City Manager Report Oct 2025 by collegeparkga

CITY MANAGER’S MONTHLY REPORT

OCTOBER 20, 2025

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

As City Manager, I am always humbled by the opportunity to serve our residents, business owners, Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, City Council, and our dedicated staﬀ. The City of College Park is making great progress. My vision is and will always be to embrace all communities and ensure that we all thrive together. My sincere thanks to the Mayor and City Council—and a special appreciation to my staﬀ, who believe in the City Manager’s goals and share in the vision for our city’s future.

-City Manager, in role of service

L. Y. Miller, MBA

BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY

PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Personnel Update

The Inspections department would like to “congratulate” Lavante Page as our newest Code Enforcement Oﬃcer.

Training

We always encourage our team members to continue all available training.

Inspections

Occupational Tax Division by the Numbers

All approved businesses in the state of Georgia that have alcohol licenses must have a City of College Park alcohol license before selling alcohol within the city. Our team will work with Code Enforcement to issue any citations for those who are not in compliance with the Ordinance.

Code

Enforcement The following are the stats for court for the month of September:

cer Brown/ 5 Citations/4 Warning Notices/Fines $0.00

cer Carter/ 9 Citations/ 6 Warning notices/Fines $0.00

ﬃcer Hill/ 6 Citations/ 6 Warning Notices/Fines $0.00

ﬃcer Page/ 12 Citations/ 5 Warning notices/Fines $0.00

CITY CLERK

OPEN RECORDS

Training

On behalf of the City Clerk’s Oﬃce, Deputy City Clerk Queenie Brown and Records & Information Administrator attended the Georgia Records Association Conference held in Peachtree City. The training featured targeted workshops aimed at enhancing the city’s records management practices and provided in-depth guidance on the Georgia Open Records Act.

The sessions emphasized the importance of:

• Ensuring legal compliance to protect the agency and its staﬀ

• Building trust both internally across departments and externally with the public

• Implementing more eﬀective open records policies and procedures

• Deepening understanding of the Georgia Records Act and its practical application

Key Takeaways:

• A clear framework for compliance with the Georgia Records Act

• Strategies for developing improved open records policies and procedures

• Tools for enhancing response times and minimizing risk when handling public records requests

• The value of creating a resource binder or digital guide to support staﬀ in daily records management tasks

The knowledge gained from this training will directly support the department’s goals and help ensure that records management practices align with state requirements and public expectations.

Open Records:

The City Clerk’s Oﬃce remains committed to managing open records requests with a high level of eﬃciency and transparency. Requests are processed in the order received—giving priority to the oldest—to ensure fairness and consistency for all requestors.

Staﬀ is focused on the careful review and redaction of sensitive information to ensure full compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act, including all relevant privacy protections and legal requirements.

In addition to processing requests, the Clerk’s Oﬃce works closely with departments to follow up on outstanding or overdue items, supporting timely responses and reinforcing accountability throughout the organization.

This coordinated and collaborative approach not only improves internal eﬃciency but also reﬂects the City’s strong commitment to open government, legal compliance, and maintaining public trust.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Communications Department - Event Coverage/Media Engagement (Sept. 2025)

Botanical Garden Tour (9.30.25)

Keshia Gass – GEDA Conference – Savannah, GA Mayor Reads Day

Botanical Garden Tour Leadership Retreat @ GICC

“Paws on Main” Dog Park Groundbreaking Lexicon Strategies Meeting

Hispanic Heritage Month

CPPD Honored @ CP Golf Course

Former Employee Lawsuit Rachelle Hotel Closing

Police Chase Incident P.H.O.A.A. Run/Walk Event

News Coverage

WSB-TV coverage of PD oﬃcer Smith/chase resulting in deaths of two occupants: (Sept. 24, 2025)

11Alive Coverage of Donnie Smith (Sept. 25, 2025) Police Sgt. Faces Charges in Fatal August Chase Crash | 11alive.com

Fox 5’s Eric Perry’s coverage of the Donnie Smith tragedy (Sept. 24, 2025): Police sergeant charged with homicide after high-speed chase ends in deadly crash | FOX 5 Atlanta

WANF’s coverage of the Donnie Smith incident (Sept. 24, 2025) College Park police oﬃcer charged in deadly August chase

• Set up payment for invoice #345956 on 9.15.2025

• Microsoft Teams Meeting Held Tuesday, Sept. 30

• Scheduled headshots for Directors/staﬀ on Tuesday, Sept. 30

• Deadline for departmental information updates – Oct. 15

September Social Media Statistics: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.

Communications City Manager Summary From Keshia Gass/Ashley Leong

• Mayor Pro Tem: Featured on Streetz 94.5, highlighting community engagement and upcoming city initiatives.

• Councilman Gay: Participated in Radio One content promoting the Ward 4 Festival and new community partnerships.

• Headshot Day: For website

• Fun Friday Reboot: Relaunched with themed Fridays to enhance employee engagement; highlights shared via Instagram.

• Social Media Insights: Attached analytics showing growth in engagement and audience reach across platforms.

Ongoing Projects:

• “Always Riding” 5K Run/Walk: Event coordination and marketing support in progress.

• Fire Community Connect: Outreach and communication materials under development.

Ongoing Projects:

• “Always Riding” 5K Run/Walk: Event coordination and marketing support in progress.

• Fire Community Connect: Outreach and communication materials under development.

• Digital Screen Project: Content strategy and design preparation for internal and public display rollout.

• Website: Working diligently to meet launch date – mid October; scheduled photographic headshots, met with contractor (CivicPlus) updated content.

Communications Summary – September 2025

During September, the department focused on communications, digital updates, and event coverage to support community engagement and staff initiatives. Photography and videography coverage was provided for Paws on Main and the College Park Field Day, Botanical Gardens tour, Mayor Reads Day and more, capturing memorable moments from community, staff and elected officials’ scheduled events.

The Mayor’s new Reading Club highlighted the installation of communitydecorated bookshelves in the City Hall lobby as part of a statewide Georgia Forward initiative. This project symbolizes how literacy opens doors and how children have a voice in shaping their community.

