Past Tense: Memories of December 7, 1941
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December 16, 2021 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
Neighbors oppose softball field at former school site MASTER PLAN CONCEPT - 5435 ROBERTS DRIVE
BY CATHY COBBS newsroom@appenmedia.com
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DUNWOODY, Ga. – A group of residents whose homes lie near a proposed park on Roberts Drive stand opposed to some of the elements planned for its build-out – especially the installation of a softball field. Darby Christopher, who lives on Holly Bank Circle next to the proposed 10-acre park, said the neighbors do not want a softball field on the property. The land is the former site of Austin Elementary School. “Beauty, imagination and serenity are all available now at the park. These are all human needs and human values that tend to get overlooked and undervalued,” Christopher said. “It doesn’t make sense to serve the interests of a few (girls’ softball) in this particular space at the expense of the many.” Darby said neighbors are particularly concerned about the impact of installing lights on the field and the additional traffic that a softball field would bring to the neighborhood. “We are concerned about lighting and parking and how it will affect our community,” Christopher said. “We believe that the uses that are being proposed will turn it from a ‘community’ park into a ‘commuter’ park.” Christopher said her neighbors have had a series of meetings regarding the proposed amenities at the park and are against any kind of softball fields there. Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department officials have been soliciting feedback for several months regarding the Roberts Drive parcel and another recently purchased 9-acre plot on Vermack Road. The former school site plans had two possible scenarios – one with two softball fields and another with one. After gathering feedback at a fall session and one held Dec. 6, modifications were made, according to the city’s website. The latest changes include: • The parking areas were consolidated to form one 128-stall lot; • The basketball courts were reduced to two half-courts; • The walking loop/nature trail was realigned to provide a 0.41mile path around the site. A direct connection was provided to the path that connects to the Withmere neighborhood. Residents of the neighborhood would have a streamlined walking route to Roberts Drive. • The ingress/egress for cars was modified to provide a main, two-way entrance at the existing signalized intersection on Rob-
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New Apostolic Church - Atlanta
Cities consider impact of federal infrastructure act
The latest plans for a park on Roberts Drive include a softball field, but some residents on Holly Bank Circle oppose N the idea. Arden Woods Neighborhood
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Total Parking = 128 spaces Total Park Acreage = 9.8 ac
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11. Open space with an open play field (200 ft. x 100 ft.)
20. Main entrance (two-way)
2. Pedestrian connection to Roberts Drive
12. Pavilion (40 ft. x 30 ft.)
21. Pedestrian connection to Roberts Drive
3. Public art
13. Older and younger childrens’ playground (2-12 YO, 8,000 sq. ft.)
22. Drop-off area
4. Nature trail (0.41 mile)
23. Walking loop (0.50 mile)
5. (2) Basketball half courts (42 ft. x 25 ft. each)
14. Splash pad (50 ft. dia., 1,960 sq. ft.) with (2) family-sized pavilions
6. Overlook - interpretive green infrastructure
15. Restroom facility
25. (2) Batting cages
7. Interpretive green infrastructure and trail
16. Splash pad pump house
26. Open play field (200 ft. x 110 ft.)
8. Neighborhood paved connector path
17. Concession stand
27. Existing vegetated buffer to remain
9. Parking area (128 spaces) with green infrastructure
18. Entry plaza with public art
28. Neighborhood pedestrian connection
10. (2) Tennis/ (4) pickleball multi-use courts (78 ft. x 36 ft.)
19. Restroom facility
24. Softball field (Adult, 250 ft. to outfield fence)
erts Drive, and an exit-only drive on the northern portion of the site. The plan also added a vehicular drop-off along the park’s main entrance; • The sports fields were consolidated into one adult softball field and batting cages were added. In a statement to the Crier, Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Brent Walker said the department is continuing to solicit feedback regarding the park’s final look. “The master planning process for the parks on Roberts Drive and Vermack Road is working as we hoped by engaging residents from across the city,” Walker said. “We heard important input during our open house on Dec. 6, and we continue to gather feedback through our interactive map online.” Walker called the plans “a work in progress” and added that “across our park system, we have a deficiency in athletic facilities for a variety of sports. As we plan our parks and programs, our goal is to address those deficiencies while taking into consideration the needs and desires of all our residents.” Darby said the neighbors are comfortable with the park the way it is – with open space for free play, rather than organized
See ELEMENTARY, Page 7
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DUNWOODY, Ga. — New federal infrastructure legislation will deliver about $10 billion to Georgia for road repair, bridge construction and expanded internet access. President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on Nov. 15 after the bill navigated Congress with bipartisan support. The bill introduces funding for water pipe repairs and mass transit, issues that often fall under city and county authority. Local governments continue to consider the impact within their jurisdictions. “The city is still awaiting final rules and distribution methods to be released, but expects funding to be able to expedite already planned projects for which funding is not currently available,” Dunwoody Assistant City Manager J. Jay Vinicki said. Brookhaven, which borders Dunwoody south of Perimeter Mall, is in a similar position. “Staff is currently reviewing 11
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Note: Photos are for representative example use only. Actual facilities and structures will vary.
See IMPACT, Page 2