Ribbon cutting held to celebrate county facility
Oconee Springs Park held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new event venue on May 5.
“This venue isn’t mine but y’alls,” said Susan Campbell, park co-manager, to the crowd. “We have had nothing more than overwhelming support to get to this day.”
The park has made the event venue building process a community effort since it began by posting updates as the venue came into completion. The event venue began construction in August of 2021. By November, the outer frame, the walls, roof and windows were being installed. Then, in February, the park published photos of the finished outside of the venue and the process of the inner furnishings. During the updates of the building, the park received nothing more than outpours of comments ranging from “SO EXCITED!” to “Finally!!!! That’s awesome!”
This excitement led to the long awaited ribbon cutting. During the ribbon cutting, a large crowd gathered to show an overwhelming appreciation for the venue.
“This is a great day for Putnam County. This is Susan’s dream…so when you look at this building, think of her. We are so excited for what she has done,” said Lonnie Campbell, park co-manager.
Susan Campbell designed the venue herself with multiple sketches. She worked heavily along the process of getting the new $500,000 event venue ready to be open to the public.
“A lot of people put time, effort and appreciation into this dream,” said Susan Campbell. “We hope Putnam County is proud.”
County Commissioner Bill Sharp, Commissioner Chair Billy Webster, County Manager Paul Van Haute and Commissioner Jeff Wooten cut the ribbon with Susan and Lonnie Campbell with grand anticipation for what the venue will become for the county.
“We can’t sing praises enough for the people standing here with me,” said Bill Sharp, commissioner of the third district, at the podium. “I’m so proud of this entire development.”
The new event venue is entirely enclosed with a large array of seating, a fireplace, and covered back porch with various seating arrangements. To the east of the building, near the lake, a wedding arch and chairs were arranged to offer the perfect lakeview wedding and reception area. The venue will now be available to host weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and a range of other events.