Work on new Anniston park to get underway

Anniston city officials say construction could begin next month on the cities new Community Wellness Park, a planned trail and park complex between 13th Street and 17th Street. Meanwhile, within the next two weeks the city hopes to hire a full-time economic development consultant.  According to City Planner Toby Bennington work on the Wellness Park is moving along as expected. The city will bid out the project in August and then the contractor will have 90 days to complete it.   The city had announced in April it would build the Wellness Park and pay for it with $437,000 in Community Development Block Grants.  The goal of the park is to offer improved health and fitness opportunities for residents. It will feature exercise equipment and a wide trail to accommodate runners, walkers and cyclists. The park could also one day link up with the final 7 miles of the Chief Ladiga Trail, once the city extends it into downtown.  In addition to improving the community's health, the city is working to improve the area's retail offerings and tax base.  City Manager Brian Johnson said he expects to hire an economic developer for the city in the next two weeks. Johnson added that once the consultant is hired, that person will likely start work within 30 to 60 days.

The developer's main job will be to help revitalize the city by bringing in retail and commercial business, creating jobs and tax revenue in the process.