CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Cherokee County Commissioners have approved an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assume management of nine federally owned recreation sites starting Jan. 1, 2027.
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Under the agreement, Cherokee Recreation and Parks will handle daily operations, fee collections and utility management at the facilities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will retain ownership of the property while continuing to coordinate ranger patrols and federal compliance.
The agreement covers nine facilities: Sweetwater Day Use Area, Sweetwater Campgrounds, Victoria Day Use Area, Victoria Campground, Galts Ferry Day Use Area, Kellogg Creek Day Use Area, Knox Bridge Boat Ramp, Payne Campgrounds and Payne Boat Ramp.
Cherokee County will continue accepting federal passes and using recreation.gov for site reservations.
Cherokee Recreation and Parks projects collecting about $845,000 in fees from the sites. Under the agreement, revenue will remain in Cherokee County to cover park staffing, utilities and capital projects rather than being sent to Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Jerry Fulton informed the commissioners that the arrangement offers advantages over a standard lease. Under this structure, the Corps of Engineers can still seek federal appropriations if major capital repairs are needed at any of the nine locations.
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Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds explained that the county already maintains similar partnerships with the federal government, including existing leases for J.J. Biello Park, Fields Landing Park and the Cherokee Mills boat ramp.
“The purpose of this agreement is to improve stewardship, safety and visitor experiences,” Reynolds said. “Cherokee Recreation and Parks has a longstanding history partnering with the Corps of Engineers and currently leases land for J.J. Biello Park, Fields Landing Park and Cherokee Mills boat ramp among others. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue this strong partnership while also elevating these amenities for our residents and visitors.”
The Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the cooperating management agreement and partner operations plan following a motion by District one Commissioner Will Cagle, which was seconded by District two Commissioner Richard Weatherby. Commissioners also approved a related budget amendment for site revenue and expenses in a separate 5-0 vote, moved by District four Commissioner Corey Ragsdale and seconded by Cagle.
Cherokee Recreation and Parks will begin taking over management and maintenance of the nine sites in phases ahead of the Jan. 1, 2027 effective date.
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