East Point officials, residents outline community role in Microsoft-funded pocket art park

Parks Director Shalourd Pickett and consultant Arian Hornsby on Jan. 5 laid out a condensed community engagement plan for the Microsoft‑funded East Point Pocket Park, saying digital and in‑person surveys will inform a shortlist of artists and lead to a mural paint day and an estimated March installation.

The presentation, led by Hornsby, emphasized a three‑phase approach: a community input survey hosted by 9 Dot Arts via Microsoft Forms, shortlisting of artists, and a public mural paint day. "We're really working on a pretty tight timeline," Hornsby said, adding the team aims to gather both digital and printed responses and to produce a compiled recommendation for the advisory committee and city council.

Residents who spoke during public comment welcomed the park but pressed for specifics. "Is this park a definite? Is it started construction? Is this a written part of the community benefits agreement? Who keeps up the park and for how long is that agreement for upkeep?" asked Dr. Lauren Murrette, an art teacher who requested that schools be added to in‑person outreach so students can participate without incurring bus costs.

Pickett said the parks maintenance team will handle upkeep and that the park was designed for low maintenance, including plantings and the sculpture. He confirmed the city is working to include local schools in outreach and said 9 Dot Arts will host the survey and provide paper copies for pickup the morning following the online launch. "Our park service team will be spreading their wings… we'll be maintaining this space," Pickett said.

Council members asked how the engagement would ensure neighborhood representation, particularly from Ward D where the park will be located. Hornsby said the consultant expects to collect about 100 survey responses (digital and in‑person) and will record respondents’ ward locations though the survey will not be weighted by ward; staff pledged targeted outreach and an in‑person meeting at the nearby soccer park to increase Ward D participation.

Pickett asked for council assistance recruiting volunteers and board members for public arts review; several council members committed to filling vacancies on arts and advisory boards. The council did not take any formal vote on the park itself during the meeting; staff said the survey results will be presented to the advisory committee and council for a community‑informed artist selection.