A ribbon cutting Friday marked the opening of the first phase of Gill Park near Fleming.Located on Freedman Grove Road at Beasleyville Road, the park is named for lifelong residents Joseph Fillmore Gill Sr., and Bedie Haymans Gill.Liberty County commissioners, Recreation Department Board members and employees as well as members of the Florencie Bacon and Gill families, who helped secure the eight acre site, attended.The first phase includes a playground and pavilion for gatherings.LCRD Director Jimmy Martin said it took 20 years to find the right location.“There were several times that we thought a place was locked down, but for various reasons it slipped away,” he said as he thanked the Gill family. “I think those were good things because ultimately it came to this site, and it turned into a great site for a park.”“Nothing was more thrilling than to drive by this park and see children already playing in the playground part,” commission Chairman Donald Lovette said. “That gives you the confirmation that you are doing the right thing.