THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Things are happening quickly at Cherokee Lake. Barring inclement weather, plans call for the City of Thomasville park to reopen in four to eight weeks.

Thomasville City Council member David Hufstetler said the target is to reopen in mid-July.

A long-awaited state Environmental Protection Division permit has been received, more of a walking trail will open, and restrooms are undergoing total renovations.

The state permit — a stream bank buffer variance — allow work to be done around state waters. Any standing water is considered state waters, said Eve Geyer, a City of Thomasville engineering department employee and lake project manager.

The lake has been closed since last year while dam and walking trail improvements, among others, were made.

More of the walking trail that surrounds the lake will open, making one-half mile available.

Geyer said some people walk around the parked grassed area and through the rose garden.

“Some people are committed to this park and make other ways,” she said.

It is hoped entrances to the park from nearby Lake Eagle subdivision and Wildwood Apartments will be open soon.

Trail completion and the rebuilding of sidewalks is taking place primarily across the earthen dam. More trees marked for removal will come down.

Boy Scout Zachary Lauderdale, who is working to attain Eagle Scout status, built and installed fish breeding beds at the lake in March. Some downed trees will be put in lake to serve as fish habitats when the lake refills.

Shriners of Thomasville provided funding to light the fountain when it is returned and operational in the lake.

Park restrooms will be outfitted with new fixtures, new lighting, exterior and interior paint, a new roof, new exterior doors and exhaust fans. Until restrooms renovations are complete, portable toilets are available.

The park project is an example of what happens when city staff, the council and the contractor came together. 

“We put it together,” Hufstetler said.

Said council member Todd Mobley, “I think the lake’s going to be a great place to visit when we get it finished.”

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820