Additionally, the department coordinated professional headshot sessions for staﬀ to support the upcoming new website launch, ensuring updated and consistent visual content. Signiﬁcant progress was also made in updating and preparing the new website for launch, aligning layout and content for improved user experience. Throughout the month, the department actively promoted city events on social media and TV-23, increasing community awareness and participation across various platforms.

And finally, a new vision for the city’s government television channel (TV-23) that is provided to citizens via Comcast. A new operational hardware server is in the works for rollout in November. New features will include the ability to go live during City Council meetings, a more flexible content playback system (will allow multiple file types to display on screen) and additional ease-of-use protocols.

CONVENTION CENTER, ARENA AND GOLF ENTERPRISES

DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW

September was an unparalleled month for Gateway Center Campus (GCC), there was an air of excitement as Gateway Center Arena prepared to be the host venue for Round 1 of the first WNBA Play Off games ever convened within College Park city limits. Additionally, our campus was busy with the OneATL Operations and Safety Expo, 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta Golf Tournament and Atlanta Airport District CVB DOS Meeting to name a few. Executive Director Barner is forging a new path for the staff of the GCC, he is challenging the management and support staff to show up differently with a SPARK mindset that builds on the way customer service is delivered, first among co-workers and ultimately to the clients. He brought in the Ringer Center of Excellence to provide hospitality industry staff training to develop customized standards and best practices for both management and support staff The objective is to achieve an overarching vision which will maintain the Gateway Center Campus’ competitiveness in the industry as well as sustain our unmatched reputation in hospitality for exceptional customer service.

The Gateway Center Campus (The Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena and the Historic College Park Golf Course) reported the following YTD revenues. The Georgia International Convention Center reported YTD revenues of $2,066,847.80 or 12% of the original adopted budget. The Gateway Center Arena reported YTD revenues of $$830,733.89, or 10.22 % of the adopted budget. The Historic College Park Golf Course reported YTD revenues of $151,875.77, or 19.57% of the budget.

*Final numbers to be conﬁrmed Sales & Marketing Highlights Sites and bookings:

• Moore Group – Young Leaders booked for August 2026 - $147,000 in rental

• ATL Entrepreneur Hub Spot booked for April 2026 - $58,000 in rental, replaces World Natural Hair Show with less space and more F&B potential revenue

• Booked Regional 8 Gymnastics for April 2026 - $33,500 in rental

• The Ultimate Hair Show booked for June 2026 - $30,000 in rental

• Site with 50 Shades of Black Anime Convention - June 2026 - Potential Revenue $250K

• Site with Lincoln College for 2 graduations 2026

• Hosted Taste the Gateway Experience Inﬂuencer Tasting @ GCA

• Department Head Hospitality Training

• OneATL Operations and Safety Expo

• Delta Flight Ops

Tradeshows/Networking:

• GHLA Meeting

• GSAE Luncheon

• ATL Airport District CVB DOS meeting 100 Black Men Golf Tournament

• Clayton County Chamber New Member Luncheon

• Tri-Cities Merchant Mixer

• Atlanta Mission

• 100 Black Men of South Metro

Atlanta Golf Tournament

• ATL Airport District CVB annual

Marketing

• September newsletter

• Sent out external newsletter re: Arena events

• Maintain weekly PR meetings

• Social media posting: GICC and Arena events

• Photographed campus events

• Gateway Campus Spotlight: Ms. Ro’s Dance Studio (extended)

• Completed Skyhawks ad in the Hawks yearbook

• Completed Billboard Latino edition ad

For the first time in Gateway Center Arena history, the venue hosted two WNBA Playoff Games. The Atlanta Dream took on the Indiana Fever to sold out crowds televised on national networks. ( Approx. 3,500+ fans in attendance at each playoff game). In total, for the month of September, the 5 sold out Atlanta Dream games were hosted in the venue, with the Dream winning 4 of their 5 games. On another note, Game 2 of Round 1 of the 2025 WNBA playoffs set a benchmark as one of the highest grossing for Clover concessions and bar revenue to date.The Arena is preparing for a busy October with Atlanta Dream move-out, several upcoming events and the return of the College Park Skyhawks.

Gateway Center Arena September 2025 Event

9/3/2025 Los Angeles Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream

Gateway Center Arena Revenue

Facility Rental=$10,000

Hosted F&B Sales=$16,681.97

F&B Sales= $ 24,593.54

Clover Concessions/Bar Sales= $ 37,837.31

9/5/2025 Los Angeles Sparks vs Atlanta Dream

Gateway Center Arena Revenue

Facility Rental= $10,000

Hosted F&B Sales=$ 18,463.30

F&B Sales= $24,811.67

Clover Concessions/Bar Sales= $44,252.81

9/7/2025 Meet the Team- Open House

Gateway Center Arena Revenue

Facility Rental=$10,000

9/3/2025 Los Angeles Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream

Gateway Center Arena

Revenue

Facility Rental=$10,000

Hosted F&B Sales=$16,681.97

F&B Sales= $ 24,593.54

Clover Concessions/Bar Sales= $ 37,837.31

9/5/2025 Los Angeles Sparks vs Atlanta Dream Gateway Center Arena Revenue

Facility Rental= $10,000

Hosted F&B Sales=$ 18,463.30

F&B Sales= $24,811.67

Clover Concessions/Bar Sales = $44,252.81

College Park Historic Golf Course

As we transition into the fall season and approach the end of September, I am pleased to report that CPGC has experienced another successful month. I am delighted to inform you that we are seeing a consistent increase in the number of golfers visiting us each day, attributed to the favorable weather conditions.

This month, we had the honor of hosting Her Shot, a youth leadership organization dedicated to empowering girls through sports, leadership, and life enrichment skills. These workshops are designed to connect young women with local experts who possess unique hobbies, interests, and experiences within our community.

The grounds crew is steadily enhancing the course to ensure enjoyable conditions for all our guests. We have made improvements in eroded areas along the cart path to boost playability.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Main Street/Economic Development

Paws on Main Dog Park - Groundbreaking Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sept 23, 2025

A place where community can come together and get to know your neighbors and pets. Located on Main Street, sponsored by Ward 4 City Councilman Roderick Gay.

