After the BOC meeting today where a question of a resolution was raised "will they or will they not take down or move the Nash Farm Battlefield sign?"

Resolution regarding Nash Farm

The County acquired the largest park within the county that consist of over 200 acres and the intent was to provide for passive recreational activities while also providing protection for the land of historical significance.

The use of the park needs to be maximized with a good master plan. Activities can be included within the park without altering the historical significance of the land. The master plan would explore things such as paved walking trails; paved parking lot; playgrounds consistent in size with other regional county parks; conversion of existing activity barn into an activity building; bike trails; equestrian trails and covered picnic pavilions. This list is not an exclusive list. Once a master plan is in place a budget can be created and the park can be opened up to as many as citizens as possible outside of the battlefield connotation. The request is that when the master plan is completed the park shall be referred to as Nash Farm with the battlefield site to be preserved as Nash Farm Battlefield.

Commissioner Mathis requested adding a Native/Heirloom Plant Garden to the list of things to consider within the park.

Commissioner Mathis made the motion to approve the resolution and to authorize an amendment to the current contract or to issue an RFP for proposal for a master plan and associated cost; Commissioner Holder seconded. The motion carried unanimously approving the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Henry County acquired property on Jonesboro Road consisting over 200 acres; and

WHEREAS, this property was acquired as Henry County Park Land in an attempt to provide protection for land with historical significance and to provide recreational amenities to the community; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners wishes to maximize the use of this park, which is Henry County’s larges park; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners believes it necessary to determine and adopt the uses of this park;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Henry County Board of Commissioners that the Henry County Board of Commissioners authorizes the issuance of an RFP for amendment and adoption of a master plan for this park to consider the inclusion of these potential elements:

1. Paved walking trails;

2. Paved parking lot;

3. Playgrounds consistent in size with other regional county parks;

4. Conversion of existing activity barn into an activity building;

5. Bike trails;

6. Equestrian trails

7. Covered picnic pavilions

8. Native/Heirloom Plant Garden

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the master plan shall refer to the park as Nash Farm with an area set aside for preservation as Nash Farm Battlefield and the remainder designated for passive recreation.