Phase one of Baldwin County’s new aquatic center is officially underway. After a contract of almost $5 million was recently approved, construction has begun at the Walter B. Williams Junior Park, the site of the old prison property along GA-22 West.
The new aquatic center will contain many amenities, including a large pool, water slides, a lazy river, splash pads and concessions. After seven years, the county has selected Dyer Construction to begin the process. Phase one is scheduled to be complete by Memorial Day Weekend 2025.
“I think a water park will be an excellent addition to Milledgeville because we currently have nothing like it here or anywhere near here,” said Cami Willis, a sophomore marketing major. “I went to a few water parks growing up, and I have many fond memories from them.”
The goal of this project is to boost the local economy and provide more summer jobs, not to mention summer fun for Milledgeville locals and college students. The central location will also provide easy access for the Baldwin County community but also for surrounding counties.
The water park is a big investment. However, Baldwin County officials have hopes that it will become a large revenue generator through the many features it will offer, such as a large parking lot for local and out-of-town visitors. The park design includes ample lighting, which provides after-hour rental opportunities, like private birthday parties and other group events.
The hours have not been finalized, but they currently stand at opening at 11 a.m. and closing around 5 p.m. Aside from the fun, free swimming lessons will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., along with the lazy river for senior citizens at the same time. After-hours events will be held after 6 p.m.
“5 million is a lot of money,” said Mackenzie Day, a sophomore nursing major. “I believe that there are other ways to use 5 million to better the city rather than putting in a water park.
I don’t believe that a water park would entice more students to come to Georgia College because some current students are not enticed by the idea.”
College students do not get much downtime, and there are not many places to spend off days in Baldwin County. Similarly, not every student has access to a pool. Whether students prefer to spend free time tanning, reading, swimming or being outside in general, this new park just might become a new hangout spot. Having an aquatic center a couple minutes from campus could possibly attract future students to the campus.
“A water park is a fun idea and can provide something fun for a summer afternoon, but I just don’t see how that could benefit the county more than money for schools,” said Grace Wallace, a sophomore nursing major. “I think that the money should have been put towards the Baldwin County School System.”
This water park could become an economic engine for Baldwin County. It will provide more jobs and tax dollars, which in turn will benefit the county as a whole. Investments like these are always tricky, but with phase one in the works, students, locals and visitors can look forward to the many pool days to come.
