08/27/2014
(Cleveland)-The Outdoor Therapeutic Program (OTP) property north of Cleveland, has a new name. During Monday’s county commission meeting the commissioners voted to re-name the property “ Yonah Preserve”. The name is to represent the nearby White County landmark Yonah Mountain and the protective nature of the property.
Following a detailed report from a committee appointed to look at ways to utilize the property, that the county has leased from the state of Georgia for recreation purposes, Commissioner Terry Goodger recommended to the board they change the name to Yonah Preserve.
Goodger said, “ OTP is not necessarily the best reference to that, it’s not one we want to stick on that property.” He told his fellow commissioners, “ Yonah is a fitting term to be used, in the preserve, the preserve is to keep the existing as a natural treasure making it lasting for future generations and to protect it while allowing public use.”
White County Community and Economic Development Director Tom O’Bryant presented to the commissioners a final report from the site study committee that contained recommendations about the current resources available, staffing and maintenance of the facility, and the possible uses, such as multipurpose trails, archery and shooting range.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner said, “ we have a responsibility to the citizens not to let this collect dust,(referring to the committee report), the citizens elected us to get something done.” Turner also said, the commissioners will be looking over the exciting options and the funding sources, such as grant funding from SORBA and other groups.
The commissioners have directed County Manager Mike Melton to research options for getting a bridge across Tesnatee Creek so the property can be accessed from the current recreation park.
