From left are Councilman Larry Black, Councilwoman Sarah Clark and Mayor Nick Millwood discuss city business at a recent Council meeting inside Ringgold City Hall.With a $1.1 million bid and a four-phase plan in place, the city of Ringgold is ready to move forward with its Ringgold Recreation Complex renovation.
Plans include improving and expanding parking options, fixing drainage issues on the soccer fields, and adding a Wounded Warrior Playground for people with disabilities and their families. However, funding is not yet secured and several other major projects must come before this one, officials said.
"We just need it [Ringgold Recreation Complex plan] broken into sections and to allocate funds in sections starting in 2017," said Mayor Nick Millwood.
"We are excited about the potential of seeing the entire recreational complex enhanced, but funding such a project, even in phases, will have to come through a long-term plan to secure funding," agreed Councilman Randall Franks. " We may focus initially at seeking funds to enhance the area closest to the pool and Patriot Hall. But we have a number of major projects in line ahead of this one."
Phase 1 of the project will focus on creating better parking around the Ringgold Pool and Patriot Hall; then Phase 2 will extend the parking down Emberson Drive, said Millwood.
Phase 3 involves grading and seeding the soccer fields, and Phase 4 deals with the playground, including grading the area and adding a gravel drive and parking paths.
In a follow-up email, Millwood said he expects to include the renovations in next year's budget, with a start sometime next year at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the city and Ringgold Youth Sports Association have come to an agreement to allow the RYSA soccer program to use the Ringgold Recreation Complex fields, for which they signed a three-year agreement.
RYSA will pay the city of Ringgold $75 a week for the use of the field and adjacent facilities.