in early 2025, with the pickleball courts to follow soon after.

Phase 3 conceptual design: