Cochran Park, Henry County, Georgia

Background

Cochran Park in Stockbridge, Georgia, is a flagship facility managed by Henry County Parks and Recreation. Spanning 20 acres, it features eight lighted baseball fields, batting cages, a 0.4-mile paved walking/jogging track, pavilions, concession stands, and a handicap-accessible playground. The park serves a large youth and adult baseball/softball community, including travel teams, recreational leagues, and local tournaments. However, limited space and high demand during peak seasons created long wait times for batting practice, restricting the number of quality reps players could take.

Challenge

Traditional batting cages occupy large footprints (often 40' × 14' or more per cage), limiting how many hitting opportunities could be added without sacrificing field space or requiring costly expansions. Parks staff needed a way to increase training access while maintaining safety and supporting both baseball and softball programs.

Solution

In 2025, Henry County installed six Beast Hack modular hitting stations at Cochran Park. Each station requires only a 10' × 10' area, allowing four stations to fit in the same footprint as one conventional batting cage. The units feature adjustable heights, quick baseball-to-softball mode switches (under 30 seconds), and a unique ball assembly that provides instant swing-path feedback to help players self-correct and train toward power alleys and center field.

Implementation

The permanent uprights were secured in concrete for durability in a public park setting. Installation was straightforward, with minimal disruption to ongoing park activities. Coaches and players quickly adapted to the stations, using them with tees, front toss, or live pitching.

Results

• Significantly increased simultaneous hitting opportunities, up to six players training at once without overcrowding.
• Reduced wait times for batting practice, leading to higher participation rates in local leagues and faster skill development for youth players.
• Positive feedback from park staff and users: the compact design maximized existing space, and the feedback mechanism helped players improve swing mechanics more efficiently.
• Positioned Cochran Park as a forward-thinking facility; staff noted plans to explore additional Beast Hack options (including pickleball integration) to further enhance multi-sport offerings.