Community Park Project Breaks Ground after Eight Years of Planning – City of Cochran, Georgia
The City of Cochran recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community park, officially initiating construction on a project that has undergone extensive planning, funding coordination, and design development over the past eight years.
What began as an idea in a third-grade classroom ultimately became a citywide initiative. Students led by educator Kim Fernandez wrote letters, presented to City Council, and even traveled to the State Capitol to advocate for a community park, demonstrating the lasting impact of youth engagement and civic involvement. Now finishing their first year of college, the students who first envisioned the park will be honored as the first to experience the space they helped bring to life.
The park is located at 312 Ash Street on a 5.2-acre site donated to the City in 2021 by the late Earl Arnold. Project funding totaled $1,447,000, sourced through a combination of grants and public funding, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Falcon Design Consultants provided full civil engineering and design services for the project. Scope of work included:
- Drone-based topographic survey and site data collection
- Conceptual site planning and layout coordination
- Stormwater management design, including drainage analysis
- Erosion and sedimentation control design
- Grading design to support accessibility, safety, and constructability
- Utility design, including water and sanitary sewer infrastructure
- Bid-phase assistance, including preparation of contract documents, bid review, and coordination
- Construction observation services to support compliance with design intent and regulatory requirements
The park design incorporates playground equipment, a tot lot with ground cover, walking trail, pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms, benches, a drinking fountain, and supporting site amenities. Design efforts focused on functionality, durability, ADA accessibility, and long-term maintenance considerations.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by October 1, delivering a new recreational asset designed to serve residents of all ages while supporting the City’s long-term community development goals.
Falcon Design Consultants is proud to partner with the City of Cochran on this project and contribute technical expertise toward infrastructure that strengthens community spaces and enhances quality of life.
