Facilities team presents library landscape transition plan emphasizing sustainability, education and cost savings

DeKalb County Facilities Management presented a Library Landscape Transition Plan to the Operations Committee that seeks to modernize and sustain landscapes at the county’s libraries, prioritize native plantings, reduce chemical use, and expand outdoor education programming.

Rodney Rees, of the county’s Architectural and Engineering Division, and Jamie Rosenthal and Tim Rosenthal described the plan as a phased program that begins with updated RFP language, vendor training, and pilot projects at Chamblee and Clarkston libraries. Staff said many library landscapes were installed 25–30 years ago with only minimal updates and that modernized, sustainable landscapes could reduce maintenance costs and improve water quality and biodiversity.

Facilities staff described environmental and fiscal benefits: reduced chemical and water use, less frequent plant replacement, and opportunities to secure grants and outside funding to offset county costs. Staff noted $250,000 set aside from a previously passed “Fruitful Library” resolution had not been spent and could support initial work. They estimated phased improvements would cost roughly $30,000–$70,000 per library, including education and transition costs.

Committee members welcomed the focus on soil health, native plants and electric landscaping tools and asked for further details on budget and implementation sequencing. Facilities staff said two pilot installations are underway and that educational signage and community engagement materials are part of the plan. No formal committee vote was taken on the plan itself; staff will return with transition details for committee consideration.