Rec Center at Mason Mill Park Slated for Closure
DeKalb county officials are proposing the closure of the Recreation Center at Mason Mill Park as well as another county rec center and pool (not in the 30033 area). Officials comment that there is no money in the budget to keep these centers open and they could close as early as July 1st. The county commission is expected to vote on the closures at their June 22nd meeting.
For more details, see the AJC article at: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-wants-to-close-548035.html.
Mason Mill Park has, of course, been the recent focus of a major redevelopment plan (see details). I haven’t seen any mention about other elements of the park than the Recreation Center (for example, the dog park, tennis center, etc.) or heard anything about what this should mean with regards to the redevelopment.
06.17.10 UPDATE: Just received this press release from County Commissioner Jeff Rader regarding Mason Mill Park improvements:
Mason Mill Park
The county has officially selected a contractor for construction to improve the day-use area of Mason Mill Park (30033). The construction costs, not to exceed $2.1 million, will be funded by the county parks bond.The improvements include a full-scale play area, new dog park, relocated parking spaces, and improved storm water management. The day-use construction is the first phase of a $7 million master plan for the entire park. To see the plans for the day-use area and the entire park, see links at the bottom. The plans reflect the consensus of county citizens at five public meetings from September 2008 to February 2010.
In conjunction with the day-use renovations, PATH has contracted for a path over the railroad tracks in Mason Mill Park in order to connect that park to Medlock Park.
Seems a bit peculiar to be spending $2.1 million on a park while at the same time closing the recreation center there, but the county appears to be moving forward with the improvements to the park which is good news for the neighborhood.
06.21.10 UPDATE: WGCL is reporting that Mason Mill Rec Center may remain open after all. See the story: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/23980125/detail.html