Project Detail

Johns Homestead Dam & Park Renovations

Johns Homestead Dam & Park Renovations

Johns Homestead Dam & Park Renovations

Overview

Project Overview

Because of the history associated with John’s Homestead Park (JHP) and the City of Tucker’s commitment to preserving this vital park, it has become necessary to replace the failing dams at Twin Brothers Lake. Along with the Friends of JHP, the City and County conducted a lengthy study to understand the issues and propose solutions. The city applied for and was awarded a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) grant. This grant will provide funding for the replacement of the upper and lower dams and significant renovation of the park. The project will provide new access, parking and improved trails within the park along with addressing the safety concerns surrounding the dams and side channel.  (This does not include any work on the homestead site.) 

DESCRIPTION:

This project will restore proper drainage from the surrounding wetlands and lakes heading downstream, which will provide an improved environment for the wildlife in and around this historic park. It will also provide exciting new features, including dock/overview, new access with bridges and at the dams, parking, and bird blinds. The dam replacement/rebuild portion of this project will also protect surrounding homes and property from possible dam breaches, lake failures (channel) and flooding.

OBJECTIVES:
  • Rebuild two currently failing and unsafe dams and restore normal stream flow.
  • Add a new overlook/dock on the west side of the lower lake for park goers, fishing and bird watching.
  • Improve the access to the park from the surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Improve the trails by replacing/adding new bridges at stream crossings.
  • Add additional parking to increase accessibility to the community.
  • Improve the wetlands and lakes to increase the sustainability of the surrounding wildlife.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
  • Community Meeting and Public Presentation – July 2022
  • Council and Public Presentation – August 2023
PROPOSED PROJECT FUNDING/COST ESTIMATE:
  • Department of Natural Resources, GOSP Grant – $2.5 M
  • City of Tucker CIP (Matching) Funds – $1.3 M
Documents
TImeline

Project Timeline

  • Project initiation – May 2021
  • GOSP Grant application – Oct 2021
  • Contract for JHP Design and Engineering – May 2022
  • Public Presentation/Information – July 2022
  • GOSP Award and Agreement Signed – September 2022
  • Council and Public Presentation – August 2023
  • Bid documents complete and published – July 2024
  • Construction Contract award – October 2024
  • Construction begins – Winter 2025
  • Project completion – Spring/Summer 2026
Updates
Project Status (Jan 2025):

This project has been issued the Notice to Proceed to construction.  There is a preconstruction meeting on January 8, 2025 and community update meeting scheduled for January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm at Tucker City Hall.

Construction will begin in the next few weeks, February 2025.