P.O. Drawer 1059
1369 Fourth Ave.
Auburn, GA 30011
Phone: 770-963-4002
Fax: 770-513-9255
Thursday, June 01, 2006 Auburn Parks and Recreation Recommendation to Auburn City Council concerning Browns Bridge Park
As you are aware Auburn Parks and Recreation sent out surveys asking our citizens for their input on the importance of parks, festivals, and various other communities focused activities. We were very encouraged with the results, 255 people responded to the survey, out of that number 196 said they would like more recreational facilities while 190 responded they would like a park with multi-purpose trails. This was the highest specific request.
With this in mind Parks and Recreation has been working diligently to meet our community's need while acknowledging Auburn is a city in transition and a final plan for the growth and placement of parks has not yet been established. We have however found what we feel is an incredible opportunity to show our citizens we are working toward meeting the need for a park in Auburn with trails for both walking and biking.
After reviewing all options we have unanimously concluded that the property already owned by the City of Auburn on Browns Bridge Road would be the wisest choice to meet that need. We are recommending the renaming and opening of what was known as Browns Bridge Park. Our suggestion would be to open the park as soon as permissible with walking trails considered as phase one and bike trails as phase two.
We are aware that the park was previously opened with a negative result namely; teenagers used it to meet and drink. There are several factors that we will address which we believe will have the desired results, a community park where family and citizens can enjoy nature and each other in a safe environment.
· Exposure is key. People must know the park is open.
· When the community gets involved they also take pride in their parks, we believe through our volunteers we will be off to a great start!
· With our Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops commitment to participate in maintenance, the park will gain a great reputation. · A well maintained park marks it as safe and fun for all.
The following are some needs we have addressed in undertaking the opening of this park.
Need: A park in Auburn with multi-purpose trails.
Resource: Browns Bridge Road Park, this property is already owned by the city and is currently insured.
· Need: (Phase One) Walking trails must be cleared and made ready for use.
· Gate needs to be replaced
· Railings on the bridge repaired
· Gravel placed back in the parking lot area
· Benches along trails
· Tent platforms cleaned
Resource: Two Eagle scouts have volunteered to make this their project.
Need: (Phase Two) Bike trails must be secure and road worthy.
Resource: SORBA - a non- profit organization has been contacted, they are an organization that specifically comes in to communities and assists with cleaning, preparing and maintaining bike trails. Julie is contacting SORBA and is gathering information.
Need: Maintenance of grounds.
Resource:
a. Auburn Parks and Recreation Volunteers (47 people responded to the survey as volunteers)
b. Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts
c. Keep Barrow Beautiful volunteers
d. SORBA
Need: Signs, and trash receptacles along with garbage pick up. Resource: Signs will need to be purchased. Note: (7) Trash receptacles have been donated. Garbage pick-up will need to be arranged.
Need: The park will need to be patrolled as well as opened and closed
Resource: Auburn Police Department?
Conclusion:
We believe this is an exciting opportunity for the citizens of Auburn to be involved in their community. We have clearly seen a strong desire for this type of park to open in Auburn. The community is speaking and we have a great chance to show our citizens we hear them and are responding to the communities need.
Therefore Auburn Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending the following.
1. Renaming the park- possibly honoring Mr. Shackelford
2. Give permission to the Eagle scouts to clear trails and build benches etc..
3. Allow SORBA to proceed with bike trails.
4. Approve maintenance of grounds by
· Auburn Volunteers
· Boy Scouts/ Girl Scouts
· Keep Barrow Beautiful
· SORBA (Bike Trails)
5. Approve funds to purchase (expenses have not yet been established, we realize this can not be approved until we have expenses budgeted)
· Materials needed for repair
· (4) Signs
· Pick up of Trash
6. We would like council to consider hiring a part time employee specifically for Auburn Parks and Recreation. This person could oversee maintenance of the park, open and close the park and could possibly be used for upkeep of grounds behind city hall.
Our hope is that each of you will see the time effort and energy our team has put into this recommendation, that you will see the value of this recommendation and give us permission to move forward in serving our citizens.
Thank you in advance.
Your Parks And Recreation Commission,
Linda Blechinger
Sally Brown
Julie Garrison
Mary Grace Vogel
Phyllis Meyer
