DeKalb committee approves grant applications for lake and park improvements, including Pleasantdale and Toby Grant Park

Parks staff presented multiple grant applications and substitute resolutions seeking committee approval to apply for state and federal resources. The package included a GOSP (Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program) application and a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF/LCWF) application to fund dam safety, fishing piers, boardwalks and trail connectivity at Exchange Park, Chapel Hill Park and Arabia Mountain, and a separate LCWF application to build recreational amenities at Toby Grant Park.

Staff explained the county is a subrecipient to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and that the GOSP funds are federal in origin: "The GOSP is federal. We're subrecipients to the Georgia DNR, which is the state," a parks presenter said. Commissioners discussed match requirements, environmental and historical reviews required by federal grants, and the importance of showing countywide trail connectivity to improve awards. Commissioner Patrick flagged Pleasantdale Park as the only park in unincorporated District 1 and welcomed its inclusion in the application.

For Toby Grant Park, staff described planned outdoor recreation improvements including pickleball courts, a new playground and pavilions; the committee approved that LCWF application as well. Committee members asked staff to return with more detailed plans on trail connectivity and indicated they would approve grant applications and matches so the administration can submit grant materials to the Georgia DNR.