Randomize Now hosted a World Heart Day on Sept 24, 2025, for Seniors at the Keith James Auditorium to discuss health and heart. Randomize Now is located at 3421 Main Street. CPMSA supported and attended the event.

College Park’s Business and Industrial Development Authority Board and Sta ﬀ attended the Georgia Economic Developers Association Conference in Savannah, Georgia from September 17th to September 19th! Some highlights included our BIDA and Build Welcome Mixer where our Board members shared admirable qualities with one another while also committing to the shared vision of prosperity and economic development with the City of College Park and partners! We attended many sessions ranging from Strengthening Communities and Economic Outcomes Through the Power of Education by Ron Clark from Ron Clark Academy to a panel on Insights on Data Centers that featured Executives from Georgia Power, Meta, and Google! Our members are already looking forward to the valuable knowledge and networks that the GEDA Conference brings year after year!

Tri-Cities Merchant Mixer at The Hangar in Hapeville on Sept 25, 2025. Hapeville hosted along with East Point and College Park. These events are an evening of networking with fellow Tri-cities business owners to enjoy music and light refreshments.

CPMSA participated in the PHOAA One Square Mile Path to the Past of the Historic Walk/Run Community Engagement on Sept 27, 2025.

The Aerotropolis Honors at the Delta Flight Museum Awards on Sept 25, 2025. They will be honoring the Former President of Woodward Academy Dr. Stuart Gulley and Mayor Bianca Motley Broom the Jack P. Longino Regional Leadership Award.

As the ﬁrst woman and person of color to be Mayor of our global city, it was an extraordinary achievement to witness our leadership not only be honored but recognized for her continued service for the City of College Park and beyond. We cannot wait to continue to celebrate inspirational leaders and changemakers all over the South Metro area!

On October 1st, Economic Development and Mayor Pro-Tem Jamelle McKenzie with the support of Destination College Park took a field trip to the Avalon Mixed-Use Development for a tour with Howard Hansen from the Design Firm Tate Hansen Nelson Worldwide. They gave an in-depth presentation on the future of mixed-use developments near big hubs like the City of College Park with the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. College Park Leadership and Staff also got to see the Hotel at Avalon which was also a beautiful sight to see and admire!

On Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, Clearly College Park Program Manager Jacques Garcia strengthened his professional development by attending a halfday high impact seminar designed for brokers, developers, lenders, and other CRE professionals. The event delivered actionable insights, timely legal updates, and proven strategies for navigating today’s most complex real estate situations!

The City of College Park is open for worldwide business! Clearly College Park is continuously responding to surging Developer interests for our Global city!

Upcoming Events for Economic Development:

• Councilman Roderick Gay’s Ward 4 Festival – October 11th, 2025

• AeroATL Community Development Collective – October 14th, 2025

• GA Power South Metro Economic Summit – October 22nd, 2025

• ECS Grand Opening – October 30th, 2025

• Councilman Carn’s College Park Citywide Job Far – November 2025

Upcoming and in progress Economic Development projects by Ward:

Ward 1

Ward 2

Bill Evans Field Land Sale Southwest Atlanta Energy Storage Inducement Request

Flint River Headwaters Land AcquisiIon funded by HUD Grant

Flint River Headwaters Engineering Project funded by HUD Grant

Six West ResidenIal Land Sale to PMG

T-Mobile and AT&T Cell Phone Tower Lease Upgrade (Ward 1)

Clean Spark Land Sale (Under Contract)

Price Barbershop Historic RenovaIon

Project Extra Land Sale (Under Contract)

Six West Phase 2 Appraisal (Approved)

Veronica on Victoria Land Sale (Pending)

Ward 3

3698 East Main St Complex Plan

Ward 4

Remaining Trust Acreage Joint Sale

East of Main Assemblage LisIng & MarkeIng (Broker SelecIon)

Godby Road Park Land AcquisiIon (Pending)

Somersby Phase 2 Inducement Request

T-Mobile and AT&T Cell Phone Tower Lease Upgrade (Ward 3)

Roderick Gay Botanical Gardens AddiIonal Land AcquisiIon

ENGINEERING

Engineering Department Update

• The engineering department continued regular operational support of all city departments, functions, and initiatives, including but not limited to Planning and Zoning, Public Safety, Public Works, Economic Development, and Mayor & Council. This period consisted of a determined focus on improving our GIS data. A major database update was rolled out for Central Square E911 Dispatch. Specific tasks were centered around address points and street centerlines layer updates in and around the Hawthorne Station and West Fayetteville Road areas, enabling potential calls in those areas to be geo-located in the dispatch system for the first time. The engineering department also supported the City Clerk by conducting a quality review of the city’s street listing for Voter Registration. Several event maps were also completed for special city projects including The Hispanic Heritage Festival and The Hawthorne Station Charrette. Other tasks included assisting with several collaborative efforts for TSPLOST information reporting, Loop Road Street repair and tree/brush maintenance, groundwater well location and confirmation with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

• Reviewed ROW cut, pre-LDP, and Lot Division applications and plans.

• Conducted several development-related meetings

• Conducted a regular daily inspection on the construction sites.

