The Chehaw Park Authority was created by the Georgia Legislature in April, 1979 to operate and manage Chehaw Park and Zoo. This board consists of nine members that are appointed by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Albany, Dougherty County, and Lee County. The Authority is considered a “public corporation and instrumentality of the State of Georgia” that is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the Park. Although the Authority holds title, the property is only to be used for the benefit of the public and for governmental purposes. It meets at Chehaw on the third Monday of every month in an open meeting setting.