Governors

Commission on the City of Brookhaven

PARKS AND RECREATION

11/7/2012

Committee Report
A report containing the Executive overview, data on the current inventory, condition, and uses of the parks and recreational

facilities, as well as other considerations, for the City of Brookhaven.

Table of Contents

Governors Commission on the City of Brookhaven

OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 ACTIONABLE ITEMS & CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 NEXT STEPS: PARKS AND RECREATION TIMELINE .............................................................................................................................................. 3 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 KEY ISSUES ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 CITIZEN AUDIT REPORT .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 PROCEDURE .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES WITH COUNCIL DISTRICTS MAP ..................................................................................................................... 6 HIGH LEVEL SUMMARY OF PARK ACREAGE AND FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................. 7 PARK AMENITIES AND PROXIMITY MAPS Community Centers .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Recreation Centers .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Pools ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Soccer .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Tennis .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Playgrounds .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Football ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Basketball ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Baseball .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Multi-Use Sports Fields ................................................................................................................................................................... 18 INVENTORY AND CONDITION SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 INVENTORY DETAILS MATRICES ................................................................................................................................................................... 22 HIGH PRIORITY CAPITAL MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 30 HIGH PRIORITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 44 KNOWN AGREEMENTS AND RELATIONSHIPS ................................................................................................................................. 49 FACILITIES BROOKHAVEN PARKS DO NOT CURRENTLY POSSESS .................................................................................................... 50 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS CITIZENS PARK ADVISORY COUNCIL (CPAC) .................................................................................................................................................. 51 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 51 CO-CHAIRS' CLOSING STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................................. 52

Parks and Recreation

OVERVIEW
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Committee prepared this report to assist the governing authority in identifying critical start-up and operational requirements. The Committee recognizes that the operation of the parks cannot be a top priority in the City's first 90 days. However, the Committee encourages the elected officials to establish a Parks and Recreation Department early in 2013 due to the complexity and needs of the City of Brookhaven parks and to demonstrate their commitment to meet community expectations for improvement in our parks.

Page 1

Actionable Items & Considerations

Critical Action Items Determine the Parks & Recreation (P&R) annual budget Design organization structure to position P&R as a department reporting directly to the City Manager Objectives Assist new city officials in capturing financial requirements National and local best practices Citizens expect Parks to take a prominent role in life of City To purchase the parks as soon as reasonably possible in order to address safety concerns and improve maintenance of parks To avoid further deterioration and neglect Establish a leadership role with direct line to City Manager This date will be basis from which all other deadlines will be determined. See Timeline. Supporting Rationale Considerations Costs/ risks of not acting

Resources and Priority items could potentially be subordinated if under other department Complexity of requirements of diverse population Evaluate cost/benefit of continuation of DeKalb services Consider the seasonal nature of pools

Determine Parks acquisition date

Search and hire Full time P&R Director

Parks are a priority for the citizens Parks are in a deplorable state

Oversee the short term contract with DeKalb to ensure delivery of contractual services Gain a thorough understanding of the parks facilities and programs Begin RFP process for city services Parks have been neglected and are in deplorable condition

Conduct Safety & Code violation inspections

Provide accurate data upon which to make capital maintenance and improvement decisions Leverage the energy and knowledge of the Committee volunteers and members of the "Friends of the Parks" groups Create vision for City of Brookhaven Parks Create opportunity for community input and stakeholder input

Protects city from potential liability Cost savings in long run

Approve the development and structure of a Citizens Park Advisory Council (CPAC)

"Friends of the Parks" groups have been advocating safety and maintenance concerns

Reference Other Considerations page 51

Initiate the RFP for the Brookhaven Parks Master Plan

National and local Best Practices Citizens expect to see their needs addressed

Length of time from Master Planning to implementation is approximately 9-12 months

Urgent Contract Issues: Bond Referendum Briarwood Park Playground Brookhaven- DeKalb Service Center Obtain documents and complete understanding of these issues. These are existing IGA's Brookhaven Park per county tax records is 2 parcels

