Blue Ridge playground reopens to the public

Community, News
Blue Ridge, Georgia, Fannin County, Censure, Conduct, City Council, Post 1, Harold Herdon, Post 2, Rhonda Haight, Post 3, Mike Panter, Post 4, Robbie Cornelius, Post 5, Nathan Fitts, Mayor, Donna Whitener, Park, Playground, Open, Angie Arp

Blue Ridge, Ga. – After much wait and debate, the playground at Blue Ridge City’s downtown park is officially reopen for public use.

Several council members, Mayor and members of the city’s Street Department  met at the park on Thursday, April 22 to commemorate the reopening.

Blue Ridge, Georgia, Fannin County, Censure, Conduct, City Council, Post 1, Harold Herdon, Post 2, Rhonda Haight, Post 3, Mike Panter, Post 4, Robbie Cornelius, Post 5, Nathan Fitts, Mayor, Donna Whitener, Park, Playground, Open, Angie Arp

City’s playground area with newly installed padding and turf.

The park had been closed for several months after Council Member Mike Panter discovered that certain aspects were not in safety compliance and needed to be addressed.

“I did not want the liability. I did not want the city to have the liability, and I felt like it was my responsibility to close the park,” Panter said in a past meeting, defending his stance to close the park, “I know I did the right thing.”

The park was initially in compliance upon original renovations, headed by former council member Angie Arp, but issue arose over lack of upkeep following these renovations. 

In particular the park’s mulch had become compacted over the years and no longer met safety standards to provide ample padding.

“We haven’t had any additional mulch added in three and a half years. We have not had an inspection in three and half years since it was put in,” Panter had previously explained.

City Council voted for the long lasting synthetic turf and padding option, presented by Panter, to cover the park’s grounds and the City of Blue Ridge Street Department worked diligently to correct any drainage issues in the area. 

“It’s going to be done correctly. It’s going to be done right,” Panter had stated of moving forward with the padding and turf option.

The city has also received approximately $19,000 from a private donor for shades to be installed at the park. These shades will be installed on the playground’s existing equipment.

“The shades have been ordered,” Panter said, “And as soon as they arrive they will be installed.”

Arp also stopped by the park to see the latest in renovations and commented, “It is really nice. I’m glad that it will be opened back up in time for the children to really use when school lets out for the year.”

New Babies At North Georgia Wildlife Park

Arts & Entertainment, Community, Fast & Furriest
There is so much to see and do at North Georgia Wildlife Park!
North Georgia Wildlife Park is delighted to announce the birth of two lowland Pacas! What is a paca, you may ask? Pacas are adorable rodents, native to South America, and they are undeniably cute. They grow to 15-25lbs. as adults and are covered in brown fur with white spots. These spots give them camouflage which help them hide from predators. They have large eyes which allow them to navigate their surroundings at night and find all their favorite foods. Pacas are mainly frugivores, (meaning they eat mostly fruit). Their favorites include bananas and mangos. Pacas’ main predators include humans, jaguars, cougars and bush dogs, and they will use their impressive swimming skills to help them escape. North Georgia Wildlife Park has six adult pacas who call the park home.
The Park is also excited to announce the birth of a baby Reeves Muntjac Deer. Muntjac deer are a small species of deer native to Asia. Though small in size they have a big personality and are also called Barking Deer because they make a sound like a barking dog! Full grown they are only about 30 lbs. and stand less than two feet tall. The new baby boy is covered in spots now, but as he grows, he will lose those spots but gain both tusks and antlers. These small deer spend most of their time foraging for food, but when threatened they can run up to 40 miles/hour! North Georgia Wildlife Park is home to 10 adult Muntjac deer.

Christmas Celebration Returns To North Georgia Wildlife Park

Community

Christmas begins early at the North Georgia Wildlife Park! You are invited to visit the Live Nativity at the Park on Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, 5:00pm-7:00pm. There will also be a short Nativity Play put on by the “zoo kids” (children of employees) 5:30pm-6:30pm each night. The park will be serving hot chocolate and marshmallows, as well. As a way to say thanks and give back to the community, the Christmas Celebration and Live Nativity are free!

But there’s more! Attend the Live Nativity, then stay for the “Starry Night Tour”, only on Saturday, November 28 at 6:00pm. Bring your flashlight and join animal educators as they lead you on a walk through the zoo under the stars! Discover some amazing nocturnal animals, such as owls and fennec foxes. Then it’s “All Aboard” for a starlight hayride, where guests will see zebras, camels, emus, llamas and more!

The Starry Night Tour costs $59.99/person. Children under two years old are free, and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. At least 10 people reserved in advance are required to run this tour, otherwise it may be cancelled. Visit  https://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/holiday-celebration–starry-night-tours.html today to make your reservations!

Katelyn M Dunlap

Back to Top