Commissioners proclaim Mental Health Awareness Month
Board of Commissioners, Community May 11, 2022
FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, with representatives from Fannin County Family Connection in attendance. The board also received an update on the city park agreement recently signed by the board and the Blue Ridge City Council.
The Fannin County Recreation Complex at Blue Ridge City Park is already being prepared for improvement projects.
Recreation Director Eddie O’Neal first told the commissioners that an advisory board will hold their first meeting on May 12, 2022. The board will include Blue Ridge City Council members Angie Arp and Christy Kay, Director O’Neal, Fannin County Parks and Recreation Board member Cline Bowers, Leadership Fannin Steering Committee Coordinator Christie Gribble, and Commissioner Johnny Scearce. The newly created board will help oversee the upcoming improvements to the park, now named the Fannin County Recreation Complex at the Blue Ridge City Park. “We’re trying to give everybody in the county and the city an opportunity to have a really nice park,” Commissioner Scearce said.
O’Neal noted that work on the park has already begun. He said the playground equipment will be replaced with ADA compliant equipment by the end of 2022 and the new pool and splash pad facility should be open by the summer of 2024. According to O’Neal, the county will also continue to honor existing contracts between the school system and the city of Blue Ridge, that allows school sports teams to play at the park.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Representatives from Fannin County Family Connection were in attendance at the meeting to see the board proclaim May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Anna Speessen, Chair of the Mental Health Strategy Team, read the proclamation before it was signed by the commissioners. In part, the proclamation read: “Whereas prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions, and there is strong research that animal companionship, humor, spirituality, religion, recreation, social connections, and work life balance can help all Americans protect their health and well-being.”
Speessen continued, “Whereas every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that for too long has surrounded mental illness and discouraged people from getting help.” Chairman Jamie Hensley thanked the group while signing the proclamation for the second time, saying, “We want to thank y’all for everything that y’all do for us and for this community.”
Council and commissioners enter city park agreement
Board of Commissioners, City Council May 3, 2022
FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — In a joint meeting, The Blue Ridge City Council and Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement that aims to improve the Blue Ridge City Park. Among several notable provisions, the agreement includes a new swimming pool facility that will open in April of 2024.
The city council and commissioners met at Blue Ridge City Hall on May 2, 2022 to approve the execution of the “historic” agreement. The agreement allows the board of commissioners to lease the city park, at 350 Gray Street, from the City of Blue Ridge. During the term of the lease, which is set to end in April of 2042, the board will take on several responsibilities. Most notably, the board of commissioners has agreed to “construct and replace the existing pool, pool equipment, and pool house with a new swimming pool facility and splash pad that will be opened in April 2024.” The commissioners will also replace the existing playground equipment with new handicap accessible equipment by the end of the year. The board also has “exclusive operational authority of the park,” and will take on the financial responsibility of the improvements.
The commissioners and council held a joint meeting at city hall.
After both governmental bodies had voted to approve their respective agreements, Blue Ridge Mayor Rhonda Haight said: “This is an historic agreement that could only happen when elected officials on city council and the board of commissioners truly look at the needs for Blue Ridge and Fannin County. I truly commend all the elected officials involved in this transaction. Furthermore, I’d like to give a special thank you to the recreation board and both Eddie O’Neal … and Eric Soroka … who led the negotiation process. Without you this wouldn’t be possible either.” Chairman of the Fannin County Board of Commissioners Jamie Hensley added, “It’s a special day for all of us, Fannin County and the City of Blue Ridge as well. We’re thankful to be able to give back to our community, once again.”
The agreement itself says it aims to expand access to public facilities and enhance recreational opportunities for both all visitors and residents. The board of commissioners will take on responsibility for all amenities at the park, including several ball parks. “It takes a certain amount of trust from both sides, and for whatever reason we haven’t had it and now we do. And we want to keep it, because that’s what it takes to get things done for our people, all of our people,” Commissioner Glenn Patterson said. Councilmember Jack Taylor also emphasized his desire to continue working with the county.
Councilmember Christy Kay held back tears while sharing her own connection to the city park and pool. “Parks is one of the reasons why I did run for city council, and I can’t express how excited I am for this,” she said, “I feel like it has helped shape me throughout. I mean I got a scholarship in college, I lifeguarded in college, and I want to be able to give that back to our community.”
Councilmember Angie Arp, who also expressed her connection to the city pool, said, “I’m just thankful that the city and county has elected leaders that are willing to do what’s best for the community, city and county citizens. I’m also thankful that y’all agreed to allow us to have some input in it, through a committee.” Arp was referring to the Pool/Splash Pad Design Committee, that will be made up of two council members and the city administrator. Any subsequent improvements will also be reviewed by a similar committee, ensuring the city has input.