An extensive revamping of Mickie D. Cochran Park is underway. County contractors are wrapping up demolition and will now transition to the construction phase in a significant step forward for a major project in the SPLOST V pipeline.
Lynn Planchon, Henry County’s Director of Capital Projects, said she is excited to see tangible progress on such an important landmark for the surrounding community.

“We heard from County leadership and from members of the community early on in the SPLOST V process just how important Mickie D. Cochran Park is to folks in Stockbridge,” said Planchon. “A lot of time and energy have gone into this project, and I think local residents are going to be really excited about all that we have planned.”

This includes a complete overhaul of an existing football field at the site. While the field itself will remain, the surrounding lights, fencing, goalposts and scoreboards will be replaced. In addition, two full-sized, lighted basketball courts will be constructed on the park site. Plans also include a new, two-story concession building, with restrooms on the first level and an area for scorekeepers on the second. A large pavilion will also be built to accommodate community events. And that’s not all.

“We are expanding the entire walking path network,” said Planchon. “In the time since the park was originally built, the County acquired adjacent property, which we can use to create trails that weave through the surrounding woods. Kids will also notice a new playground with an adjacent shade structure. It’s really going to be an impressive set up.”
JR Bowman Construction is doing the primary design/build work at a cost of $3,599,247, while some additional sports field lighting will be carried out by MUSCO, budgeted at $198,211.

District 4 Commissioner Vivian Thomas used discretionary funds allocated to her district to make this vision for Mickie D. Cochran Park a reality. She made these dollars available because of her deep-seated belief in the transformational power of parks.

“We need to think about what parks do. They are an opportunity for everyone in the community to have a place to go and relax and work on their health and development,” said Thomas. “It’s an outlet for social, mental and physical wellbeing. They bring people together. I wanted that to be true in Cochran. It was time to invest a substantial amount to make it safe, to upgrade it, and to foster a space that would invite a substantial number of people in.”

Thomas not only earmarked the necessary dollars, but also convened a meeting of local youth at the start of the process to get feedback as to what elements they would want prioritized.

“For some time, I’ve been convening a group known as the Junior Commissioners of Henry County,” she said. “The goal, through a program called Game On, is to help them understand the role government can have in their lives. So in this case, we had them do research on the park project. They looked into the budget, met with engineers, and went through the whole process. Ultimately, we were able to incorporate their recommendations when the project was put out to bid, which was wonderful.”

Officials held a ground breaking ceremony on March 14. Barring delays from inclement weather, work is set to conclude in September of this year. Those looking to stay up to date on developments in Mickie D. Cochran Park and other SPLOST projects can visit www.henrycounty-ga.org to learn more.

Mickie D. Cochran Park is located at 301 Banks Road in Stockbridge.