Briarwood Recreation Center to Get Facelift

Relocation of the playground, replacement of the doors and flooring in the lobby, and an update to the handicap ramp are among upgrades that will be part of a new phase of renovations at .

"We’re giving the old center a facelift," said Ravonda Moody, project manager for DeKalb County Park Planning and Development. "We’re not fixing every single thing, but you’re going to walk in and feel some newness."

Additionally, Moody said, the Briarwood Recreation Center Renovation Project will include the following upgrades: 

• New fire protection system
• New security system
• New faucets
• Repair of all skylight boxes
• New sign for the park with ornamental lettering
• Changing the railing

"I’m very excited," said DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon. The community room has been on the agenda for a long time. The playground has been one of the other big issues that parents were concerned about. This is great news."

Gannon, who represents District 6, said this second phase follows last year's upgrade to the center's gym. She said the project had to be done in two phases because the money wasn't available to complete the projects simultaneously.

Also, included in the plan is the resurfacing of the pool, which had to close last year because of draining issues, she said.

"Watershed is working on the issues, and it’ll all be ready to go for this summer," Gannon said.

Moody said she expects the renovations to take between 90 and 120 days following the start of the work. Bidding for the project is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 9 at the Briarwood Recreation Center at 2 p.m. Members of the public and anyone who intends to bid on the contract are invited to attend.

The project will be financed with park bond money, but the total projected cost of the renovations were withheld while the bidding is pending.