Parks Bond Capital Improvement Program

In support of Transparency in Brookhaven, Project Activity vs Budget Reports for Park Bond projects are now available. Please click here to see reports since 2019.


Park Bond News

Jan. 25, 2024

            The Park Bond Oversight Committee met Wednesday, Jan 24, to review the projects currently under construction at Brookhaven Park, Briarwood Park, and Murphey Candler Park.

            Discussion centered around the Program finances and budgets remaining in the current projects.

            The meeting agenda packet and update can be found here.


Park Bond News

Sept. 14, 2023

With the Brookhaven City Council’s approval Sept. 12 of one of the final Park Bond construction contracts, Briarwood Recreation Center will close for park renovations beginning Oct. 1.

“I’m thrilled for our district and the City that we are taking yet another step in our commitment to amazing parks and greenspaces,” said District 2 Councilwoman Jennifer Owens. “Briarwood Park is such an asset to our community. After these improvements, Briarwood Park will be an even better place for the community to gather and enjoy the new and refreshed amenities.” 

The Council approved a contract for $4,609,369 with Sovereign Cooper.

The Parks Bond-funded Briarwood Park improvements include:

  1. Reconstructed parking lot with improved lighting, dumpster pad, and EV chargers
  2. Resurfaced driveway off Briarwood Road with new entry sign
  3. Stormwater improvements to bring the property into compliance with the current City stormwater ordinance
    • Underground detention below parking lot
    • Bioswales
    • Detention ponds
  4. New, larger community garden
  5. Loop trail in wooded area with bridge crossing the stream
  6. Removal of driveway entrance off Briarwood Way for pedestrian sidewalk entrance and added sidewalk entrance closer to Drew Valley Road

The recreation center will be closed beginning Oct. 1 for parking lot and underground detention work. The parking lot and access will be completed in time for the 2024 pool season. The playground and tennis courts will remain open during construction.  The Briarwood Park pool, completed and opened in 2020, was also funded by the Parks Bond Program.

Click here for an FAQ sheet addressing frequently asked questions we have received concerning the upcoming Briarwood Park Improvements project.


Park Bond News

Aug. 25, 2023

The contractor has installed temporary fence across the middle of Brookhaven Park to separate the open lawn from the construction site. Installation of required erosion control measures is being completed and grading should start in the coming weeks. The rendering below shows the planned improvements to the dog park parking lot, dog park, and playground. The lawn area will remain open and accessible during construction with parking in the front of the park. 


Park Bond News

Aug. 4, 2023

The contractor has mobilized to begin work in Brookhaven Park.

The dog park area will be closed during construction of the park improvements. The front of the park on Peachtree Road will remain open with parking in the front lot for access.

Plans for the project are located at https://www.brookhavenga.gov/parks-bond-ref/page/parks-projects-plans.


Park Bond News

July 11, 2023

The contractor has started working to mobilize and begin construction on the Brookhaven Park Improvements in late July.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for July 24. Click here for more details.

The park improvements include reconstructing the dog park parking lot, replacing the dog park restrooms, pavilion, and patio, and replacing the playground.

The back of the park will be closed during construction. The front of the park, along Peachtree Road, will remain open.


Park Bond News

June 16, 2023

The new splash pad pool and turf field at Lynwood Park are complete and will be open Saturday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. A celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, at 5 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the new Parks Bond funded facilities!

A construction contract has been awarded for improvements to Brookhaven Park. Work should begin in mid-July. The project will include rebuilding the dog park parking lot and the dog park restrooms/pavilion/patio building. Also, a new larger playground with restrooms and a pavilion are included. The dog park area will be closed during construction. The front parking lot and front half of the park will remain open. A plan of the improvements can be found here.


Park Bond News

June 9, 2023

The Lynwood Park splashpad, lap pool, and synthetic turf field are nearing completion. Final touches and permitting inspections should be completed within the next few days. Pay close attention for the opening date and upcoming celebration information.

Bids have been received for the Brookhaven Park improvements and are currently being evaluated for award. Construction on the dog park, restrooms, pavilion, and new parking lot will begin mid-summer.

The Murphey Candler Park Lake House is currently out for bid to select a contractor for construction. Construction on the Lake House and new parking lot can be expected to start in late summer.

Construction plans for the Briarwood Park Improvements will be advertised for bid later this month.


Park Bond News  

April 27, 2023

The Lynwood Park splashpad project is progressing toward completion. The synthetic turf field is complete, and the parking lots will be paved for use during upcoming Lynwood Community Day. The contractor is pushing to have the splashpad, lap pool, and poolhouse complete for opening early this summer.

  

The Brookhaven Park Improvements plans have been permitted by the City and County and will be advertised for contractors to bid within a week. The project will include rebuilding the dog park parking lot and the dog park restrooms/pavilion/patio building. Also, a new larger playground with restrooms and a pavilion are included. The dog park area will be closed during construction. The front parking lot and front half of the park will remain open. 