College Park Urban Redevelopment Area (URA) Plan Map

Hawthorne Station Charrette Map

Plan Reviews

Application Type Number of Project

Building permit site plan 0

Lot Combination and property line adjustment/ Subdivision 2

Pre-application /Sketch Plat 2

ROW Cut 14

Land disturbance permit 0

SITE

COMMON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

9/8/25 - 3907 Main St – No Issues

9/8/25- 1643 Walker Ave – No Issues

9/8/25- 2042 Mercer Ave – No Issues

9/8/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh- No Issue

9/8/25 – BlueSky Apartments – No Issue

9/9/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issue

9/9/25 – BlueSky Apartments – No Issue

9/10/25 – 3907 Main Street – No Issue

9/10/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issue

9/10/25 – 2042 Mercer Ave – No Issue

9/10/25 – BlueSky Apartments – No Issue

9/11/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issue

9/11/25 - Bluesky Apartments – No Issue

9/12/25 – Greenspring Apartments – No Issue

9/15/25 - 3907 Main Street – No Issues

9/15/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issue

9/15/25 – 2042 Mercer Ave – No Issue

9/15/25 - Bluesky Apartments – No Issue

9/16/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issue

9/16/25 – Bluesky Apartment – No Issue

9/17/25 – 3907 Main Street – No Issue

9/17/25 – 2042 Mercer Ave – No Issue

9/17/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issue

9/17/25 – Bluesky Apartment – No Issue

9/18/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issue

9/19/25 – Greenspring Apartments- No Issue

9/22/25 – 3907 Main Street – No Issues

9/22/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No issues

9/22/25 - BlueSky Apartment – No Issue

9/23/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issu

9/23/25 – 1653 Temple Ave – No Issue

9/23/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issue

9/23/25 – Bluesky Apartment – No Issue

9/24/25 – 3907 Main Street – No Issues

9/24/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issues

9/24/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

9/24/25 – Bluesky Apartment – No Issue

9/25/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues

9/25/25 – 1653 Temple Ave – No Issues

9/25/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

9/25/25 – Bluesky Apartment – No Issues

9/30/25 – 3907 Bluesky Apartments- No Issues

9/30/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

9/30/25 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues

10/1/25 – 3907 Main Street – No Issues

10/1/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issues

10/1/25 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues

10/2/25 – 1653 Temple Ave – No Issues

10/2/25 - Hawthrone Station – No Issues

10/2/25 – Bluesky Apartments – No issues

10/2/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

10/3/25 – Greenspring Apartments – No Issues

10/3/25 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues

10/6/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issues

10/6/25 - Bluesky Apartments – No Issues

10/6/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

10/7/25 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues

10/7/25 – 1653 Temple Ave – No Issues

10/7/25 – Bluesky Apartments – No issue

10/7/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

10/8/25 – 1643 Walker Ave – No Issues

10/8/25 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

10/8/25 – BlueSky Apartments – No Issues

FINANCE

Moody's Investors Service, commonly referred to as Moody's, has reaffirmed the City of College Park, Georgia's issuer rating at Aa3. Additionally, the rating agency has assigned the same Aa3 rating to the city's general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) debt, which is issued through the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority. Accompanying this rating affirmation is a stable outlook for the City, indicating a steady credit profile moving forward.

This latest rating decision brings to a close a review that began on June 27, which was marked by uncertainty due to insufficient financial documentation at that time. Fortunately, the city has since provided the necessary financial information that has allowed Moody's to complete its assessment. It's worth noting that by the end of fiscal year 2024, the City of College Park had approximately $379 million in outstanding debt.

Credit ratings are assigned on a scale that reﬂects the creditworthiness of an entity or obligation. Moody’s uses a long-term rating scale that includes several main categories. At the top end of the scale, Aaa signiﬁes the highest quality, indicating minimal credit risk. Following these are Aa1, Aa2, and Aa3, all of which signify a very strong capacity to repay debt, albeit with slightly increasing levels of risk. The A ratings, which include A1, A2, and A3, denote upper medium grade credits carrying some degree of risk.

For further detailed insights, you can access the complete Moody's report here.

FIRE RESCUE

From the Oﬃce of the Fire Chief

Fire Department Response Statistics and Activities

September 6, 2025, through October 10, 2025

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

On October 3, 2025, the fire department met with representatives from the American Red Cross to discuss partnership that would be mutually beneficial to both agencies. Red Cross requested an interview with the Fire Chief to discuss the value of Red Cross after home fires, Fire Prevention Week, and future Fire Smoke Alarm Blitz Campaign.

YOUR DEPARTMENT AT WORK

On October 4th, the fire department responded to 2900 Camp Creek Parkway on an abandoned vehicle fire. As fire crews arrived, it was reported that a pick-up truck was fully engulfed, partly in the woods line. Engine-1 and Truck-2 deployed 1-3/4 handlines and initiated a fast attack to extinguish the pick-up truck and the vegetation exposures that were starting to spread.

Great work by the crew, stopping the spread of the ﬁre from getting into the woods.

From the Oﬃce of COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION

On October 7, 2025, the ﬁre department was presented with a 2025 Fire Prevention Week Proclamation by the Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor Pro-Tem Jamelle McKenzie, Councilman Joe Carn, Councilwomen Tracie Arnold, and Councilman Roderick Gay. The theme the campaign is Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Prevention Community Outreach – Main Street Academy

On October 3, 2025, College Park Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief and Engine 3 participated in a ﬁre prevention event at Main Street Academy. The program focused on teaching students basic ﬁre safety principles through interactive demonstrations and discussions.

The event served to strengthen connections between the ﬁre department and the community by:

• Promoting ﬁre and life safety awareness among children.

• Building positive relationships between students and ﬁrst responders.

• Encouraging interest in public service careers, including ﬁreﬁghting.

This outreach eﬀort reﬂects College Park Fire Rescue’s continued commitment to public education, community engagement, and inspiring future generations.

Fire Prevention Community Outreach – College Park Elementary

On October 3, 2025, College Park Fire Rescue’s Engine 1 participated in a ﬁre prevention event at College Park Elementary. The program focused on teaching students basic ﬁre safety principles through interactive demonstrations and discussions.

The event served to strengthen connections between the ﬁre department and the community by:

• Promoting ﬁre and life safety awareness among children.

• Building positive relationships between students and ﬁrst responders.

• Encouraging interest in public service careers, including ﬁreﬁghting.

This outreach eﬀort reﬂects College Park Fire Rescue’s continued commitment to public education, community engagement, and inspiring future generations.

From the Oﬃce of training

On September 12, College Park Fire Rescue participated in Automatic Aid training with City of South Fulton, City of Fairburn, Chattahoochee Hills, City of Palmetto, & Union City. The purpose of the training was to teach or reinforce Search & Rescue and Fireﬁghter Extrication during life threatening situations.

