Former Cumming Police Headquarters to Become Pocket Park and Event Parking

A longtime government property near downtown Cumming is being remade as a small public park and an expanded parking area serving the Cumming Fairgrounds.

The former Cumming Police Department and Municipal Court building on Castleberry Road was demolished in July after police and court operations moved to their new home at Cumming City Center. The older building had served the city for more than five decades, first as Cumming City Hall and later as the headquarters for the police department and municipal court.

Rather than selling the property for private development, the city plans to retain part of the site as public green space. Plans call for a pocket park, an eventual walking trail and a picnic pavilion, creating a quieter community space beside one of Cumming’s busiest event districts. (Facebook)

The remainder of the property will be rebuilt as additional parking for visitors attending the Cumming Country Fair and Festival and other events held throughout the year.

Cumming City Council approved a $658,110 proposal from Jasper Grading in June for demolition and construction of the parking area. Three other proposals ranged from approximately $929,000 to more than $1 million. The council approved the lower bid unanimously.

The project continued moving forward in July, when the council considered construction quotes for the Castleberry Road park pavilion. Council members unanimously approved the latest phase during their July 21 meeting.

The change represents a modest but practical expansion of Cumming’s public spaces. The site sits across from the fairgrounds, where large events regularly create heavy demand for parking, particularly during the annual fair, Independence Day celebrations and seasonal festivals.

At the same time, preserving a portion of the property as a park prevents the entire former civic site from becoming pavement. The walking area and pavilion could also provide a year-round gathering point when major events are not underway.

The redevelopment follows the broader relocation of municipal services toward Cumming City Center, where the city’s newer police and court complex opened earlier this year. That move freed the Castleberry Road property for a use more closely connected to recreation and public events.

A completion date for the park and pavilion was not included in the city materials reviewed. Once finished, however, the former police headquarters will have shifted from a closed government building into a public space supporting both everyday visitors and some of Cumming’s largest annual gatherings.

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