Stockbridge is hoping a $100,000 investment can keep several youth baseball teams from losing their home at a Henry park that county leaders say is unsafe.
The city has said it plans to donate the money to Henry County as a goodwill gesture in Stockbridge’s effort to persuade county leaders not to turn Cochran Park into passive greenspace for walking trails and picnic tables. The park is used by Stockbridge youth baseball teams and other athletic leagues.
The county and city have been at loggerheads for months over the county's plans to re-direct team play from Cochran to other parks because of ongoing infrastructure problems, including flooding from corroded stormwater pipes. Henry County owns and maintains the county's parks, including those in the city limits.
“It is imperative that the park be restored to allow children to continue to enjoy the numerous benefits of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and athletic competition,” Stockbridge City Manager Randy Knighton said. “As a result, the city of Stockbridge is taking a somewhat unprecedented step of offering $100,000 to support the restoration of the park for baseball league play.”
County leaders estimate the improvements could cost more than $550,000, and that a passive park would be more aesthetically pleasing in the area. Henry Commissioner Bruce Holmes, whose district is home to the park, has lobbied for a plan that includes building pavilions, pickle ball courts, trails and a pond at Cochran.
Stockbridge leaders, however, said moving athletic teams to other parks would be a burden for Stockbridge youth, who appreciate having a park close to their neighborhoods.
“The children who utilize this park are our primary concern and the residents of Stockbridge who have invested in this park over the years through payment of property taxes to Henry County should be honored,” Knighton said.
Holmes said Henry County is willing to turn the park over to Stockbridge, an offer he has made before without a bite from the city. “If the city wants the park, take it,” he said. “We’ll give it to you for free.”
Stockbridge leaders balked at the suggestion.
“Free can come with a price,” Knighton said, explaining Stockbridge doesn’t want to own a fixer-upper.
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