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Troup County took the next steps to move forward with a potential public-private partnership to develop portions of Pyne Road Park.

About two months ago, the county received an unsolicited proposal to develop parts of Pyne Road Park. Lovejoy Capital proposed a deal where they would invest upwards of $46 million to build 30-plus cabins and other camping-style rental units within the park, along with other attractions to bring people to the park.  

The proposed attractions include a hedge maze, a canopy walk, an inclusive playground and expanded bike and hiking trails. 

At the previous commissioners meeting on Dec. 3, the county passed a resolution that created guidelines for public-private partnerships. The guidelines set what the county would potentially be able to do at the park.

On Tuesday, the county officially accepted and discussed the unsolicited proposal from Lovejoy Capital.

The county did not enter into a contract to develop the park, only accepting the proposal. 

The proposal will now be posted for 90 days to allow other companies to submit competing proposals.

“If we receive any competing proposals, we will reevaluate those side by side and bring them before [the commissioners] and bring the top proposal to potentially enter into a contract,” County Manager Eric Mosley said.

Any developments at the park would also have to be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the proposed amenity concepts go along with the goals of the park’s master plan to bring people closer to nature.  

The proposed public-private partnership agreement would have Lovejoy funding the improvements at the park. They would then be able to operate and receive revenue from cabin rentals and other amenities in the park. For its part, the county would receive a percentage of those revenues along with increased hotel-motel and sales taxes as well as other benefits to increased tourism for Troup County.