AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta park goers are on camera, and every picture tells a story.“There was one park, can’t remember the name of it, where the only person who showed up there was somebody mowing the grass. Those particular parks, you would actually close,” said Abie Ladson of I.S.M. Engineering.For the past month or so, 136 cameras have been documenting activity in Augusta parks.The ISM Engineer is telling commissioners its analysis of usage will be ready by the end of this month as commissioners look to consider closing underused parks.“We got some really nice parks in Augusta, and we talk about maintaining and making things look good in Augusta. Let’s make those parks look good. Let them shine. Get rid of the others,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.The usage survey will allow city leaders to see what parks are popular and those that aren’t but even with this data closing parks will be easier said than done.“It’s not going to be an easy thing to do and it’s not something we should take lightly because it is there community, a park is a community. You take away their park, you take away their community,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.
The city is facing a $7 million-dollar shortfall in next year’s budget after COVID money ran out. So a decision on closing parks could come sooner rather than later.“By divesting in parks that are underutilized, it gives the commission more dollars to invest in parks that are more utilized. That means more money for your favorite places,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
By the end of September, commissioners will have a good picture of what parks are people’s favorites…