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ZEBULON - The Pike County Parks & Recreation Authority (PCPRA) has been described as the watering hole of Pike County because it serves kids and their families from Pike and many surrounding counties when it comes to sports. PCPRA stepped outside of the box to work ask for state and federal funding for expansion and electrical needs at the facility and has been awarded $3.4 million in funding.

“Local taxes can only do so much to keep pace with a community culture that thrives on healthy living,” said PCPRA Chairman Chris Childress. “In an attempt to stay ahead of productive growth, about three years ago, the PCPRA pivoted from relying solely on local funding and went after a State funded Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Stewardship Grant and Federal Congressional Funding.”

The State DNR awarded PCPRA with a $1.5 million grant. A kick off meeting for the grant was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in which members of PCPRA, the Board of Commissioners, Planning and Zoning, and the community came together to see the Master Plan which includes acres of paved parking, a walking track, and a disc golf course.

This is a 24 month process with work currently being done on the topographic area. Construction documents will be next with a bid process to get the work done. A stream buffer permit, erosion control, and land disturbance permit will also be required.

It may be as late as October of next year before the contractor will be ready to move dirt. PCPRA said in the meeting that it will work with the schools so work being done at the facility with not affect game schedules.

PCPRA will be receiving $1.9 million in federal funding through the federal government’s Community Development Fund to address local safety concerns and infrastructure improvements. Childress said that the baseball/softball complex’s electrical infrastructure was in need of repair due to safety issues with old wooden poles and outdated technology that had become an unpredictable financial burden for PCPRA.

Congressman Brian Jack worked to deliver this federal investment to the county that was signed by President Trump on February 3, 2026. “I am honored to deliver a $1.9 million federal investment from the Trump Administration in infrastructure and safety improvements at Pike County’s ball fields to support the next generation of athletes from our community,” said Congressman Jack. “Professional athletes like MLB’s Hunter Strickland and Tristin English began their careers in Pike County, and this investment will enable the next generation of athletes to flourish and proudly represent our community and Congressional District.”

Childress called this federal funding “a healthy and financially responsible use of federal funds that would work to take weight off of Pike County taxpayers.”

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