Event Coincides with official turnover of Dunwoody Parks
WHAT: Tour of the Dunwoody Parks and Press Conference to discuss parks and unveil new park signage. Conference will be held at Brook Run Park. Press is invited to participate in the tour. Dunwoody City Council and Staff will announce official turnover of Dunwoody Parks. City staff and new Parks and Recreation Manager to discuss plans for Dunwoody Parks.
WHO:
Ken Wright – Mayor
Denis Shortal – City Council Post 1
Adrian Bonser – City Council Post 2
Robert Wittenstein – City Council Post 4
Danny Ross – City Council Post 5
John Heneghan – City Council Post 6
Warren Hutmacher – City Manager
Michael Smith – Public Works Director
Brent Walker - Parks and Recreation Manager
WHEN: Today
Monday, June 21, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE:
9:00 a.m. Brook Run
4770 North Peachtree Road
9:15 a.m. Windwood Hollow Park
Lakeside Dr just off Peeler Road (near the DC Water Works)
9:30 a.m. Perimeter Center East Park
Off of Perimeter Center East.
9:40 a.m. Dunwoody Park/Dunwoody Nature Center
5321 Roberts Drive
10:00 a.m. Vernon Oaks Park
Vernon Oaks Drive and Vernon Springs Drive
10:25 a.m.
Donaldson Bannister Farm
4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
10:50 a.m.
Brook Run (Press Conference Location)
4770 North Peachtree Road
WHY: The City of Dunwoody is excited to announce the official turnover of Dunwoody parks from DeKalb County and discuss the future for the properties.
MORE: Lunch is provided for all attendees courtesy of Roadworx. For more information please visit the city website at www.dunwoodyga.gov or call the main office at 678-382-6700.
PHOTO OPPS: Available throughout the tour and conference.
3 comments:
I had my first look at one of the new signs while driving by the Donaldson farmhouse on Cham-Dun this morning. I was disappointed in the sign - it seemed well, tacky? Are these permanent signs?
I have heard and forwarded another complaint to the city regarding this specific sign causing a sight line problem and it will be reviewed. I believe these are just temporary signs in place until which time the branding campaign is done and a formal city sign platform is created.
DeKalb Champion Article
Seven former DeKalb County parks became Dunwoody property last month, as city officials marked the 165-acre handover by pledging to make several improvements.
Mayor Ken Wright, one of several officials who toured the parks last week, called it an “exciting day” for Dunwoody. “We’re officially in charge of our parks,” he said.
Fixing run-down buildings and defunct amenities are now on the new owners’ to-do list.
In an e-mail to The Champion, Dunwoody Councilmember John Heneghan, who lives near Brook Run Park, further outlined short- and long-term visions for the green space, which include playgrounds, skate parks and dog runs.
“Public safety is my first priority for the Dunwoody parks, whereby the city is doing a full assessment of the facilities and making a punch list of immediate repairs that need to be done.
“Namely locking up the dilapidated buildings at Brook Run, inspecting all playground equipment and restrooms, and then making repairs to the broken facilities like the drinking fountains that were inoperable,” he said.
Several residents have complained that parks were in constant disrepair while under DeKalb County control.
“I would like to see additional benches placed in the parks where they are sorely needed and other cost effective short-term improvements that will have a direct improvement on the quality of enjoyment of those visiting the facilities,” said Heneghan. “After all of that, a City Parks Master Plan and needs assessment needs to be done to see what the community wants us to do next.”
The ongoing process of transferring ownership has strained city and county relations. A March ruling by the Georgia Assembly gave Dunwoody the right to buy land at $100 per acre.
DeKalb officials lobbied for a deal closer to “fair market value,” seeking to recoup maintenance expenses. However, there has been no indication whether the county will take further legal action.
The dispute mirrored an earlier battle between Sandy Springs and Fulton County, with the Georgia Assembly ruling in the city’s favor.
Dunwoody will also receive a $7.5 million bond–funds earmarked for parks maintenance. Wright said this will go toward funding a strategic parks master plan catering to public input.
The city has hired a new parks and recreation manager, Brent Walker, whose appointment was announced the same day Dunwoody assumed ownership of the parks.
“Walker has had a strong record of achievement over the course of his career. He possesses a commitment to not only meet the high expectations of our citizens, but exceed them,” said City Manager Warren Hutmacher, in a press release. “We are thrilled to have him join the Dunwoody team and look forward to developing first-rate parks and recreation in the coming years.”
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