County awards $584K contract to JR Bowman for Bud Kelly Park disc golf course

In a significant step towards enhancing recreational opportunities in Henry County, the Board of Commissioners convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss the approval of a new disc golf course at Bud Kelly Park. The proposed project, which comes with a price tag of $584,717, is set to be funded through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program, specifically from District 5 funds approved by voters in November 2019.

The meeting revealed that the county's purchasing department had solicited proposals for the construction of the course, leading to the receipt of three bids. After careful evaluation, JR Bowman Construction Company, Inc., based in McDonough, emerged as the top contender. Their base proposal was $298,507, which the review committee deemed the most favorable.

The project includes several enhancements beyond the basic construction of the course. The committee recommended additional features, including 35 benches positioned behind each tee pad, two seat walls with concrete slabs, six shade trees around the entrance seating area, and an overhead shade structure to provide comfort for visitors.

As the commissioners reviewed the plans, they were presented with detailed illustrations of the proposed 18-hole course, showcasing the layout and par for each hole. The discussions highlighted the community's growing interest in outdoor activities and the importance of providing accessible recreational spaces for residents.

With the board's approval, the disc golf course is poised to become a vibrant addition to Bud Kelly Park, promising to attract both local players and visitors alike. As the meeting concluded, the anticipation for the project’s development was palpable, signaling a commitment to enhancing the county's recreational offerings for years to come.