The Moultrie Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority is working toward the future, a future where the community is a hub of sports tourism. That’s travel ball tournaments, major swimming meets and USA Diving competitions.

With a focus on sports tourism, MCCPRA plans to develop strategies that promote baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and other sports as well as more swim and dive meets.

MCCPRA can draw in large numbers of people consistently throughout the year with tournaments and meets. The travel ball tournaments usually take a full day on a weekend while a diving competition can last several days which include practices.

In 2024, Moiultrie will also be hosting the Moose Moss Invitational, USA Zones Diving as well as the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) District and State Championships this summer. The GRPA State Swim Meet will bring almost 700 swimmers and their families to Moultrie for at least two days of competition.

MCCPRA continues to be fiscally responsible by looking for other forms of revenue. MCCPRA was awarded a $1.8 million grant by Gov. Brian P. Kemp through the “Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionately Impacted Communities” grant. This grant provides funding to improve recreational facilities in Qualified Census Tracts (QCT) across the state, which are defined as areas with a poverty rate of 25 percent or more.

MCCPRA has been awarded a Tire-derived Products Grant which will provide swing and slide mats to all 10 public parks in Colquitt County as well as create a new play space at Main Street Park. This grant will increase safety and reduce maintenance at the public parks across the county.

They are also working to improve the bike trails with better pavement and updates throughout the trail. MCCPRA has recently been invited to the second level application process of the Georgia Recreational Trails Program Grant. If approved, this matching grant will provide installation of 11,125 linear ft. of granite trail to rehabilitate an existing portion between Lower Meigs and Hwy 319. MCCPRA will work to seal and coat asphalt including 7.2 miles of trail and two parking lots, asphalt striping (multi-use trail marking), landscaping which includes erosion control, irrigation, plants, fencing and guard rails, add ADA accessible water fountains that include bottle fillers, dog water bowl and hose bib, upgrade benches and trash cans, and updated trail signage.

MCCPRA, in partnership with the United Way of Colquitt County was awarded $62,500 from the GA 100 Initiative Program through the Atlanta United Community Fund. These funds along with matching funds from the INODIC Grant and will be used for a mini pitch field at William Bryant Park. This project will aid in the community efforts to expand access to recreational facilities and grow the budding soccer program throughout the Colquitt County Communities.

MCCPRA recently engaged ABM to provide upgrades to its facilities. The project consists of sports lighting, HVAC upgrades, equipment controls, LED lighting, and building envelope improvements that will increase efficiencies in all areas of operations for MCCPRA.

MCCPRA continues to focus on adding programs, recreational opportunities, and enhanced facilities to improve the quality of life for the residents of Colquitt County. Please visit www.mccpra.com to follow the progress as well as stay in the know on upcoming events and programs.