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Architects outline community engagement plan for Ward D multipurpose recreation center
Summary
City-contracted architect Cooper Carry presented a community-engagement-first approach for the Ward D multigenerational recreation center, proposing May public meetings and outreach aimed at seniors, youth and residents with disabilities and using VR tools for youth engagement.
City-hired architect Cooper Carry presented its public-engagement and project timeline for the planned Ward D Multigenerational Recreation Center at the April 21 East Point City Council meeting.
Sofia Tarkin of Cooper Carry described a four-phase process — investigate, illuminate, innovate and implement — that begins with fact-finding about the site and surrounding properties, moves into broad community engagement and culminates in design development and construction documents. Trevor Thomas, the team's community engagement lead, said the firm will mix digital and in-person methods, including QR-coded surveys, staffed engagement stations and virtual-reality tools targeted at children as part of STEM-related program planning.
Parks and Recreation Director Mr. Pickett told the council the city and consultants have tentatively scheduled two community engagement sessions for May 8 and May 13 and will emphasize outreach to three priority groups: seniors, youth (including STEM elements) and residents with exceptional needs. Pickett asked council members to help publicize the meetings and said staff will also do targeted outreach to senior centers and other community locations.
When asked about schedule, Cooper Carry estimated roughly a one-year design phase and 18to22-month construction timeline, noting those are dependent on project size and approvals. The team said construction documents and contractor bidding would be expected to occur in 2026 under the current preliminary schedule.
Mayor Idina Holliday Ingram and council members praised the proposed outreach approach and emphasized flexible meeting times, assisted engagement for seniors and accessibility for people with disabilities.
The council did not take a vote on the project tonight; staff will confirm community-engagement dates and return with further scheduling information and a proposed outreach plan for council review.
