Grantville splash park motion dies third time despite support
By REBECCA LEFTWICH
rebecca@newnan.com
A third attempt to move forward with a proposed splash park in Grantville has failed, despite a groundswell of support from town residents.
Dozens of supporters, some sporting blue shirts and signs, packed council chambers Monday as the Grantville City Council for a third time allowed a motion to fast-track a splash park die for lack of a second.
Council members Johnny Cooks, Selma Coty and Barham Lundy have expressed a reluctance to immediately move ahead with the splash park. None seconded Jabaley’s motion to accept a bid for $174,000 from Aqua Play Solutions of Peachtree City and allow work to begin right away.
Aqua Play’s Greg Perkins, who has said his company can finish the project in approximately 30 days, fielded questions in his second appearance before the council.
“I first brought this up on May 14, and it is now July 23,” Jabaley said before making the motion. “We’ve had lots of time to check everything out. I don’t see any reason for this not to go forward.”
Cooks, Coty and Lundy each have said they are in support of the splash park.
“Having questions is not the same as saying no,” Coty said. “What’s the worst that can happen if it’s not open until April? To say this city council does not want this facility is wrong.”
More than 700 people have joined a Facebook page in favor of the project – “Citizens FOR the Grantville Water Park” – and many painted car windows with messages of support prior to Monday’s vote.