From the Oﬃce of emergency management

College Park is committed to providing prompt emergency notiﬁcations to citizens, employees and visitors. We are repairing two (2) weather sirens that are having issues with reliability. The sirens are located at 3579 Fairway Dr. and Buﬃngton Road and Fairburn Road. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for FALCON to obtain relevant and timely information related to Fulton County and City of College Park.

FALCON Website: visit here

College Park Fire Rescue

October Fire Safety Message

From the Oﬃce of the Fire Chief

From Phones to Power Tools: College Park Fire Rescue Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week

The theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5–11, 2025, is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

October — The College Park Fire – Rescue Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the oﬃcial sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

College Park Fire Rescue

October Fire Safety Message

From the Oﬃce of the Fire Chief

Continued

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a ﬁre, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said (your name, title). This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent ﬁres in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products.

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.

• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of ﬁre. Charge devices safely.

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.

• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a ﬁre.

• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. Recycle batteries responsibly.

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch ﬁre.

• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to ﬁnd a recycling spot near you.

• The College Park ﬁre department encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”

• The College Park Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s FPW campaign, including the Ward 4 Festival/Fire & EMS Exposition. This event will be held on Saturday, October 11th from Noon until 5pm at the Charles E. Phillips Park, located at 4400 Hershel Road, College Park. To ﬁnd out more about FPW programs and activities in College Park, please contact the College Park Fire Department at 404.766.8248. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

� For more ﬁre safety information, contact: College Park Fire Rescue (404) 766-8248 Main Oﬃce] website

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT

O

ce of Human Resources & Risk Management

On September 28 – October 1, Interim Director of Human Resources, Christa Gilbert, and Human Resources Generalist, Joanne Young, had the opportunity to attend the NeoGov Ignite 2025 Conference, an event focused on innovation, leadership, and the future of public sector technology.

The conference emphasized that leadership is no longer just about keeping pace—it’s about lighting the way forward. Ignite 2025 conference served as a call to action for leaders to embrace change, explore new opportunities, and approach challenges with clarity and conﬁdence.

The conference allowed us to attend many sessions centered on leadership growth, team collaboration, and how to navigate organizational change. We were able to get hands-on sessions that provided valuable insight to bring back to the City of College Park to ensure a better process.

Overall, the Ignite 2025 Conference reinforced the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and proactive leadership in a changing environment. The experience provided a fresh perspective and gave practical insights that we can apply to strengthen our team, improve processes, and better support our goals.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The updates listed below are related to Strategic Goals: Quality of Life, Public Safety/Security, Governance/Customer Service

Public Safety and Security

Security Cameras Update- Our contractor has begun installing one of 3 cameras on the new Gateway Bridge on Lottie Miller Blvd. Our power dept. installed a new pole with power lines which gave us our contractor access to begin the installation. The other 2 cameras will require additional infrastructure. More updates in the next SPR Report.

Governance/Customer Service

City Hall Annex- Our technology team has begun the necessary infrastructure work which is required before our customer service staﬀ can occupy the building. Cabling contractors have been notiﬁed, Windstream telephony services will be ready in the next few weeks. Security cameras and access control will be connected to the city enterprise infrastructure.

Governance/Customer Service

Great News. We are on the move here in College Park. Our citizens, staff, and other stakeholders will be introduced to Artificial Intelligence, commonly known as (A.I.) We are constantly working on streamlining our processes. With the addition of a new Chatbot that will answer questions, transfer calls and assist our citizens with billing questions, court dates, ordinances and many other enhancements. Our goal of operational efficiency will be accomplished. The technology will be introduced at the next city council meeting on Oct.6th 2025.

Governance/Customer Service

Train Depot Enhancement… Growth in College Park is a sign of progress. We have been tasked with providing technology for the Train Depot that will be converted into a museum. Key stakeholders and contractors allowed us to view a rendition of the new building. I am working to bring several contractors that have the speciﬁc skillset to meet with planning committee next week. The picture below is not drawn to scale simply a view of a train depot that was converted to a museum.

POLICE

Background and Recruitment/Training

Physical Agility Test

In our continued efforts to recruit eligible candidates for the police department and assist them through the hiring process. Background and Recruitment investigators held a physical agility test on September 25, 2025. There were twenty (22) potential candidates, three (3) post-certified officers, who traveled near and far to gather and showcase their agility and strive toward the noble goal of joining the College Park Police Department. It was an accurate display of grit, passion, and commitment to serving the community.

Field Training Program

Currently, there's one (1) officer in the Field Training Program, who is on schedule to be released by the end of mid-October. The Field Training Program is a crucial period where recruits transition from the classroom to practical, on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced officers. This program is designed to develop competent and confident police o ffi cers by providing real-world experience and ensuring they meet departmental standards.

New Hires:

The College Park Police Department would like to welcome Officers Roody Thimot and Lavar Johnson to the College Park Police family. Both are certified officers who bring an array of experience to College Park. Officers Thimot and Johnson will enter into our advanced Field Training Program. If all goes well, we look forward to having them patrolling the streets of College Park in a matter of weeks.

PROMOTIONS

The College Park Police Department is pleased to announce the promotions of three police oﬃcers. They have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to serving the College Park community with integrity and professionalism.

Lieutenant Joshua Durden to Police Major.

Sergeant Armando Diaz-Gil to Police Lieutenant. Oﬃcer Quintin Hill to Police Sergeant.

Chief Rogers, “individuals do not get promoted for doing their job, they get promoted because they have the potential to do so much more.

RECOGNITION

On September 30, 2025, Yanous Barner, Executive Director of the GICC, and his staff recognized some of the men and women of the College Park Police Department for their quick response and assistance in apprehending an escaped fugitive who had escaped from a Henrico County (VA) Police Division transport. The suspect was en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for a planned flight to Virginia. The rental car he was transported in was being refueled at Race Trac on Camp Creek Parkway. The suspect was able to escape custody in restraints and fled across Camp Creek into the woods near the College Park Golf Course. College Park PD was notified, and the officers stepped in and apprehended the suspect on the 7th hole of the golf course.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

On September 27, 2025, the College Park Police Department's COPS Unit ensured that the PHOAA walk/run event was a success. With over 200 people participating, they set up in the dark and pouring rain as they prepared to protect the elected oﬃcials and citizens attending this event.