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Next Steps: Parks and Recreation Timeline

Date
December

Responsible Party
2012

Actions
Approve Parks and Recreation budget, timeline and reporting structure Approve Parks acquisition date Negotiate and oversee DeKalb County contract for Parks & Recreation (to include DeKalb Services Center at Brookhaven Park)

Governing Authority

February 1

Governing Authority

2013 Executive Search for Parks & Recreation Director Review and approve job description defined in the Scope of Work document Search for full time Parks and Recreation Director Design organizational structure to position Parks and Recreation as a standalone department reporting directly to the City Manager Start date for Director Conduct safety and code violations inspections Identify and prioritize capital maintenance projects based on code violations, citizens' audit and own park inspections Initiate RFP for Brookhaven Parks Master Plan Approve the development and structure of a Citizens Park Advisory Council (CPAC) Identify organizations / contracts: Identify current organizations' contractual agreements & expiration dates Identify groups using parks requiring contractual agreements Identify groups using parks not requiring contractual agreements Identify programming at Recreation Centers provided by current staff or outsourced

April 1

Governing Authority

May 1

Parks & Recreation Director

MaySeptember June 1

Parks & Recreation Director Parks & Recreation Director

Develop Park Ordinances for approval by Governing Authority Design, purchase and install proper signage in parks Identify potential revenue sources Identify cost saving opportunities Develop Agreements with potential partner organizations

June Aug

Governing Authority

Start date for Citizens Park Advisory Council (CPAC) Request, review and award RFP's Prepare for "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" with branding, signage and trash receptacles identifying our New Beginning. Purchase Parks Award RFP for Master Plan Secure all facilities with new locks "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" 2014 Begin search for P&R Supervisor/Assistant Implement Master Plan

August 31 August 31 September 1 January 1 April 1

Governing Authority Parks & Recreation Director Governing Authority P&R Director Governing Authority

Page 3

Key Issues
Acquisition of parks before September 1, 2013 is overly optimistic. It is unreasonable to expect a newly formed City to undertake the operational resources necessary to run all 11 parks, 3 pools, 2 recreation centers and 1 tennis center. P&R Director needs sufficient time to gain a thorough understanding of the parks facilities and programs and to begin the Master Planning process. Urgent Contract considerations must be completely understood prior to acquisition negotiation.

Summary
The driving impetus for many Brookhaven "yes" voters was the parks. The 270.8 acres across 11 parks are in complete state of neglect and disrepair. At this moment, Friends of the Parks groups, along with countless other volunteers, are eager to support the City of Brookhaven. It is essential that the city take the critical steps to determine the P&R annual budget, design the P&R organization structure, determine Parks acquisition date, hire an expert P&R Director, conduct inspections and begin the Master Planning process. With the leadership of the elected officials and citizenry involvement, it is a new beginning and brighter future for the City of Brookhaven parks.

The following section, Citizen Audit Report, provides accurate detailed information to the Governing Authority of the City of Brookhaven regarding the inventory of components and the condition of the city parks.

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CITIZEN AUDIT REPORT

Purpose
To provide accurate detailed information to the Governing Authority of the City of Brookhaven regarding the inventory of components and the condition of the city parks.

History
The Governor's Commission created the Parks & Recreation committee. The committee consisted of 9 individuals: Kim Gokce (Commissioner Co-chair), Sue Binkert (Citizen Co-chair), Chad Boles, Terrell Carstens, Wayne Fell, Tom Reilly, Karen Spitz, Elizabeth Werdesheim, and Karen Whitehead. The members of the Citizens Park Audit team included: Co-leaders: Sue Binkert & Karen Whitehead; Tim Able, Shane Boyer, Trey Boyer, Terrell Carstens, Julie Colan-Koriakin, Cass Connor, Joan Dillon, Jim Dupree, Dale Ellison, Wayne Fell, Mari Garner, Buddy Hechenbleikner, Walter Magnusen, Tom Reilly, Karen Spitz, Elizabeth Werdesheim, Donald Woodruff, Mark Zamora.

