In Bill Fearns' opinion, whoever designed Diamond Lakes Regional Park "should get a gold star."

Diamond Lakes Regional Park features four fully-stocked fishing ponds. Above, Deon Barbar and Lillian Wells, 2, try to entice a pair of Canada geese to eat some crackers. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

With its concession stands, children's play areas and numerous ball fields, Mr. Fearns, a Bluffton, S.C., slow-pitch softball team manager in town for a tournament recently, said he was envious of such a well-maintained park.

"It's gorgeous," said his wife, Sandy. "It's an absolutely beautiful facility."

The Fearns are among thousands of sports enthusiasts who have visited Diamond Lakes Regional Park and enjoyed the nearly 300 acres of outdoor activities and lush green surroundings.

People flock to the park, off Windsor Spring Road in Hephzibah, for good reason, said park manager Darrell Bennett.

"It's like a one-stop shop for recreation needs," he said.

The park's initial phase of development, which included the construction of 10 baseball and softball field complexes, was completed in November 1999.

Surrounded by a thick forest, a man tries his luck fishing at the lake at Diamond Lakes Regional Park. Thousands of sports enthusiasts frequent the park and its many features, including fishing ponds, ball fields and walking tracks. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

Its new community center, which opened in September, has also been "very well received," Mr. Bennett said. The park has also sold about 1,200 annual passes, which allow pass holders to play racquetball, exercise on the indoor walking track and work out on fitness equipment, he said. There is also a public library.

But it's the athletic fields that seem to be the biggest attractions, he said.

"Any couple of nights during the week, we're going to have all 10 fields going," Mr. Bennett said.

In 2006, the park scheduled 42 weekend baseball and softball tournaments, he said.

Donald "Cap" Capitosti, a tournament director with the United States Specialty Sports Association, often runs softball and baseball tournaments at Diamond Lakes Regional Park.

Out-of-towners from throughout Geogia and South Carolina visit the park to play ball, he said.

Diamond Lakes Regional Park features indoor and outdoor walking tracks and playgrounds. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

"It's a very popular place," Mr. Capitosti said. "Well-maintained, well-run, well-supervised, and it's clean."

Hephzibah resident Frank Jefferson, 51, likes to take his grandson, Dajaun Collins, 3, to watch ball games at the park.

But Mr. Jefferson visits the park five days a week to walk around the outdoor track for an hour each morning.

The park is a "good place to get the day started," he said.

With more homes being built in the Augusta area, Mr. Jefferson said he expects the park will serve plenty of people.

Diamond Lakes Regional Park features a five-field adult baseball/softball complex and five-field youth baseball/softball complex. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

"I know it's going to be even bigger," he said of the park.

In the future, park management would like to add soccer fields, a tennis complex and camp sites to the property.

Officials also would also like to turn the three-mile Augusta International Speedway road course on the property into a walking and biking track, Mr. Bennett said.

Reach Kate Lewis at (706) 823-3215 or kate.lewis@augustachronicle.com.

About the series

Many will come to Augusta this week to enjoy a world-class golf tournament. But where do Augustans and their guests go the rest of year? Where do they spend their time, relax and enjoy their community? This week we look at some of those places: a confidential look at our town.

Sunday: Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Monday: James Brown's statue
Tuesday: Al's Restaurant
Wednesday: The Riverwalk
Thursday: Julian Smith Casino
Friday: Savannah Rapids Pavilion
Saturday: Flea markets
Sunday: First Tee