City Secures Park Maintenance

There will be no lapse in maintenance to Brookhaven’s parks with the city’s takeover.

On Tuesday, the Brookhaven City Council authorized the city manager to enter into an emergency contract for a vendor to maintain the city’s 11 parks for the rest of 2013.

On Sept. 3, the city will assume control from DeKalb County of 11 parks within the city limits. This is two months earlier than initially planned.

The emergency contract ensures that crews will begin mowing grass, cleaning bathrooms, handling trash and providing continued upkeep to the parks starting on the morning of Sept. 3 immediately upon takeover from the county.

The city is now reviewing quotes from several vendors, but plans to finalize the details by the end of the week.

“Brookhaven residents value their parks. This will ensure that the city operates safe, clean and well maintained parks,” City Manager Marie L. Garrett said.

In late fall, the city will issue a request for proposals for a park maintenance contract for 2014.

The city manager is now interviewing the top five candidates for a parks and recreation director. Brookhaven launched a nationwide search for a parks director in early August and has since received more than 60 applications for the position.

The city’s public works department is in the process of conducting an assessment of all parks, including the condition of all parks, recreational buildings, playgrounds and other equipment. Brookhaven will then prioritize upgrades based on need and budget.

This report was prepared by the city and edited for publication.