Procedure
A Citizen Park Audit team was established consisting of 20 Brookhaven citizens. The Citizen Park Audit team logged in over 500 hours auditing the park and found significant disrepair and safety concerns. This group was tasked with identifying inventory of components and condition of the existing 11 parks. Teams of two were assigned various components: activity areas, amenities, grounds maintenance, nature/environment, organized sports areas, playground areas, security and personal safety, structures, and trail system. The audit was created with detailed modules with predefined criteria. This design ensured accurate, objective and complete information. The completion date of the audit was October, 22, 2012.

Page 5

Parks and Recreation Facilities with Council Districts

Page 6

High Level Summary of Park Acreage and Facilities

The City of Brookhaven consists of 270.82 acres of parkland across 11 parks. The parks are concentrated in 3 districts: 1, 2 & 3. There are no existing parks in District 4.

Park Ashford Blackburn Briarwood Brookhaven Clack's Corner Fernwood Georgian Hills Lynwood Murphey Candler Parkside Skyland Total Acreage

Address 2980 Redding 3517 Ashford Dunwoody 2235 Briarwood Way 2660 Osborne Rd 1410 Cartecay Dr Fernwood Rd 2800 Georgian Dr 3360 Osbourne Rd 1551 W. Nancy Creek Dr Dresden/Apple Valley 2630 Skyland

Zip 30319 30319 30319 30319 30319 30319 30341 30319 30319 30319 30319

Acreage 3.00 49.50 18.00 21.15 .20 6.97 7.00 17.00 135.00 2.00 11.0 270.82

District 2 1 2 3 3 3 2 1 1 3 2

District # District 1 District 2 District 3 District Total Acreage

Number of Parks 3 4 4 0 11

Total Acreage 201.5 39.0 30.32 0 270.82

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High Level Summary of Park Acreage and Facilities

The 11 parks contain the following facilities: 2 Community Centers: Ashford **, Murphey Candler (Not open) 2 Recreational Centers *: Briarwood, Lynwood 3 Swimming pools & bath houses: Briarwood, Lynwood, Murphey Candler 1 Tennis Center building with 18 courts: Blackburn 8 Playgrounds: Ashford, Blackburn, Briarwood, Brookhaven, Georgian Hills, Lynwood, Murphey Candler, Skyland 2 Organized sports athletic complexes: Blackburn , Murphey Candler 14 Baseball/Softball fields 2 Football fields 1 Lake with dock: Murphey Candler 2 not adult regulation size Soccer Fields: Blackburn 2 available (not locked) Restrooms (not in recreation centers/sports complexes) 22 Picnic Shelters: Ashford, Blackburn, Briarwood, Brookhaven, Georgian Hills, Lynwood, Murphey Candler, Skyland

* Recreational Centers have a gymnasium and organized programs run by county ** Community Centers have private companies/individuals providing programming

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Park Amenities and Proximity Maps

Community Centers

Page 9

Recreation Centers

Page 10

Pools

Page 11

Soccer

Page 12

Tennis

Page 13

Playgrounds

Page 14

Football

Page 15

Basketball

Page 16

Baseball

Page 17

Multi-Use Sports Fields

Page 18

 Governors Commission on the City of Brookhaven Inventory and Condition Summary

Inventory & Condition Matrix
Park Name Ashford Inventory Multi Sports Use Fields Baseball/Softball Fields Soccer Fields Football Fields Tennis Courts , Other "Tennis Center" courts Outdoor Basketball Courts 1 2 G 0 0 0 0 18 6 VG, 12 P 0 0 0 2 0 1 P/not reg size 0 2 F 0 0 0 0 0 2 F 0 0 0 0 0 1 P 0 0 0 0 0 1 F/not reg size 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 G 1 P 0 0 0 2 F 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 F 0 0 0 0 0 2 G 2 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 P 12 VG 0 0 1 P 0 0 1 P 0 0 5 10 18 28 Not regulation size, Ashford not usable 2 2 Not regulation size: 1 8x8, 1 16x16 14 5 Lynwood- soccer, volleyball & softball Poor (P) Fair (F) Good (G) Very Good( VG) Blackburn Briarwood Brookhaven Clack's Corner Fernwood Georgian Hills Lynwood Murphey Candler Skyland Parkside Total Condition: Notes