CRIME REPORT

The Field Operations Division (FOD) is the uniformed patrol of the city. FOD consists of 4 shifts, 2-day shifts and 2-night shifts manned each by a Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants, and currently 6 Patrol Officers. In addition, FOD includes Officers assigned to Traffic and Crime Suppression. These Officers patrol the city streets, answer calls for service, and work with the community to solve trending problems.

Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) is used to develop strategies for activity and enforcement in speciﬁc areas based on crime trends and intelligence.

For August, there were 8254 calls for service.

The Division Shifts produced the following city-wide totals for the month:

While oﬃcers conduct activities, enforcement, and general patrol duties city-wide, totals listed below reﬂect activities solely in the area connected to the ILP concept. These activities are in addition to the daily calls for police service for the month:

The College Park Police Department has seen a 17% decrease in crime through mid-September 2025.

Every Ward has seen a double-digit decrease.

Chief Rogers attributes recent declines in crime to factors such as proactive policing, improved technology, and strong community partnerships.

ELECTRIC POWER

Public Power Week

College Park Power recognized and celebrated its 39th Public Power Week October 5th through October 11th.

Public Power Week is promoted by the American Public Power Association (APPA) and is nationally recognized by over 2000 municipal owned power companies to better inform their communities about the beneﬁts of public power and to emphasize the importance of experienced employees.

A Proclamation, as presented by Mayor and City Council on October 6, included recognition of the Power Department’s reduction of residential rates totaling 22% in the summer and 14% in the winter.

College Park Power will be adding another 4 megawatts (MW) of solar generated power in 2026 and will improve its non-emission fuel mix which is already at 90%.

To better inform the Customer Service team about electricity, College Park Power presented an Electric Power 102 program on October 8th. The presentation covered how electricity is delivered to the home, energy sources, dangers of high voltage electricity and the breakdown of the diﬀerent electric rates.

Michael Sturkey, Technical Services Manager, shows how an object

Major accomplishments by the Power Department during the past decade were highlighted in the Customer Service presentation and include:

• Advanced metering

• Electric vehicle charging stations

• LED lighting upgrades

• Sale of substations to MEAG Power

• Data Center power purchase agreements

• Call center

• Outage management

• Residential rate decreases

• Solar power resource

• Distribution automation

PUBLIC WORKS

BUILDING AND GROUNDS, HIGHWAY, STREETS & STORM WATER, SANITATION AND WATER

It’s election year!!! The Public Works Department has been challenged by heightened civic engagement, rising logistical demands, and budgetary pressures, all while continuing to promote public participation, ensure public safety, respond to growing infrastructure needs, and manage essential services like roads and water systems eﬃciently.

It’s been an exceptionally busy year, and our team continues to rise to the occasion, consistently meeting the needs of our residents, elected oﬃcials, and senior leadership. The City of College Park is experiencing dynamic growth, expanding, developing, and evolving at a remarkable pace. Public Works play a central role in this transformation.

We lead the charge in construction and infrastructure development, working closely with city planners to ensure every project aligns with long-term strategic goals. Our responsibilities span essential services, from garbage collection, recycling, and street cleaning to the restoration of damaged infrastructure and the implementation of sustainable, green solutions.

We also hold one of the city’s most critical responsibilities: ensuring the uninterrupted ﬂow of clean water. Whether responding to sewer overﬂows or repairing water main breaks, we treat water access and quality as non-negotiable pillars of public health and safety.

Our work isn’t just operational, it’s foundational. We’re not just keeping pace with College Park’s growth; we’re helping shape its future.

RECREATION & CULTURAL ARTS

CP Rams Celebrate Homecoming and Kick Oﬀ Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For the ﬁrst time since 2023, the City of College Park Recreation Department proudly hosted the Homecoming Pep Rally and Coronation for the College Park Rams on Friday, October 3, 2025. The evening was ﬁlled with energy, community pride, and celebration as residents, families, and fans came together to support the Rams.

The night featured dynamic performances by the Jonesboro High School Drumline, Artisia Unique Performers, Jewel Dance Academy, and, of course, the spirited College Park Rams Cheerleaders. One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of the Homecoming Kings and Queens, with each age division represented and honored on the ﬁeld. The event captured the essence of youth pride and community spirit that deﬁnes College Park.

Festivities continued on Saturday, October 4, as the Rams returned to action with a full slate of games held on both ﬁelds from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Families, coaches, and players enjoyed beautiful fall weather, complete with festive tailgates and team celebrations throughout the day.

This year’s Homecoming also marked the kickoﬀ of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, adding an extra layer of meaning to the event. Players, coaches, and supporters proudly wore pink gear, and Bill Badgett Stadium was decorated in pink accents to honor survivors and raise awareness for the cause.

The weekend was a resounding success, uniting the community through sportsmanship, celebration, and compassion. The College Park Recreation Department extends its gratitude to all the teams, coaches, volunteers, parents, and supporters who helped make the 2025 Homecoming a memorable and meaningful event.

The Royal Court

On Saturday, September 13, the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department proudly participated in Councilman Joe Carn’s Meet & Greet event at the Hawthorne Station residential complex. The afternoon was ﬁlled with sunshine, smiles, food, and fun as residents gathered to engage with city leaders and learn more about local programs and services.

Recreation staff were on hand to share information about upcoming programs, events, and seasonal offerings, answering questions and connecting with families and individuals of all ages. From youth sports and fitness classes to arts programs and community events, attendees got a first-hand look at how the department supports a vibrant and active College Park.

Walking Trail Repairs Complete at Barrett Park

Great news for local walkers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts — the repair work to address puddling issues along the walking trail at Barrett Park is now complete!

The project, which targeted areas of the trail prone to standing water after rain, has signi ﬁ cantly improved drainage and overall trail conditions. These enhancements will help ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for all visitors — rain or shine.

