Lyons Gives Hurricane Recovery Update
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Lyons Mayor Willis Ne-Smith Jr. and City Manager Jason Hall recently sat down to discuss the Hurricane Helene relief efforts within the city, as they explained that several projects are currently underway.
“A lot of this is long processes because we have to clear things with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management continued from page
Agency) to ensure that we will get refunded for the work,” NeSmith emphasized. “It may seem like we aren’t doing anything, but we are trying to make sure we do it the right way.”
Hall added, “Ultimately, we want to build back better.”
Several of the structures which the city currently working to repair are the Calloway Center, Big Green Monster, and Park Bathrooms at Partin Park, the Lyons City Gym, and several trees and road damages.
During Hurricane Helene, the Callaway Center sustained significant damage. “From the outside, the damage appears superficial, including repairs needed for the roof and walls. However, once we had structural engineers examine the building, the true extent of the damage was revealed. The large tree, combined with hurricane- force winds, has compromised the building and caused damage throughout its structure. Our latest estimate for repairs is close to half a million dollars,” Hall explained.
In an effort to preserve this building dedicated to a local legend, the Council is currently discussing whether to repair the structure or to completely rebuild it. Even if the structure is rebuilt, Hall and NeSmith assured that the facility would still bear the name of late Coach Anson Callaway, as they plan to continue to keep his memory alive throughout the park.
The Big Green Monster – another essence of Partin Park installed by the late Coach – will also be rebuilt and replaced, even if it is not the original wood structure. The structure, which mimics the infamous wall at Fenway Park in Boston, is set to be rebuilt with a concrete footer and metal vertical structures, which showcase beloved slogans like “Family First” and “We Love Kids.”
“It will be built with stronger materials so it can weather future storms,” NeSmith remarked. “We understand that everyone wants to see the Big Green Monster back up, but we want to make sure that we do it right.”
Partin Park hosts thousands of visitors each year, but bathroom space has always been a challenge amidst the rolling slopes of the park. The renovation of the main bathrooms located behind the park offices in 2023 has proven to be successful; however, it is still not enough. Hurricane Helene destroyed the bathroom facility adjacent to Field Four, and the cost to repair it exceeded the cost of rebuilding.
The City Council is currently exploring options to expand the bathroom facilities near Field Four and to replace the small bathroom facility next to the Soap Box Derby Ramp, which also needs demolition and replacement. Current plans include constructing a larger bathroom facility adjacent to the NeSmith Birthday House to serve the entire upper portion of the park.
The men shared that alternate uses of space and materials are also being considered when rebuilding the structure. “We recently had an interesting conversation with a modular bathroom construction company about expediting construction and providing stronger buildings that can withstand future use and storms. The council believes this is worth considering,” Hall added, NeSmith stated that in these efforts to rebuild these facilities, the City is using the opportunity to discourage vandalism within the area, as they install AI-equipped cameras and tag readers throughout the park to monitor who is entering and exiting the region.
“These projects are all ongoing and are either in the design phase or installation phase as we speak. Our commitment to the park remains unwavering during this recovery phase in Lyons. Making our park user-friendly and safe is imperative, and we believe that taking the time to make the right decisions is worth the extended timeframe,” he continued.
Unfortunately, the Lyons City Gym, located at the corner of E. Oglethorpe Ave. and N. Lexington St., experienced the most damage during Hurricane Helene and now must be removed. The current Lyons City Gym is awaiting demolition, as the City works with an asbestos removal company to clear the building a demolition company to remove the structure.
When discussing what was the best way to handle the situation, the Council agreed that the gym should not be rebuilt in the same area, as the area has become more residential and no longer has a school nearby. Parking has also been a struggle at the gym’s current location, and freeing up the space will allow for more affordable housing to be placed in its location.
The City plans to move the gym closer to one of the recreation centers to enable more efficient use. Those plans are still being formed.
Several trees within Partin Park are also set for removal in the coming months, as the city works to ensure that children may safely play at the park’s facilities. “Several years ago, the city conducted a tree study in Partin Park, which identified trees that posed concerns due to damage, disease, or their location. Each year, the city removes a portion of these trees. Hurricane Helene, in particular, uprooted over 100 trees from the park and damaged many others,” NeSmith shared. “The council is currently working on a plan to reevaluate the remaining trees and develop a strategy to remove problematic ones. Additionally, they aim to replace the tall pines with sturdy, slower-growing hardwoods. We are committed to 'building back stronger,' and while this process can be challenging, it ultimately benefits the community. Over the next few years, we hope to see fewer exposed roots, leveled play areas, and ample shade for park visitors. Although we may plant trees that we may never sit under, future generations will benefit from our efforts.”
The City is also working through millions of dollars of road damages from the hurricane, but is awaiting help from FEMA to fund the projects. A recent paving project to reinforce the shoulder of Bulldog Road, along with the repaving of a heavily traveled street, has been awarded, and work is expected to begin this winter.
Overall, the city ensures that it will help rebuild the community after last year’s storm, and to ensure that these structures are strong enough to withstand future storms. They are also working with Toombs County to create a new emergency management plan to help the City handle any further weather catastrophes as smoothly as possible.
In these efforts to prepare for the future, the city is purchasing generators for their water and sewer supplies, as they assure that citizens will not be without water for an extended amount of time again.
“We are doing all we can – it may be a slow process, but we are going to get everything done. We just want to do it right,” NeSmith emphasized.
ROAD DAMAGE – The City of Lyons is working with FEMA to receive funding to repair roads damaged during Hurricane Helene.
BIG GREEN MONSTER – The Big Green Monster structure at Partin Park will be rebuilt with stronger materials to help it withstand future storms.