Park Name Recreation Center Pool & Bath House

Ashford 0 0 Community Center Building Tennis Center Building Parking Lots Spaces Picnic Shelters/Pavilion M & W: Restrooms accessible M & W: Restrooms not accessible 1 G 0 1 1 24 1 F 1 F 0 4 316 1 F 0 0 closed 0 1 G 1 P 2 50 3 P,F,G 0 0 1 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 P 0 0 0 0 1 G 0 0 0 Blackburn 1 P 0 0 0 1 8 2 F 0 0 Briarwood 0 0 0 0 3 66 12 P-F 1 P 2 1P 1F* Brookhaven 0 0 0 0 6 350 1 F 0 0 Clack's 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 0 0 1 P 1* P 0 0 0 Fernwood 0 Georgian 1 P-F 1 F 0 0 Lynwood 0 0 0 Murphey 0 0 Skyland 0 Parkside

Total 2 3 1

Parks and Recreation

Notes

* Caretaker's home, not in use 1 19 22 2 4 * 1 Under football stadium closed. * Brookhaven Closed

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Park N ame Trails Walking Biking

Ashford Blackburn Briarwood Brookhaven Clack's Fernwood Georgian Lynwood Murphey Skyland Parkside Total

Parks and Recreation

0 0

1 G 1 G 1 P 1 P 0

1 P 0

1 F 0

0 0

1 P 0

0 0

1 G 0

1 F 0

1 P 0

0 0

7 1 8 14

Playground Structures

2 P 0

1 P 1 P 0

1 F 1 G 1 G 0

2 P 1 P 0

2 F 1 F 0

3 P 1 P 0

2 G 1 P 0

Open Grassy areas

1 G 0

Community Garden

Lake with dock

1 F 1 F

Fishing

Nature & Environment Natural Area % Erosion Lakes Streams/Creeks Invasive Plants English I vy Poison I vy & O ak W isteria Privet Kudzu Mimosa Bamboo

40-50 0 0 0 N

25 Y 0 0 Y Y Y N Y N N N

50 Y 0 1 Y Y Y Y Y N N N

40-50 N 0 1 Y Y Y N Y N N N

0 N 0 0 N

90 N 0 1 Y Y Y N Y Y N N

5 Y 0 1 Y Y N N Y N N N

10 Y 0 1 Y Y Y N Y N N N

60 Y 1 1 Y Y Y N Y Y Y N

50 N 0 0 Y Y N N Y Y N N

100

Y Y Y N N Y N Y

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 Governors Commission on the City of Brookhaven Inventory Details Matrices

Brookhaven Park Audit Results Inventory Details Matrix- Pools* Lynwood Age/Year built Pool size(SF) Pool depth(feet) Lane lines Kiddie Pool Splash pads/water features Diving Boards Bath House inside showers outside showers Shaded area Pool Safety: Lighting Fencing Perimeter Lifequard chairs Safety Signs Furniture: Tables Chairs Chaise lounges Picnic tables Bleachers * At the time of audit, all pools were closed/locked 3 4 10 2 1 N N 1 1 1 Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y 1 Y N N Y 2700 5200 3900 10'6" N N Y 1 Y N N N Murphey Candler Briarwood

Parks and Recreation

Multi-Use Fields

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Multi-Use Fields
as of October 22, 2012 Murphey Lynwood Candler Skyland Park Park Park 1 1 1 N N N Y Y Y 4 Y Y 2 N N Y N N N N Y Y N N N N

Fields Lighting Fencing Backstops Goals Bleachers Benches Trash Receptacle Water fountain

Blackburn Park 1 N

Brookhaven Park 1 N N 1 N N N Y N

Baseball/Softball

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix- Baseball/Softball
Blackburn Murphey Candler

