Three weeks after tabling the matter, the Troup County Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement that permits Lovejoy Capital to seek federal approval for a proposed development at Pyne Road Park.
The agreement, approved on Tuesday, allows the developer to move forward in obtaining authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the land. Troup County leases the park from the Corps, and any development plans require the agency’s consent before the county can proceed.
The proposal, first introduced in September 2023, outlines a public-private partnership in which Lovejoy Capital would invest approximately $46 million into the park’s development.
The project includes constructing cabins and other camping-style accommodations, along with attractions such as a hedge maze, canopy walk, inclusive playground, and expanded biking and hiking trails.
The county has not committed to fully approving the development. Tuesday’s decision only allows Lovejoy to initiate discussions with the Corps to determine whether such amenities align with the agency’s objectives.
According to the LaGrange Daily News, the planned amenities support the park’s master plan and mission to encourage public engagement with nature.
Under the proposed agreement, Lovejoy would finance, build, and operate the new facilities. In return, it would receive revenues generated from cabin rentals and other amenities.
Troup County would benefit from a share of those revenues and see potential growth in hotel-motel and sales tax income, along with broader economic gains from increased tourism.
The vote followed a delay that occurred during the board’s April 15 meeting. At that time, a revised version of the agreement removed a claw-back clause requiring the county to pay $500,000 if it withdrew in bad faith.
Concerns about the change prompted County Attorney Mark Degennaro to recommend postponing the vote so he could assess the implications.
During the May 7 meeting, Commissioner Jamie Thrailkill expressed concerns about the project’s scale and its possible impact on traffic.
“My concern is, I don’t mind … I would like to see cabins or playgrounds or something like that going out there, but I am very concerned about the size of projects you want to do and what traffic it would bring,” Thrailkill said.
Responding to the concerns, Lovejoy Capital Managing Partner Murphy Talmadge said the final scope of the project would depend on financing and the outcome of a future feasibility study.
He noted that any final development plans would require approval from both the county and the Corps.
“But this is just an agreement needed to move forward with determining that,” he said. Talmadge also stated that overnight accommodations could reduce area traffic by decreasing the number of day-trippers returning to town.
The agreement passed with a 3-1 vote, with Thrailkill opposing. No final decision has been made on whether the development will ultimately proceed, as additional studies and reviews must still be conducted.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, this development may offer insights into public-private partnerships and strategies for balancing investment opportunities with community and environmental concerns.
The project also highlights how private entities can align their amenities with public park goals to gain regulatory support—an important consideration for those looking to expand or invest in outdoor recreation spaces on leased or regulated land.