City to consider plan to improve Thomson Park

The much-discussed city park plan is expected to take another step forward as Gaffney City Council members consider a plan today to improve Thomson Park.

According to city officials, the plan calls for new restrooms to be built and for the installation of new playground equipment.

Two of the park's four tennis courts will be refurbished. The remaining two will be removed, city officials said.

The cost of the Thomson Park project is $92,500.

Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly, who will miss today's meeting, said he supports the expenditure.

"It's to enhance the quality of life for our citizens," he said.

In the future, council is also expected to consider upgrades to other parks, including Park Place, where preliminary plans call for on-site parking and new restrooms.

Council also hopes to transform Irene Park into a skate park. Irene Park is now a youth baseball field. It will cost the city about $142,000 to build the skate park.

The city plans to fund its park plan with the hospitality tax, which is generating about $700,000 a year. The H-tax is a surcharge on prepared food.