Fields Lights Bases Backstop Lined Bleachers Concession

2 Y 0 2 0 Y N

12 Y 12 12 12 Y Y

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Parks and Recreation

Soccer Football

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Soccer
as of October 22, 2012 Blackburn Park

Fields Lights Lined Goals Bleachers

2 N Y 4 Y

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix- Football
as of October 22, 2012 Murphey Candler

Fields Goal Posts Lined Bleachers Lighting

2 4 Y Y Y

Page 24

Parks and Recreation

Basketball

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Basketball
as of October 22, 2012 Brookhaven Park Georgian Hills Lynwood Park Lynwood Rec. Center 1 Briarwood Rec Center

Courts Outside Courts Inside Lights Hoops Nets Lined Bleachers

1*
N

1*
N

2 N 4 4 Y N Y 2
2

N 2 2 N N

N 2 2 N N

Y Y

1 Y 2 2 N N

* Non regulation or non standard size/shape

Page 25

Tennis

Governors Commission on the City of Brookhaven Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Tennis
Blackburn Tennis Center as of October 22, 2012 Murphey Lynwood Candler Skyland Park Park Park

Briarwood Park

Ashford Park

Courts Nets Lights Lined Fencing On court Benches Score Posts Waste receptacle Center/Pro shop Awning/Gazebo Bleachers Picnic tables Outside benches Water fountain Bike rack Table & chairs

18 18 Y Y Y 36 18 18 Y 3 6 14 14 1 0 3 & 12

2 2 N Y Y N N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 Y Y N N 2 N 2 4 2 N

2 2 N Y Y 4 N N 1 0 2 0 0

2 2 N Y Y Y N Y N 0 N N 2 N N N

2 2 N Y Y N N N N 1 N 4 2 N N N

Playgrounds

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Playgrounds
as of October 22, 2012
Ashford Park Blackburn Park Briarwood Park Brookhaven Park Lynwood Park Murphey Candler Skyland Park Georgian Hills

Equipment: Toddler
Equipment: Elementary

Fitness Equipment Sandbox Mulching Fencing Perimeter Restrooms Water fountain Parking

1 1 N 1 <1 Y Y Y Y

1 N N <1 N Y 1 Y

2 N N <1 N N N Y

1 N N <1 N N 1 N

1 1 1 <1 N N 1 Y

1 2 N N <1 N Y N Y

1 1 N N <1 N N N Y

1 1 N N <1 N N N N

Recreation and Community Centers

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Recreation and Community Centers
as of October 22, 2012 Murphey Briarwood Ashford Candler Park Park Park *

Lynwood Park

Gymnasium Kitchen All purpose rooms Function Hall Game Rooms Restrooms
*Caretaker Home

1 1 1 1 1 Y

1 2 1 Y

N 1 1 N Y

N Y Y Y N Y

Trails

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Trails
as of October 22, 2012 Blackburn Park 1.65 miles 150FT 1.65 miles Y Y limited 2 Brookhaven Park 2300 FT .5 mile N N N N N 11 1 1 2 Murphey Candler Park 1.2 miles 5400 FT N N Y N Y 4 2 Y Y Lynwood Park 1.2 miles Skyland Park 425 FT 250 FT N N N N N

Paved Unpaved Fitness Bike Signage Lined (paved) Interconnected (PATH) Benches Dog waste stations Trash Picnic shelters

N N N 5 1 5 2

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Structures/Related Amenities

Governors Commission on the City of Brookhaven Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Structures/Related Amenities

Ashford Park

Blackburn Park 1 N 2 Y N N 1 1 2 4 lots/316

Briarwood Park 1 4 N 1 N Y 1 N N 1 51

Brookhaven Park 3 16 2 4 N N 4 Y 2 1 7

Fernwood Park

Georgian Hills 1

Lynwood Park 2 7 N 3 N Y

as of October 22, 2012 Murphey Parkside Skyland Candler Park Park 1 10 5 14 2 4 N 3 N Y 8 N 3 1 1 N N 1 0 10

Shelters Picnic Tables Grills Trash Water Access Bridges Fenced Perimeter Restrooms-exterior Portable Toilet Entrance Signs Parking spaces

