Recommendations / Infrastructure / Big Idea #2: Upgrade Existing Infrastructure

Big Idea #2: Upgrade Existing Infrastructure

Part of the "THE MONROE CONNECTION" initiative

InfrastructureMonroe-Walton $1,000,000+

Overview

Upgrade the infrastructure of Monroe’s existing parks and add appropriate programming to support specific park use throughout the city. The recommendation introduces specialized attractions, themes, and improvements for parks including Childers Park, Downtown Green, Hammond Park, Mathews Park, and Pilot Park. The goal is to highlight Monroe’s natural resources, widen the appeal of the parks to more of the community, increase park usage, and continue supporting the most popular existing park elements.

Action plan

Short-term
Conduct community input meetings on park themes and updates. Add Childers Park interpretive signage and paint the power station. Clean up existing trails at Mathews Park.
Medium-term
Establish a community garden. Expand the trail system at Mathews Park and create a dedicated wildlife learning zone with interpretive signage. Develop the inclusive playground at Hammond Park.
Long-term
Update Pilot Park playground equipment. Implement water-based activities at Mathews Park lake. Install a skate park at Hammond Park.

Expected impact

Projected Park Usage GrowthCommunity

Tracks increased traffic to Monroe’s parks and greater community involvement and enthusiasm for the park system.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Public Space ImprovementInfrastructure

Tracks upgrades including signage, trails, playground equipment, inclusive playgrounds, restroom facilities, wildlife learning zones, water-based activities, and skate park infrastructure.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Facility UpgradesInfrastructure

Tracks improvements to existing park infrastructure across Childers Park, Downtown Green, Hammond Park, Mathews Park, and Pilot Park.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Maintenance SustainabilitySustainability

Tracks whether park improvements encourage continued community involvement in park upkeep and success.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Accessibility InfrastructureInfrastructure

Tracks the inclusive playground at Hammond Park and improvements intended to make the parks more accessible to all families in the community.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Learning Resource DistributionEducational

Tracks dedicated environmental learning spaces, interpretive signage, school field trips, and wildlife learning zones.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Accessibility ExpansionEquity

Tracks whether improved parks provide accessible and inclusive recreation for more families and residents from all walks of life.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Public ParticipationCommunity

Tracks community input meetings on park themes and updates.

Timeframe: Short-term

Key stakeholders

City of MonroeCity of Monroe Parks DepartmentWalton County ExtensionWalton County Master Gardener VolunteersHands of HopeGeorgia Power GrantKaBOOMTony Hawk SkateparksUSDAConservation Alliance

Estimated budget

Overall safety equipment for all parks: approximately $40,000. New signage for all parks: approximately $2,800-$4,000. Childers Park: $3,000. Hammond Park: $640,000. Mathews Park: $738,600. Pilot Park: $25,000. Total for all upgrades: $1,406,600.