SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – Effingham County’s Baker Community Park, formerly Baker Lake Park, is set to reopen with a grand opening from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 10, following nearly a year of extensive renovations.

The $580,487.45 playground project, awarded to Newnan-based PlaySouth Playground Creators, is part of broader upgrades aimed at creating safe, modern, and age-appropriate play spaces. The new playground will feature three play structures for ages 6–23 months, 2–5 years, and 5–12 years, 8,800 square feet of poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing, engineered wood fiber mulch, and 12 shade structures with benches.

Beyond the playground, improvements include upgraded restrooms, four pickleball courts, asphalt parking areas, ornamental fencing along Courthouse Road, a kayak launch, fishing pier, resurfaced walking trail, wider boat ramp, and a dedicated dog park. 

“Our parks are more than just open spaces. They are the heart of our community, where families meet, children play and neighbors connect,” Effingham County Commissioner Beth Helmly said. “Baker Community Park will be safe and welcoming for everyone. It caters to a lot of interests.”

Baker Community Park, located at 224 Courthouse Road, is Effingham County’s second-busiest park, trailing only the Clarence E. Morgan Complex in visitor traffic. Effingham County officials also plan further renovations at Clyo Community Center, Meldrim Memorial Park and Pineora Ball Park, including upgraded field lighting to improve safety and accessibility.

For more information about Effingham County parks, visit Parks & Landscape Services | Effingham County, GA.