1 4 1 4 N Y 1 Y 1 1 22

1 N

N N

N 0 0

1 3 lots/66

2 7 lots/350

Parks and Recreation

Amenities

Brookhaven Park Audit Results

Inventory Details Matrix - Amenities
as of October 22, 2012

Size-acres

Ashford Park

Blackburn Park

Blackburn Tennis

Briarwood Park

Brookhaven Park

Clacks Corner

Fernwood

Georgian Hills Hills

Lynwood Park

Murphey Candler

Parkside

Skyland Park

Benches Trash receptacles Picnic tables Table/chair sets Bleachers Drinking Fountains Water spigots Bike racks Flag pole Dog waste station Monuments Grills Park Legend Bulletin/Notice Board

3 10 10 2 N 2

49.5 10 29 5

3 1

14 12 14 3/12 6 1

18 3 5 2

21.1 14 3 3

0.2 4

7 2 4 4

17 11 13 2

135 6 26 10

11 5 3 4

1 1

2 9 1 4 1 5 1

1 1 1

2 2 1 1

2 2

2 2

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Governors Commission on the City of Brook High Priority Capital Maintenance Considerations
This is a representative sampling of the capital maintenance considerations, not a comprehensive list. GENERAL MAINTENANCE:

Trash pick up Remove invasive plants Regular edging, mowing, blowing and shrub maintenance Remove approximately 12 dead trees in Murphey Candler along streets, trails playground Remove obstacles from trail edges, playgrounds, etc. for safety

STRUCTURES Drainage: Most water fountains inoperable Exposed rebar by picnic area at Georgian Hills Deep hole at Brookhaven near water fountain Exposed pipes at Ashford near old basketball court

Cliff drop off" at Ashford old Basketball court area

Erosion:

Page 31

Retaining Walls: Retaining wall giving way by pool at Murphey Candler Retaining wall crumbling away near Blackburns Ashford-Dunwoody parking lot Retaining wall crumbling by basketball court at Brookhaven

Bleachers/stairs: Inspect/repair bleachers at Blackburn Repair railing on stairs to ball fields at Blackburn Repair crumbling stairs at Briarwood & Georgian Hills

Sidewalks: Repair and Replace

Page 32

Picnic Shelters: Paint, structural repair and pad repair needed

Restrooms: Paint and repair existing structures to later be replaced in master plan Provide portable facilities in parks where no facilities exist

Page 33

Benches: Paint and structural repair required

Picnic tables: Repair, Repaint, Remove dilapidated

Page 34

Bridges: Inspection/repair of one bridge in Brookhaven Repair loose boards on two large (metal) bridges in Murphey Candler

Fencing: Inspect fencing in all parks for safety issues Provide fencing on dangerous slope in Blackburn Determine if fencing is needed at Fernwood, either repair or remove damaged fence

Page 35

ACTIVITY AREAS Recreation Centers: Paint inside rooms Repair Restrooms

Tennis Courts Repair cracks and replace nets where needed

Page 36

Playgrounds: Mulch to appropriate depth Checks for hazards on equipment Paint and repair Provide lines of sight through undergrowth for safety Eradicate poison ivy Remove rotting railroad ties to avoid all hazards

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Page 38

Trails: Mulch or gravel trails as appropriate Inspect for tripping hazards on concrete Eradicate poison ivy and oak along trails Cover/fill well-hole opening along trail in Brookhaven

Page 39

Pools Check for efficient operation, maintaining dependability and expense control

Page 40

Multi-Use Fields : Aerate and overseed Reopen closed fields for community access (Lynwood , Skyland, & Blackburn)

Page 41

Basketball courts: Replace torn and missing nets Remove stones from Ashford unusable (no goals) basketball court

PARKING LOTS Inspect for regraveling Repair severe potholes at Brookhaven Provide handicap access where possible until Master Plan

Page 42

SAFETY Incorporate Crime Prevention through environmental design (Trails at Blackburn, playgrounds, etc.) Homeless living in forests in Brookhaven and Briarwood Electrical on Trail/walkway Blackburn Remove any gang / or other graffiti Lighting

Page 43

High Priority Capital Improvement Considerations

Locks replaced in all facilities Temporary Park Name (City of Brookhaven) signage Park ordinances signage Park Facility Maps Recreation area signs and flashing yellow lights in streets at park entrances/exists Inspect streets for visible crosswalks and pedestrian signs for motorists New dog waste stations New trash cans New park benches

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Trash Cans, Benches & Grills:

Grills by picnic shelters. Most rusted out or gone.

