Algood Ballpark Set To Return To City’s Control On July 1

The Algood Ballpark is set to be back in the city’s control this summer after the city reached an agreement with Putnam County.

Mayor Lisa Chapman Fowler said that they approached the county about taking back the ballpark as part of its plan to form a dedicated parks and recreation department. Fowler said the county was receptive to the request and Algood hopes to have the transfer complete by July 1.

“I think it’s a quality of life issue,” Fowler said. “We’re always wanting to have more green space and we have our Fourth of July celebration there and I think it will be used to the fullest.”

Fowler said that Algood is currently researching the family that owned the farm that occupied the space before it became a ballpark. She said this is to determine the exact family name so that it can be attributed to the park. Fowler said that once the transfer is complete, maintenance and leagues will be fully under Algood’s control.

“After July 1 they would talk to us and our parks and recreation director,” Fowler said. “We will work with the teams and I understand they have different boards and directors and so we will actually be working with them to be in control of those fields.”

Fowler said that in her opinion the county has kept the ballpark in pristine condition. She said the number of amenities already available at the park are great assets to add into Algood’s growing outdoor scene.

“We already have a bandstand or a place where you can get out of the rain, you can have entertainment,” Fowler said. “We do have the concession stand there, we also have the restrooms there. We have have playground equipment there and so I think it would be a great addition.”

Algood is currently in the process of creating a parks and recreation director position. The person who will hold that title has not been finalized.