(FEB. 21, 2024) -- Conceptual plans for the future Hickory Flat Area Park were debuted Tuesday night, receiving approval by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.
The County purchased about 40 acres in April 2022 for the future park and engaged Lose Design to prepare a concept plan. County officials and Lose Design held three public input meetings and online public engagement during the process, yielding feedback from area residents.
During the Feb. 20 work session, Aaron St. Pierre, of Lose Design, presented the plan to Board of Commissioners, highlighting features and expected development costs.
“I love the conceptual plan,” said District 2 Commissioner Richard Weatherby, who represents the Hickory Flat Area. “I’m especially impressed with the multi-purpose fields planned, which gives us the flexibility to play different sports, and the ADA-compliant walking trails to give everyone in the community a place to get out and exercise. I’m proud to have been able to spearhead this land purchase nearly two years ago and to bring these future recreational opportunities to the residents of Hickory Flat.”
The concept plan for the park, located on East Cherokee Drive in the heart of Hickory Flat, shows plans for an open lawn area, recreation center, concessions and restroom building, a multi-purpose field complex, a paved trail network, dog park, playground, interactive fountain, community garden and 12 pickleball courts with spectator seating.
Plans for the recreation center show a gymnasium, indoor walking track, fitness center, classrooms, meeting rooms and administrative offices. The dog park is expected to feature shaded structures, bench seating and a water fountain with a dog water bowl. The open lawn is a place for families and friends to gather for picnics and enjoy each other’s company. It will also feature a playground, pavilions, splash pad, ADA loop trail and a restroom building.
The multi-purpose field complex is expected to feature two 300-foot baseball diamonds, four 215-foot baseball diamonds, two rectangular sports fields, pavilions and restrooms.
The project will be phased in in three segments with a total expected cost of $43.3 million. The first phase is estimated at $15.9 million, the second phase at $9.7 million, and the third phase at $17.8 million. The next steps for the project include identifying funding and establishing a development timeline.