Path to the Past: A Historic Walk/Run

On September 27, the Preserving Heritage of Original African Americans (PHOAA) hosted “Path to the Past: A Historic Walk/Run” in College Park’s historic One Square Mile community. The event invited residents to walk, run, and remember the city’s original African American neighborhoods—many of which are facing transformation with upcoming redevelopment in the 6 West area.

Partnering with the Recreation & Cultural Arts Department, PHOAA combined physical activity with cultural preservation, oﬀering participants an opportunity to experience and celebrate the community’s authentic history. The department provided logistical support, volunteer coordination, and outreach to ensure a safe and inclusive event.

With the theme “Walk. Run. Remember.”, the event featured a guided route through historically signiﬁcant neighborhoods, storytelling, and educational programming. A $5+ donation included a commemorative t-shirt, with proceeds supporting PHOAA’s heritage initiatives.

The Walk/Run was a resounding success, fostering unity, pride, and awareness of the city’s Black heritage ahead of redevelopment slated for sure a safer, more enjoyable experience for all visitors — rain or shine.

November 2025. Future recommendations include continued support for PHOAA programming, oral history projects, permanent historic markers, and the establishment of the Walk/Run as an annual community tradition.

Nestled in the heart of the city at the Brady Recreation Center, the College Park Senior Community Garden is more than a green space—it’s a place where neighbors grow together, learn together, and connect.

Created through a partnership between the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department and local residents, and coordinated by Holly Rodriguez, the garden serves as both a living classroom and a source of nourishment for the community.

Named in honor of Dr. Margarett Bachus Wilson, the space features raised beds and accessible plots for all ages, native plants and pollinator zones that support local ecosystems, composting stations that teach sustainability, and harvest-sharing initiatives that benefit local food banks. Quiet corners and gathering areas offer opportunities for reflection, conversation, and small community events.

Through the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, the garden also oﬀers seasonal workshops and classes focused on gardening, wellness, and sustainability—inviting residents of all ages to dig n, learn new skills, and enjoy the beauty of growing together.

Everyone is welcome to get involved. Come explore, volunteer, or simply enjoy the College Park Community Garden—a thriving example of how collaboration and care can help our community grow.

Anthony Edwards Basketball Camp Inspires Youth

On September 13th, the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex hosted the 5th Annual Anthony Edwards Basketball Camp, welcoming young athletes ages 8 to 14 for a fun-ﬁlled day of training, teamwork, and inspiration.

Organized through AE Five Enterprises and Care Source, the free camp allowed participants to learn from skilled coaches and play alongside Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards, NBA guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who once trained in the very same gym under Coach Justin Holland.

Each camper and coach received shirts, sneakers, bookbags, and school supplies, while local youth coaches teamed up with AE5 and Care Source staﬀ to lead drills and games. Edwards arrived just before noon, joining campers on the court for challenges and friendly competitions, with prizes for anyone who managed to beat the NBA star.

The event concluded with autographs, photos, and plenty of smiles, marking another successful year of one of College Park’s most inspiring traditions. Edwards’ return to his hometown gym continues to remind young players that hard work and determination can take them anywhere—even to the NBA.

Aerospace Awareness Flies High

The Recreation Department’s highly popular Aerospace Awareness Program has been named Outstanding Program of the Year by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA)—earning this prestigious honor at both the District 4 and State levels.

Selected from among recreation programs across Georgia, Aerospace Awareness was recognized for its innovative and engaging approach to introducing youth to the fields of aviation and aerospace. Hosted at the Brady Recreation Center and led by dedicated instructor Thomas Adair, the program offers participants ages 9–17 a hands-on learning experience that sparks curiosity and builds confidence.

By combining science, technology, and real-world applications, Aerospace Awareness bridges the gap between specialized knowledge and youth education—encouraging participants to dream big, set goals, and explore future careers in aviation. The program not only excites students about ﬂight and engineering but also provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Paws On Main Groundbreaking Ceremony

The City recently broke ground on the highly anticipated Paws on Main Dog Park, marking an exciting milestone in the city’s ongoing eﬀorts to expand recreational amenities for residents—and their four-legged companions.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in partnership with the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, celebrated a shared vision of enhancing community spaces and promoting active, inclusive recreation for all. Located in the heart of downtown College Park, the new dog park will provide a safe, dedicated environment where dogs can run, play, and socialize oﬀ-leash while their owners connect with fellow pet lovers.

City o ﬃ cials, Recreation and Cultural Arts sta ﬀ, community leaders, and local residents attended the ceremony to commemorate the start of construction. Speakers highlighted the project’s role in fostering community connection, supporting wellness, and continuing the city’s commitment to improving quality of life through innovative public spaces.Once complete, Paws on Main will feature separate play areas for large and small dogs, shaded seating areas, hydration stations, agility equipment, and secure fencing to ensure a safe and

Hispanic Heritage Month in College Park

The Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, in partnership with the Cultural Arts Council, proudly hosted the First Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 20, 2025—a vibrant celebration honoring the traditions, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic community. The festival was a lively showcase of music, dance, food, and family fun, bringing together residents of all ages for an unforgettable afternoon of cultural pride and community connection.

Attendees enjoyed an energetic live performance by Estruendo Norteño, whose music set the perfect tone for the day’s festivities. The celebration continued with traditional and contemporary cultural dances, creating a colorful and rhythmic atmosphere that had the crowd on its feet. Children joined in the fun with an exciting piñata activity, while families explored booths from local vendors and raﬄes oﬀering great prizes throughout the day.

Hispanic Heritage Month in College Park

A variety of food trucks served up authentic ﬂavors from across Latin America, giving visitors a true taste of Hispanic heritage—from savory tacos and empanadas to refreshing tropical treats. More than just a festival, the event served as a joyful reminder of the diversity that strengthens the City of College Park. It provided a welcoming space for residents to connect, learn, and celebrate the many cultures that make the community unique.

The success of the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Festival reﬂects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and cultural appreciation through engaging public events. The Recreation and Cultural Arts Department and Cultural Arts Council look forward to building on this momentum and making the festival a beloved annual tradition for years to come.

