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Council approves $4.5 million city donation for new gym at Chastain Park under MOU with Northside Youth Organization
Summary
Council approved a memorandum of understanding and a city donation of up to $4.5 million from park impact fees to support construction of a new gym at Chastain Park; the nonprofit Northside Youth Organization will match with approximately $14.5 million in philanthropic funds and operate youth programming.
The City of Atlanta approved an MOU and a city donation of up to $4.5 million in park improvement funds to the Northside Youth Organization (NYO) to support construction of a new gym at Chastain Park.
Deputy Commissioner Rachel Meyer of the Department of Parks and Recreation told the council NYO has provided youth athletic programming for more than 70 years and serves roughly 5,000 youth annually. Under the agreement, NYO will construct and maintain the gym, offer community benefits including free baseball clinics and scholarships, and dedicate hours in the new facility for city programming.
Meyer said the $4.5 million city donation will be matched by approximately $14.5 million in philanthropic dollars raised by NYO. The department attempted two RFPs to select a gym constructor but was unable to secure a bidder; the MOU and donation were presented as an expedient path to completion while codifying NYO’s obligations and timelines.
Councilmember Matt Westmoreland moved to amend the legislation to add Councilmember Norwood’s name as cosponsor; the amendment passed and the council then approved the MOU and donation as amended. The final vote was 7‑0 in favor.
The MOU term includes a five‑year initial term with one five‑year renewal option; NYO will be responsible for regular maintenance and community‑facing programming obligations spelled out in the agreement.