Page 48

KNOWN AGREEMENTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

PARK/LOCATION Blackburn Tennis Center Blackburn Blackburn Blackburn Lynwood Murphey Candler ORGANIZATION Universal Tennis Academy North DeKalb Youth Soccer Association Cowart YMCA PATH* Latino Youth Soccer Association Colt Youth Football Little League Baseball* Murphey Candler Girls' Softball Association Ashford Ashford Civic Association** Julie Colan-Koriakin/ Executive Director CONTACT Stuart Russell/Managing partner CONTACT INFO 770-451-1061 4055 Spalding Dr. Atlanta, GA 30350 julie@ymcaatlanta.org

* Formal agreements not available to committee ** No formal agreements. Ashford Park Civic Association uses Center for private agreed upon programs.

Page 49

FACILITIES BROOKHAVEN PARKS DO NOT CURRENTLY POSSESS

Dog Park Grass Amphitheater Regulation Soccer Fields Volley Ball Courts Sand Volleyball Courts Rock Climbing Skateboard Park Racquet Ball Courts Bocce Ball Courts Golf Course Miniature Golf Putting Green Games: Shuffleboard, 4 square, Frisbee Area, etc.

Page 50

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Citizens Park Advisory Council (CPAC)

The Committee proposes that a Citizen Park Advisory Council be formed for the purpose of acting as a liaison between Brookhaven citizens and the Parks and Recreation Director. The suggested start date is September 1, 2013 or the parks acquisition date. A proposed organizational structure is as follows:
3 representatives from each Council district appointed by the District Council person 1 representative from each of the Friends groups 1-2 from community at large appointed by District Council person 1 Mayoral appointee

Maximum total members = 13 (3x 4 districts=12 people + 1 Mayoral appointment)

Rotating appointments: Same as Council person Officers: Yearly officer election

President VP Secretary

Monthly meeting: Public is invited to all meetings. Public comments are taken quarterly. Parks & Recreation Director offers monthly updates to Council. Roberts Rule of Order

Additional Considerations:

Page 51

Public transportation options to parks Accessibility Programs at Recreation Centers Organized Sports Leagues Pavilion and Shelter Rentals

CO-CHAIRS CLOSING STATEMENT

The Parks and Recreation Committee of the Governors Commission on Brookhaven completed an incredibly large scope of work between September 29, 2012 and November 1, 2012. In one month, the Committee has documented a baseline of knowledge and reference material that will serve the City of Brookhaven well in the coming startup year. The successful completion of the Committees work would not have been possible without the dedication of its volunteers and the pre planning efforts of the BrookhavenYES Parks and Recreation Task Force. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the dozens of volunteers listed below that enabled the production of this report. Our Committees volunteers exhibited the best qualities of citizenship and work ethic. Collectively, they logged literally hundreds of hours and miles in gathering the data and analysis represented in this report. We also owe a debt of gratitude to resources of municipalities that agreed to be interviewed by Committee team members. Without the opportunity to leverage the expertise of professionals from the municipalities of Chamblee, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs the level of quality of this report would have been unachievable in the timeframe required. We would like to extend special thanks to Karen Whitehead, assigned Committee Expert, for her guidance during the Committee process. Lastly, we offer our thanks to the community of Brookhaven and the State of Georgia for giving us the honor and the opportunity of serving the City of Brookhaven. Respectfully Submitted, November 1, 2012 by Sue Binkert, Citizen Co-Chair Kim Gokce, Governor's Commission Co-Chair

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