Mayor Broom and Tumbleweeds Gymnasts Inspire a Love of Reading

As part of her ongoing commitment to literacy and youth engagement, Mayor Bianca Motley Broom partnered with the talented gymnasts of the Tumbleweeds Gymnastics Program for a fun and colorful paint party at the Conley Recreation Center. Together, participants transformed a set of bookshelves with bright, creative designs that reﬂect the energy and imagination of College Park’s young readers.

The beautifully painted bookshelves now reside at City Hall, where they’ve been ﬁlled with adventurous and inspiring books for children of all ages to enjoy. This special project is part of Mayor Broom’s Reading Club, an extension of the statewide GeorgiaForward initiative, which promotes youth literacy, curiosity, and community connection through the power of reading.

All youth are invited to stop by City Hall to explore the shelves, discover new stories, and experience the fun of reading. By engaging young residents in both art and literacy, the Mayor’s initiative encourages creativity, learning, and a lifelong love of books—one colorful page at a time.

Tumbleweeds Get Competition-Grade Equipment

The College Park Tumbleweeds have even more to ﬂip for! A recent upgrade to the gymnastics facility at the Conley Recreation Center has athletes energized and ready to soar. The program’s competition bar set now features brand-new ﬁberglass rails, bringing the gym up to current competitive standards.

These high-performance rails—identical to those used in o ffi cial meets—allow gymnasts to train on the same equipment they’ll encounter during competition season. The bars provide improved grip, flexibility, and safety, helping athletes build confidence and refine their skills.

To further enhance training, the Tumbleweeds have added new conditioning tools including jump ropes to improve coordination and endurance, resistance bands to build strength and stability, and ﬂexibility bands to support safe stretching and range of motion.

A special congratulations goes to Kenedy Barker, who scored out of Level 5 at the Score Out Meet at Paulding Gymnastics with standout performances: Vault: 9.65, Bars: 9.6, Beam: 9.5, Floor: 9.75. Kenedy is now oﬃcially on her way to Level 7, and the City couldn’t be prouder of her hard work and dedication.

Shade Park Projects Complete

Families and children visiting Barrett Park now have an even better reason to enjoy the playground, thanks to the recent addition of a vibrant new shade structure. The bright green canopy oﬀers welcome relief from the sun and brings a fresh, inviting look to the play area—making it more comfortable and enjoyable for all.

Over at Phillips Park, the Chess Patio has also received an exciting upgrade. A bold, orange shade canopy now stretches over the patio, providing protection from the elements and adding a striking pop of color to the space. The improvement enhances both comfort and visual appeal for players and visitors.

The oﬃcial ribbon cutting of the Chess Patio took place during the City-Wide Festival on Saturday, October 11th!

Senior Dance Class Shines at 2025 GRPA Senior Talent Show

The Senior Dance Class, Engele–Edeliegba, brought their incredible energy, rhythm, and spirit to the 2025 Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Senior Talent Show, earning an impressive 3rd place ﬁnish out of 24 performances!

Meeting every Wednesday morning at the Conley Recreation Center, the group has become known for its joyful performances that celebrate culture, movement, and community. Under the direction of Dr. Theresa Howard, members Malinda Bock, Carmen Lindsey, Ellen Finch, and Sheila Harper delivered a vibrant African dance performance that captivated the audience and judges alike.

Their achievement is a proud reﬂection of the Recreation Department’s thriving senior programming, which continues to encourage creativity, connection, and lifelong wellness through the arts. The Engele–Edeliegba dancers embody the spirit of community pride and prove that it’s never too late to shine on stage!

Following their performance, Dr. Howard penned a heartfelt note to Center Supervisor and Athletic Coordinator, Tanya Laplanche:

Good afternoon Ms. Tanya,

I am taking this opportunity to “ Thank you” for sharing the Talent Show ﬂyer with us. On that day I informed the dancers that I was greatly honored to represent College Park’s Recreation and Culture Arts Department, and the Hugh C. Conley Recreation Center in this Senior Talent Show. I also want to “Thank You” for going through the administrative process to pay for Engele-Edeliegba’s registration and lunch for this event.

Although, I have always been a concert dancer and not a competition dancer, I was open to learning and engaging in a diﬀerent protocol. Moreover, with two dancers out of state, one dancer sick, and one dancer who just completed knee replacement surgery, I became concerned about what our performance would look like. Well, it wasn’t perfect, but we danced with joy in our hearts, and with the good intentions of representing the Hugh C. Conley Recreation Center and the Recreation and Cultural Arts Department with poise and elegance.

We all enjoyed the diverse talents displayed and had a genuinely great time! Thank you for all that you do, and for believing in us. We will deﬁnitely look forward to presenting another dance style from our repertory again next year!

With gratitude,

Dr. Theresa Howard

Wellness, Learning, and Community Connection

The Recreation and Cultural Arts Department continues to empower residents through events that nurture both heart and mind. Two recent initiatives—the Heart Health Brunch and the Adult Digital Literacy Workshop & Laptop Giveaway—embodied the City’s ongoing commitment to community wellness, education, and connection.

Hosted at the Keith James Auditorium, the Heart Health Brunch brought together seniors, caregivers, and health advocates for an afternoon of nourishment and education. Guests enjoyed a vibrant brunch while learning about innovative therapies for cardiovascular and kidney health, presented by featured speaker Dr. Patricia Marsh. Sponsored by Waking Up Today, Randomize Research, and Gen H, the event emphasized the importance of clinical research and community care, reminding attendees that healing begins with knowledge, love, and participation.

Just days later, the Adult Digital Literacy Workshop—held at the Brady Recreation Center in partnership with InspiredU and the Department of Recreation and Cultural Arts— helped adults build vital technology skills for work, education, and daily life. Coordinated by Holly Rodriguez, the workshop provided hands-on training in a supportive environment. The highlight came when eligible participants received laptops, sparking excitement, gratitude, and a renewed sense of opportunity. Together, these events showcased College Park’s dedication to creating programs that uplift, educate, and empower residents—whether by strengthening hearts, minds, or digital connections.