NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MAYOR Each month Douglasville’s Mayor, Harvey Persons writes a column about a subject which is of interest to many residents of Douglasville, and Douglas County. The city of Douglasville’s website is: www.ci.douglasville.ga.us. BUDGETS There are many reasons to come to Downtown
tree lighting. Oh, one more thing: The total time for this year’s Christ-
Douglasville, and I’ll talk about a few of these in this
mas event will be shorter than in the past, because we don’t want the
month’s column. Whatever your reason for coming
younger kids -- and their parents -- to get too tired as they enjoy this
downtown, remember there is sufficient FREE parking
occasion together!
in the City of Douglasville’s new 300-vehicle park deck.
A CHRISTMAS SEASON STROLL DOWNTOWN. I invite you to come
The City’s parking deck is connected to the new Douglasville Con-
downtown on some night during the Christmas season, use in the new
ference Center, which still is under construction. While we expect the
parking deck, eat in one of the several restaurants we now have in
new Conference Center to open before the end of January 2013, the
the downtown area, perhaps visit some of the shops, and enjoy the
parking deck already is in service. It opened on October 1 to the ap-
fountain and other attractions in Downtown Douglasville.
plause of many people, and we have been pleased with the increas-
This will be the last year the current fountain -- with the lights strung
ing utilization of this facility as more and more people become aware
above it forming the outline of a Christmas tree -- can be enjoyed and
they now can park in the NEW PARKING DECK.
photographed. During 2013 the City will make significant changes in
There is no charge to park in this wonderful addition to our down-
O’Neal Plaza, and one of these will be elimination of the current foun-
town landscape. I know some local governments charge people to
tain. (There will be a new water feature in O’Neal Plaza, but the specif-
use their parking facilities, while other local governments let you park
ics will not be revealed for several more months.)
for free if you turn in a receipt showing you have spent money in a
NEW CONFERENCE CENTER. Construction continues on the new
downtown business. But I and members of the Douglasville City Coun-
Douglasville Conference Center, which is located adjacent to the re-
cil decided to keep this simple: When you come downtown and de-
cently opened parking deck and across Church Street from City Hall
cide to use the City parking deck, you do not have to take a ticket
and the current Conference Center. (Both the new facility and the
out of a machine and pay later based on how long you stay; and you
current facility now carry the name “Douglasville Conference Cen-
don’t have to pay a flat rate as you enter or exit the facility. So, don’t
ter.”)
worry about finding a place to park when you come downtown...be-
We expect Hardin Construction Company to turn this new Doug-
cause we have 300 spaces in this new deck, as well as on-the-street
lasville Conference Center over to the City government in mid-Janu-
parking and private lots which you can use while you do business with
ary. When we get closer to the end of calendar 2012, we’ll announce
those who own these lots.
the specific dates for opening events...including an open house when
Now, let me share with you some reasons for coming downtown during the remaining weeks of 2012, as well as in 2013.
the public can come tour the facility. Currently, you can obtain information regarding details on the new
CHRISTMAS PARADE. The City of Douglasville’s 2012 Christmas Pa-
Conference Center and the current Conference Center (the size of
rade and Tree Lighting will be held Friday, December 7. This will be the
various rooms, rental fees, audio-visual and other special features) by
third annual City Christmas Parade, and we are working to make the
visiting our web site -- www.ci.douglasville.ga.us -- or by going to www.
2012 version be our best and most exciting family- friendly event for
visitdouglasville.com
children of all ages. Businesses, residents, schools, non-profit organizations, and other
If you wish to make telephone contact, call Jennifer Bean at 678.715.6094.
groups are invited to participate. Parade registration is $50.00, and
You can actually make reservations for your event at the new Con-
parade participants are requested to incorporate Christmas icons and
ference Center -- or at the current Conference Center -- by going on-
holiday decor as a part of their entry. Since it already will be dark when
line. The information on the City’s web site includes instructions on how
this parade begins at 6:30 p.m., we encourage entrants to include
to make these reservations.
lights in their float design. I hope a number of you will decide to show your Christmas spirit by entering a float. As you would expect, Santa will be the grand marshal. The entries
Also, this information provides menu, pricing, and other information on Carole Park Catering, who is the exclusive caterer for food service in both Conference Center facilities.
will line up on Church Street near Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway
As you can see, a lot is happening in Downtown Douglasville. I
92), and the parade will proceed westward on Church Street through
hope you will be a part of this downtown scene. Have a great day,
Downtown Douglasville. Parade registration forms are available on the
and may the Lord bless you.
City’s website (www.ci.douglasville.ga.us) or by calling 770/947-5920.
P. S. Let me note this same web site and telephone number will en-
You can call this same number for more information about the Christ-
able you to obtain information and to make reservations for an event
mas Parade and Tree Lighting.
you wish to have in the new Community Center in the City’s Hunter
After the parade, the sounds of Christmas will fill the air in O’Neal
Park. This Community Center includes a full service kitchen, where
Plaza. A concert of carols will feature performances by several schools
you can prepare your own food or contract with the caterer of your
and churches. There will be pictures with Santa. The finale will be the
choice.
Government
www.chapelhillnews.net
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