Calls Creek bank improvements and assorted Harris Shoals Park pictures

April 06, 2011

Watkinsville is indeed blessed to have received the land from Dr. Herschel B. Harris to make Harris Shoals Park. Dr. Herschel B. Harris, 92, of 1121 Brittain Estates, died Friday, Jan. 29, 1999, according to records found in a search. Anyone that has anything that they would like to share about Dr. Harris or his family would be most appreciated.

The following photos were taken this evening in an attempt at commemorating the improvements implemented by the City of Watkinsville in the latest attempt at keeping the park a perfect gift to the resident of Watkinsville and Oconee County. The results are spectacular. Well done Mark Campbell and company. I wonder when the final product will be ready, but it is downright amazing what has been done in a relatively short amount of time.

Mayor Joe Walter and the rest of the Watkinsville city council are to be strongly commended to for taking the initiative to spend SPLOST tax dollars in a wise way to keep the pretty little park well maintained. There are many more small projects to be enacted that will result in an even more amazing facility for all us to be quite proud of and to take our friends and family.

The Calls Creek stream bank has been very well rebuilt by the Carter Engineering firm, and that is what we are trying to portray in this photo gallery. They have done much more than just stack rocks and carve a new stream bank, but their progress so far is amazing. It looks great and I am very satisfied as a taxpayer for the City of Watkinsville for a job well done. The stream bank stabilization is a first step in a long process of bringing back the park to top notch status. This park has been host to a wide array of activities ranging from large political gathering to girl scout activities to many smaller activities. I hope the horse shoe pit gets squared away too.

I look forward to seeing the final results of all the stages of the improvements of Harris Shoals Park. The bathrooms and the pavilions are both in dire need of remodeling and repair, and will only make this park a more attractive venue for people coming from all over to check out in our city.

Here are some prices to rent Harris Shoals Park. I have had two birthday parties there and been to numerous other activities at the park and can heartedly recommend it. Yes, the playground needs some improvement, and it will be getting it shortly. Yes, there are some very weathered railroad ties that need to be replaced. I hope the basketball court gets a three-point line.

Park Rental Rates for 4 Hours
	Area	Rate
1	Pavillion 1 - Picnic Tables	$25
2	Pavillion 2 - BBQ Pits	$25
3	Pavillion 3 - BBQ Pits w/ Kitchen	$35

All 3 Pavillions $50

Park Rental Rates for All Day
	Area	Rate
1	Pavillion 1 - Picnic Tables	$45
2	Pavillion 2 - BBQ Pits	$45
3	Pavillion 3 - BBQ Pits w/ Kitchen	$55

All 3 Pavillions $100

I think it is great that the Oconee Lions Club took it upon itself to remove the invasive species and maintain the playground. I commend them as well for their outstanding contribution to maintaining this facility.