Parks Improvements in District 6

As many of you have experienced, 2001 Bond park projects were held up in order to focus on the 2005 Bond program.  District 6 is now able to move forward on your 2001, long awaited park improvements.  Highlights:

Kittredge Park, off N. Druid Hills Road in Central DeKalb

The last community meeting of the Friends of Kittredge Park was held in July to review the master plan for renovation and upgrades.  This project is going slower then anticipated due to a new requirement to map the floodplain.  The Watershed Department and their contractors are helping us accomplish this task so that ground breaking can be scheduled.

The remaining District 6 Bond funds from 2001 will provide for Phase I implementation that includes improvements at the entrance, benches, re-vegetation, trash receptacles, bike racks, and an eco-plan for the stream buffer restoration in the open area.  Replacement of the bridge is included and will be paid for in part with federal FEMA funds.  Phase 2 is in line for new park money and includes the Johns family homestead site/observation area, a nature preserve, and playground. I have asked the Parks Director and the CEO’s office to prepare an agenda item so that the Board of Commissioners can approve the Plan and have an historic document to track the planned improvements.

Fork Creek Mountain Park, off River Road in South DeKalb

I participated with the community in three meetings to develop a comprehensive plan for this beautiful property with its unique natural and historic resources.  I am working with the County Parks and Recreation staff to set up the community meeting to present the final plan.  Watch for the date on my website calendar.  We now have to look for funds to implement the improvements.

Intrenchment Park, off of Bouldercrest Road, inside I-285 in South DeKalb

Meetings continue with parks staff and various groups who are interested in Intrenchment Park improvements to include undisturbed greenspace, trail for horseback riding, a future PATH extension, and space for the remote controlled airplane club to fly their creative model airplanes.  There is not enough bond money in this account to accomplish much so I am looking for partnerships and we hope to establish a Friends of the Park group through our new Park Pride program.

Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis, off of Bouldercrest Road – outside I-285, in South DeKalb

The long awaited renovation of Sugar Creek Clubhouse is now ready to move forward.  The decision was made during evaluation of the existing structure, and with community input, to build a new Clubhouse with updated amenities rather than trying to renovate the existing structure.  This has increased the cost and delayed the work.  However, the final plan is now ready to be adopted by the BOC.