ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Tift Park remains at the center of a long-standing debate as city and county leaders discuss its future as a recreational and public safety hub.

The Tift Park Tennis Court Project, a joint initiative between the City of Albany and Dougherty County, has been in the works for over two decades. Despite the urgency to provide a space for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts, a recent city commission meeting held on April 22, 2025, failed to produce a vote on the resolution to authorize SPLOST VIII funds for resurfacing the courts.

According to City Commissioner Jon Howard, he voiced concerns about the longevity and sustainability of the proposed plans, especially regarding resurfacing methods.

“If we’re going to keep it [at Tift Park], make sure that we have a construction company come in, tear up the whole foundation, and start from scratch,” said Howard. He referenced consultations with construction professionals who warned against simply laying new asphalt, predicting future maintenance issues.

Adding to the conversation, Fire Chief Cedric Scott proposed relocating Fire Station 2—including the 911 center—to either Tift Park or 1310 North Jefferson Street. Chief Scott envisioned a fire station at Tift Park as a “landmark” and a tourism-friendly site that could engage children and enhance the community experience. The project is estimated at $10 million.

However, after public backlash, particularly against placing the fire station inside the park, the commission opted not to move forward with the Tift Park location.

“The commission decided last night that it was not in the best interest to put a fire station inside the park because individuals say that would take away the value of the park,” Commissioner Howard explained.

The Albany-Dougherty joint tennis court project has acquired over $1.7 million in county SPLOST funding and $1.25 million in city funds. While commissioners say the plans for this project are clear, the timeline for completion is murky.

“I don’t have a timeline, and I will not say because we could have inclement weather and things of that nature that could delay it, storms and things of that nature, but I will say in the coming years,” Howard said.

As discussions continue, the future of Tift Park’s recreational amenities and potential developments remains undecided

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