ATHENS, ALA. — After sitting unused for over a decade, a former Pilgrim’s Pride plant site in Athens, Ala., will become a local park.

Pilgrim’s Pride shut down its poultry operation on Pryor Street in 2009. The 32-acre property is nearby Athens State University and downtown Athens.

The City of Athens said in a press release on Facebook that it has been negotiating the purchase of the property with Pilgrim’s Pride for several years. The city and the poultry processor reached an agreement, making way for plans to build a splash pad and an all-inclusive playground on the deserted land, which will soon be known as Sunrise Park.

“We had a dangerous eyesore in the middle of our city that will become a destination spot for families and tourists and an asset for Athens,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said.

The city hopes to complete the first phase by spring 2024, transforming the poultry plant into a playground and splash pad complete with parking, bathrooms and shade structures.

Following phase one, the city plans to add a dog park, amphitheater, green space, a food truck area, Singing River Trailhead and retail mixed with residential on the west side.

Funding for the project comes from a $250,000 grant from Dekko Foundation and $1 million from the city’s General Fund 2021 surplus. Additionally, the Limestone County Legislative Delegation has awarded nearly $29,000 in community grants toward the project. The Athens Ladies Civitan has donated $2,500 and is discussing a second donation. Local developers have donated about 20,000 cubic yards of dirt valued at $1.08 million.