An operations barn will be built at Cobb County’s Hyde Farm Park for an estimated $373,000.
Ward Humphrey, Inc., the low bidder, was awarded the contract on Dec. 16 by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.
Funding will come from the 2016 PARKS Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Program.
PARKS Director Jimmy Gisi said, “The new operations barn is an essential element to support the operation of the working farm.”
Upon the barn’s expected completion by “at least” June, the initial one-time cost for farm equipment and maintenance tools for Hyde Farm will be $120,000.
Ongoing annual costs for programming and operations will be $81,000 in staff salaries and benefits and $125,000 in utilities, fuel, seed, fertilizer and supplies.
Using funds authorized under the 2006 Parks Bond Program, Cobb County purchased the 42.5-acre central portion of Hyde Farm, 721 Hyde Road, Marietta.
From the 1830s to 2004, the land was farmed continuously by two families, and the farm and terraces have survived nearly unchanged throughout the decades, Gisi said.
Since buying the property, the county has worked towards re-establishing the land as a working farm to be an educational asset for the community.
The new barn will provide secure storage for farm equipment and supplies and facilitate farm equipment access to the historic pastures and terraces.
Offered are nature programs, a fishing pond, trails and community gardens.
For park reservations, call 770-528-8819.
Information: CobbCounty.org/parks/parks-and-nature/locations/hyde-farm-park
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