Concept Would Convert the Golf Course to Public Safety Campus

A community meeting on Wednesday night left golfers and neighbors at Cotton Fields Golf Course angry over the county’s concept to convert the property into a public safety campus. Plans would include a new fire training academy, new E-911 center and other buildings.

Henry County purchased the property in 2007 for $22 million dollars. The intent at the time was for future county buildings.

Public Safety Campus

Henry County Fire Rescue Chief Jonathan Burnette and Parks & Recreation Cluster Lead JP Penn led the Wednesday night meeting. They presented the county’s concept for a new public safety campus on the property. The layout is conceptual at this time and building placement is not final.

At its center, the campus would have a new fire training academy. Chief Burnette explained the county does not presently have a training center. The previous fire center was built by county firefighters some twenty years ago and had to be condemned. Should the county not build a new facility, it will negatively affect the department’s ISO score, or ranking, at their next evaluation. The ISO score is a factor in everyone’s homeowners’ insurance rates.

The fire training center would also include a burn building and driving pad. The burn building allows firefighters to simulate fire conditions, typically with gas or wood, for training. Chief Burnette assured those present that a burn building does not put off the black smoke seen at house fires.

Secondly, the county needs a new E-911 center. The county’s current E-911 building is several decades ago. Staff are in need of a larger space. In addition, the current building would not stand up in the event of high winds or a tornado. The county plans to build a better storm-sheltered building.

Next, the concept calls to rebuild fire station 1. The station off Industrial Blvd is the busiest fire house in the county. Its also the oldest. The rebuilt station would provide new quarters for the personnel and equipment.

Finally, the concept has space for future jail expansion. The Henry County Jail actively needs an expansion now, and other expansions are likely long-term. This would save space for this purpose.

Phase 1 of the plan includes the new E-911 center, rebuilt fire station 1 and new burn building. The larger fire training center represents phase 2. An indoor firing range is also part of this phase. At last, future jail expansion is phase 3.

Next Steps

At this time, Henry County commissioners have not adopted the concept plan. Next steps would include board consideration whether to approve it. If they do, county staff suggested the golf course could close by the end of the year. This is because construction will tentatively begin on the new aquatic center. The new venue will be on the back side of the golf course. Road access will be via Henry Parkway Connector.

The county plans to accept construction bids this spring for the new facility. The board will consider approving a construction contract in the summer.

The county must also identify a funding source for the new public safety campus. Possible options include the next SPLOST program or the newly-passed public facilities authority. The authority can approve bonds to pay for new buildings.

Featured image shows JP Penn at the golf course community meeting, May 10, 2023. Clayton Carte photo.