Georgia's Local Lens (Week of May 15, 2021): Walton County Opens Splash Park Just in Time for Summer + More

Each week ACCG shares photos highlighting activities from counties

around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to bbrown@accg.org.

Walton County Opens New Splash Pad Just in Time for Summer

Walton County Chairman David Thompson and other commission members, along with former Chairman Kevin Little and other community members, came together to open the splash pad at Walton County's newest park. The family of former Commissioner Clinton Ayers, for whom the facility will be named and who passed away in 2016, helped to cut the ribbon. The Ayers grandchildren had the honor of turning on the water and were joined by the children of Commissioner Bo Warren for the inaugural play time. Planned additions to the park include pickleball courts, a disc golf course and a cross country track.

Senator Warnock Visits Peach County

Peach County Commissioner Shanita Bryant recently had the opportunity to join Senator Rafael Warnock and others on a tour of the Blue Bird Bus Company in Fort Valley. The day included a tour of the facility and a trip on the Eco Bus. Senator Warnock is interested in investing $25 million in electric buses, which will create jobs while also positively impacting the environment.

Carroll County Celebrates May

as Mental Health Awareness Month

Chairman Michelle Morgan and other members of the Board of Commissioners joined members of the Carroll County Board of Mental Health to showcase the invaluable work this board provides to the Carroll County community and commended their efforts of providing care to individuals and families impacted by mental illness by hanging green banners at the Historic Courthouse and declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

State Launches 'Ready. Set. Georgia.'

Tourism Campaign

Governor Brian Kemp and Explore Georgia, the state's tourism office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development have launched a new marketing campaign aimed at encouraging travel to city, coastal and small town destinations throughout the state. Kemp also announced $1 million in new grant and co-op opportunities made possible through the FY21 budget. For more information, click here.

Announcements & Appointments:

Clayton County Commissioner Felicia Franklin will represent the county at the 18th Annual County Leadership Institute organized by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Cindy Steinmann has been named as the new Assistant County Manager in Bulloch County. She has been with the county since 2014, previously serving as a management analyst and special projects manager.

Melissa Rusk has been named as the new Walton County Human Resources Director.

Meet an ACCG Staff Member

Name: John Smith

Program: ACCG Insurance Programs

Position: Director of Claims

Joined ACCG: 1999

About John: When John and his wife became "empty nesters," they began fostering dogs. He says it feels great to find a permanent loving home for these often mistreated animals. John's passion is golf and he has been playing for over 40 years. He and his wife have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of two sons, one who graduated from Georgia Tech and the other who graduated from the University of Georgia.

Tell Us What's Happening in Your County!

ACCG wants to share positive news about events and projects from your county with your peers from across the state. Photos and story ideas submitted to ACCG for Georgia's Local Lens or the Georgia County Spotlight may be used in this e-newsletter or on ACCG's website or social media. Photos and other information used are provided courtesy of our county constituents and ACCG staff. For questions or information, please contact Beth Brown at bbrown@accg.org.

To submit photos and captions for Georgia's Local Lens, click here.

To submit photos and project information for Georgia County Spotlight, click here.