Inset photo: Leah McDowell takes first shot at new basketball goal. Pictured left to right, Brady Brunson, Robert Brunson, Hoyt Patterson, Leah McDowell, Heath McDowell, Denver McLain and Heather McDowell. The City of Damascus has just completed a recreation facility funded with SPLOST monies. The facility includes a ballfield and a multi-purpose tennis/basketball court.

"Thousands of dollars could have been saved if this had been completed some years ago," stated Mayor Heath McDowell. "So far this project has cost us $69,000."

The rec complex was originally one of the projects on a SPLOST referendum approved by voters in 2000. Construction was begun on the ballfield, but the project got delayed when city officials could not account for the SPLOST monies. It was determined the monies went into the general fund instead of the rec park which was approved by voters.

Damascus voters eventually ousted those city officials, however, and the new mayor and council has been striving to get the city back on track financially.

The new city officials held a series of three public meeting to determine how to spend the SPLOST monies. "The monies were actually restricted to the construction of the park, however," McDowell noted.

McDowell stated they hoped to be able to build a concession stand at the park.

In addition, the property at the corner of 200 and 45 where McDowell Garage once stood has been donated to the city by the McDowell family for a park.

"We hope to eventually get some benches and playground equipment for the park." he stated. It will be named McDowell park.

In addition to Mayor McDowell, the new Damascus council consists Kevin Tabb, Hoyt Patterson, Robert Brunson and Connie McDowell.