Cherokee Leaders Break Ground On Patriots Park

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ACWORTH, GA -- Cherokee County leaders and recreation activists came together Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking of the much-anticipated Patriots Park.

The park will be situated on 32.8 acres along Kellogg Creek Road just west of Bells Ferry Road in unincorporated Cherokee County.

Cherokee County commissioners were joined in the groundbreaking ceremony by officials with Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and representatives of adaptive sports organizations.

Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens, who noted the park is another check mark to the county’s list of unique selling points, added the park has a track record for one of the longest-running recreation projects undertaken by the county.

“At the end of the day, you all are going to get a terrific product...and I’m delighted that we are where we are,” he added.

He also stated the park will be an important addition to an area in need of recreational opportunities. Along with the renovations at Hobgood Park, Patriots Park will give southwest Cherokee County residents “more opportunities to participate in our programs.”

Once complete, Patriots Park will include two natural grass baseball/softball diamonds, two fenced off-leash dog areas, a fully accessible and inclusive playground, a paved walking path throughout the park, a concession/restroom building and an artificial turf adaptive use baseball/softball diamond.

Weather permitting, construction could wrap in the fall, said CRPA Director Bryan Reynolds. 

Dubbed Freedom Field by CRPA staff, the adaptive use field is designed for the inclusive use of athletes of all abilities. It is the first of its kind in the county and is expected to become the future home of the Cherokee County Miracle League program.

Originally conceived in 2010, Patriots Park underwent several revisions in scope before the final plan was adopted in 2015. The park is designed by Smith Planning Group of Watkinsville.

At the Oct. 6, 2015, County Commission meeting, the construction services contract was awarded to Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. (ICAN) of Whitesburg.

Construction of the park is expected to cost $4.7 million and is funded by proceeds from the November 2008 voter-approved parks bond.

Patriots Park has been a long time coming for Robert Strozier, who helps organize the Cherokee County Miracle League Program.

Miracle League is an adaptive baseball program designed to give children and adult with special needs a chance to take part in America’s pastime.

Strozier said when he was approached to join the organization as a coach 15 years ago, he had no clue about the ”journey we were going to under take” in getting the organization up and running.

Residents who take part in the program “know no boundaries,” are compassionate and give their best effort when they play the game, Strozier said.

“It has been an absolutely amazing journey,” he said, adding he had the “arrogance” to think he would and help the individuals and athletes improve on their skills. “I found out very quickly that they are the ones who were going to educate me.”

As part of the organization, Strozier said seen the ”impossible,” ranging from a blind man hitting a baseball into the outfield and children who couldn’t walk learn to take their first steps and how to run.

Strozier he couldn’t thank enough the county and those active in adaptive athletic programs “for all they’ve done” with their support.

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Photo: Cherokee leaders, children and Miracle League members take part in Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for Patriots Park. Credit: Kristal Dixon