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Committee hears parks and recreation updates; members press for additional rec capacity and park-locking consistency
Summary
Staff reported ongoing park bookings, summer programming demand, and park closing/locking procedures; committee members raised requests for additional park equipment, consistent lockup hours and long-term consideration of a second recreation center.
Stonecrest staff provided updates June 11 on parks operations, summer programming demand and park locking; committee members pressed for staffing adjustments, equipment needs and long-term capital planning for recreation facilities.
Deputy city manager and parks staff reported that park bookings are increasing, staff are coordinating opening and closing times (noting typical close times around 8–9 p.m.), and summer sports and programs are in operation with strong demand. Committee members asked staff to ensure consistent opening and locking schedules across parks and to adjust staff schedules as necessary.
Committee members also raised programmatic needs, including additional equipment for kayaking and programming at Everett Park, and emphasized public demand for youth recreation. One committee member urged the city to begin capital planning for a second recreation center on the city’s east side, citing growing use and overcrowding at the existing facility.
Why it matters: Parks and recreation capacity affects summertime youth programming, public-safety supervision of public spaces and equitable access across the city. Staff said a smaller new park project on the Stonecrest–Lithonia line is proceeding through design and contract phases and will widen pathways and add sidewalks as part of construction.
Ending: Staff committed to provide follow-up information about park-lock schedules, summer program capacity and equipment needs, and to place large capital requests such as a second recreation center on future agendas for planning and budgeting.
