Camp Jordan Park and Arena in East Ridge is scheduled for an updated and a new, more professional appearance.
Built in 1993, the 275-plus acres is the preferred location for numerous shows, sporting and special events and boasts over 100,000 visitors annually.With such high demand for use of the facility and all it has to offer throughout the year, the park will soon begin undergoing much-needed renovations.
Recognizing the numerous benefits the park provides, the City of East Ridge’s City Council approved financing $2.3 million in enhancements of Camp Jordan Park through a bond issue from the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund. At the December 13 council meeting, the first step of improvements was initiated as the council accepted a bid from Integrated Properties, LLC, to begin the work in mid-January on renovation of existing concession and restroom facilities.
In addition to the renovations, construction of new facilities was also included in the bid. New strategically placed concession facilities are scheduled to be built near the baseball and softball fields. New restrooms are part of the construction plan and will be built near the soccer fields. The work will be done in phases with completion expected in 240 days.
The council also accepted a bid from River City Athletic Fields to begin renovation of thirteen softball and baseball infields within the Camp Jordan Athletic Complex. Additional enhancements under consideration include new fencing, bleachers, shade structures and a park sign package, to name a few.
“The proposed renovations at Camp Jordan will make the park much more attractive and bring the facility up to par with surrounding parks in the Tennessee Valley,” said Adam Wilson, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of East Ridge.
With Camp Jordan boasting an economic sales impact over $3 million and an income impact over $1.6 million (Legg, 2016, p.5), the park continues to be a significant driver of economic activity and growth in the city. These upcoming renovations and improvements will assure the park remains a priority destination for people locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally.
For more information contact: East Ridge Parks and Recreation at awilson@eastridgetn.gov, 423-551-0538, www.eastridgeparksandrec.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EastRidgeParksAndRec
_ Bridgett Raper
