Meeks Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the North Georgia Mountains. It is located about one (1) mile west of Blairsville on Highway 515, and is open to the public. The park was established in 1992 and named after Bill Meeks and is the crown jewel of the Blairsville-Union County Recreation Department.
Meeks Park consist of three sections: Meeks 1, Dog Park, & Meeks 2. Meeks 1 features 4 Baseball Fields, 2 Softball Fields, 4 batting cages, T-ball Field, Utility Field, Splash Pad, Community Pool , 2 Playgrounds, 4 Tennis Courts, Skate Park, Basketball Court, 4 Covered Pavilions, 4.62 Miles of Walking Trails, and the Appalachian Sculpture Project. The Dog Park across the street from Meeks Park 1 by North Georgia Technical College & the Senior Center features over a mile of trails, a fenced in off-leash area, two pens, clean-up bags & a state-of-the-art doggie drinking fountain! Part of the Dog Park side includes Disc Golf. Enjoy a beautiful and challenging 18-hole disc golf course. Designed by John Nisewonder, it features both open and wooded holes on mixed terrain that satisfies the player who likes to air it out as well as test his/her technical abilities. Play from either the short or long tees. Meeks Park 2 offers a Canoe/Kayak Launch Pad, Adult Exercise Area, Grist Mill Water Wheel, Hiking Trails, and Fishing on Butternut Creek & Nottely River.
James W. Dobson, Jr.
James W. Dobson, Jr. was honored during one of the opening ceremonies. Jim was the son of the late James Walter and Tennie Gillespie Dobson, and a native of South Carolina, but lived most of his life in Blairsville, Georgia. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Blairsville. Jim received his B.S. degree from Clemson University and a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia. He was associate professor emeritus of agronomy and former superintendent of the University of Georgia Mountain Experiment Station (now called the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center). Jim retired from the station in 1991 after 38 years of service. He devoted his life to family and public service. Rest in peace, Jim!
Evan Clyde “Cuz” Bruce
Clyde Bruce was also honored in a local park ceremony. He was born May 10, 1938 in Union County, the son of the late Willard Bruce and Winnie Ann Odom. He was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Clyde was a member of Young Cane Lodge #597, worked for the Tennessee Copper Company and for 12 years worked within the Union County Recreation Department. Clyde was a loving husband, father, brother, stepfather, and grandfather and a member of New Union Baptist Church. Clyde was very proud of Meeks Park and kept the park in pristine condition. We miss you, Clyde!
Ab and Grapelle Colwell
Meeks Park II property belonged to Ab and Grapelle Colwell. Union County was home to Ab and Grapelle Colwell for their entire lives. They were devoted citizens who never traveled far beyond its boundaries, with the exception of a tour of duty Ab served in France and Luxembourg during World War I. Along with his brother, Arthur Colwell, Ab managed the West End Service Station for several years. Grapelle devoted her life to being a homemaker and full-time mother to A.C., Max, Jack, and Dottie. Their children and grandchildren believe that Ab and Grapelle would be very pleased that the property they purchased in their beloved Union County many years ago has been preserved as recreational “green space” for many people to enjoy as an extension of Meeks Park.