Turning onto Wilson Road in Riverdale, one would think a new housing development is going up.

However, the construction activity taking place is designed to benefit the entire city as the site will soon be home to Riverdale Regional Park.

Riverdale City Engineer and park Project Manager Karl Kelley said the first phase of the development, which includes more than eight acres of a planned 22-acre project, will include a 250-foot youth baseball field, a youth football field complex, additional parking, a perimeter walking and jogging trail that will tie into the Camp Creek Greenway, a pavilion, a concession stand and a picnic area.

In addition, the park will feature two playground areas, one with equipment designed for children ages two to five and another for youngsters ages five through 12.

According to Kelley, the concession stand will overlook the football field complex.

“The first phase of this project would also include repairs to Wilson Road,” Kelley said.

“We are looking for the first phase of this development to be completed Aug. 1 and, right now with the mostly nice weather we have been having, we are ahead of schedule.”

Phase II of the development will include an additional walking trail, a 300-foot youth baseball field plus other amenities.

However, no firm date has been established to start the second phase, Kelley said.

When completed, the Riverdale Regional Park will be the first full-size park in the city.

The city’s previous park is now home to Riverdale City Hall and the Riverdale Town Center.

It was important to include the youth athletic facilities as part of the regional park, Kelley said.

“With Riverdale not now having any full-scale athletic facilities, our young players are now going to play in programs in Clayton County and even Fayetteville,” he said.

“It’s a quality of life issue for our families and their children because we want our youngsters, and those from other areas, to again play organized youth sports activities here in Riverdale and not go elsewhere,” Kelley said.

Riverdale Councilman An’Cel Davis toured the development last week with Kelley and said it is one of the most exciting developments with which he is associated.

“This development is much needed in our city and is just another of the many attractions we have that is giving Riverdale added notoriety, not only in Clayton County but on the southside,” he said.

“Thanks to Karl and the others associated with this project, we are ahead of schedule and, when this park is finished, it will be another shining light for our city.”