Shalour Pickett, East Point’s parks and recreation director, said the department is planning a suite of upgrades in FY26 that include installing electric-vehicle charging ports, continuing playground and inclusive-equipment improvements, and completing renovated restroom and pavilion amenities at several city parks.

The announcement came during an on-site presentation at Center Park, where Pickett described recent and upcoming projects and emphasized accessibility and safety measures. "Very excited about FY26. We have a lot of new upgrades that we're looking to do to a lot of our green spaces and parks," Pickett said.

Pickett outlined specific projects scheduled or underway. Charging ports are planned at high-traffic park locations to serve visitors who drive electric vehicles, with initial reference to Sykes Park, Sumner Park and Brookdale Park. The department is continuing work to upgrade playgrounds with inclusive equipment; Pickett said Ranton Park is an upcoming playground project and that design work is under way to upgrade the historic rose garden at Sumner Park.

At Center Park, Pickett said renovations are nearly complete and staff are awaiting a few remaining amenities, including seating and grills. The department added new paths and walkways to improve access to the park. "We also added a brand new playground that's good for all children between the age 2 and 12," Pickett said, and noted the recent addition of a pavilion behind the play area.

Pickett described work at Brookdale Park that included a full renovation of an old restroom, resolving long-standing sewer issues with the city water department and installing a new ADA-accessible bathroom. The department planned to connect power to the restroom and stripe the parking lot with new handicap designations and markings. At Sykes Park, Pickett said crews have installed new walk paths to pavilions, refurbished pavilions for rental, added picnic tables and barbecue grills, and are planning an outdoor fitness center. He estimated Sykes Park spans about 15 acres and includes multiple bike and walking trails.

The director said the city will add power to pavilions to support rentals and that Officer Rose, a park ranger accompanying the presentation, will help secure the spaces once renovations are finished. Officer Rose described park safety responsibilities and encouraged visitors to call 911 in an emergency and to "see something, say something."

Pickett said the projects began in the spring and cited weather-related challenges but said the department is preparing for a grand reopening once remaining work is finished. No formal votes or council actions were recorded during the presentation; Pickett framed the remarks as a project update to the public.

Details on funding sources, exact installation schedules and the number of EV chargers per park were not specified during the presentation. The department did identify collaboration with the city water department on sewer work at Brookdale Park.