Panola Mountain State Park Master Plan - Stockbridge, GA

Pond developed a series of master plans for Panola Mountain State Park between 2007 and 2016. The initial Master Plan waned due to the recession, then DNR made an effort to develop business plans and master plans for many of the parks to be revenue generating self-sufficient entities, hence an update to the master plan in 2013. In 2016 a project that wasn’t expected to happen moved up and two dams were to be rebuilt which changed the future potential for a core area of the park, hence the return once again to the plan for the latest update. Because the Park is so close to Atlanta, DNR wished for the park to offer many opportunities for unique experiences and “gateway” recreation opportunities to allow people to test their abilities and interest in the great outdoors. The master plans call for numerous options for overnight and day use activities. From tree house and yurt “glamping” to rental Airstream trailers and hammock camping, the options to stay over night and test the different styles of camping abound. Across the upper lake from much of the camping is an expansive day-use area with large group and small group shelters, an major event lawn, and other activities all of which take advantage of the scenic rolling terrain and adjacency to the lakes.