The Murphey Candler Park Lake House and Briarwood Park Improvements will both be advertised for contractors to bid this spring and summer.


An Update on the Parks Bond Progress Delivered Right to You  

February 17, 2023

Whether you’ve lived here all your life, just made Brookhaven your home, or count yourself among our regular visitors you’ve probably noticed and even enjoyed the many improvements at several city parks funded through our Parks Bond approved by voters in 2018.

Now you can read all about it in our special Winter 2023 update that shines a spotlight on the Parks Bond Program. The update was mailed to city households with some extra copies placed at City Hall. You can also download it here.


Final Parks Bond Projects to Go to Construction in 2023 

January 5, 2023

The three remaining Parks Bond projects are scheduled for construction in 2023. 

Construction documents and plans for the Brookhaven Park Improvements, Briarwood Park Improvements, and the Murphey Candler Park Lake House are all complete. They are currently going through the permitting process with the City and DeKalb County. Look for construction activities to start in the new year.

Click to view site plans.                                                   

Brookhaven Park Improvements

Briarwood Park Improvements

Murphey Candler Park Lake House

 

 

 

 

 


New Murphey Candler Park Dam Trail Offers Lake Views with Lots of Room 

December 15, 2022

Another Parks Bond project is complete and ready for public use and enjoyment. 

After inspections by a Georgia EPD Safe Dams Program engineer and the dam engineer-of-record, the new trail on the Murphey Candler Park dam is now open. The 11-foot wide trail replaces the old 5-foot wide sidewalk and features a low railing from end-to-end. Seven (7)  new overlooks are spread across the trail and offer opportunities for resting and enjoying the lake view. Two benches will be added to each overlook in January.

A ribbon cutting was held Friday, December 16. 

Pictured are Parks Bond Manager Lee Croy, Landscape Architect Mack Cain, Mayor Ernst, Councilwoman Jones, Interim Parks Director Karen Owens, and City Manager Christian Sigman.

 

.

 


Parks Bond Progress Continues Through Fall

November 17, 2022

The Murphey Candler Park Community Green and North Boardwalk are both open and the widened trail across the dam is nearing completion.  Design and other pre-construction efforts on the MCP Lake House continue in anticipation of construction beginning in 2023.

At Lynwood Park, the splashpad, pool house and other amenities continue to take shape while design is proceeding on the Brookhaven Park and Briarwood Park improvements. 

 

Click here to view the complete update on Park Bond projects shared with the Oversight Committee.  


Ribbon Cutting and Family Show Set on the Murphey Candler Park Community Green
 

The public is invited to join Mayor John Ernst and Mayor Pro Tempore Linley Jones for a special presentation and ribbon cutting for the Community Green at 4455 Candler Lake East in Murphey Candler Park.  The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m.

The brief ceremony marks the official completion of the Community Green project, as well as the completion of the North Boardwalk across Murphey Candler Lake.

Read more about the celebration here


Horseshoe Road at Murphey Candler Park is Now Open

July 25, 2022

Reconstruction of the Murphey Candler Park Horseshoe Road is now complete and the road is open. The newly paved road is one-way with the entrance at the east end closest to the tennis courts and the exit on the west end closest to the playground. A sidewalk was added along the gravel parking lot on Candler Lake E for safer access to the playground.

Gravel parking spaces have also been added along the road. Park visitors should not park on the grass between parking spaces.

The Community Green will open later this summer when the sod is established for foot traffic.

 


Murphey Candler Park - Multiuse Trail on Dam Now Under Construction 

Updated July 27, 2022

Work continues on the Parks Bond funded MCP Multiuse Trail on Dam project in Murphey Candler Park.  

Crews have already begun lowering the water level on Murphey Candler Lake bin order for construction to continue on the south multi use trail on the dam. As of this writing, the water level is down about 6 inches, and will ultimately be reduced by nearly 3 feet.  During this time residents will notice substantial additional exposed shoreline. 

When construction is complete, the lake will be returned to its normal pool. 

Posted July 12, 2022

Work has started on the Multiuse Trail on Dam project in Murphey Candler Park and is expected to last through the end of the year. 

During construction, trail users can detour across the street to the sidewalk on the south side of the dam, go through the baseball/softball complex, or follow the south trail. 

Original Post from June 22, 2022

The construction contract for the MCP Multiuse Trail on Dam project was awarded at the June 14, 2022, City Council meeting.

The project will replace the existing 5 foot wide sidewalk that crosses the MCP dam on the north side of W. Nancy Creek Drive with an 11 foot wide sidewalk. The new sidewalk will have seven (7) observation decks overlooking the lake with benches and railing. The decks will be 6-feet wide x 30-feet long.

Read the Trail on Dam Fact Sheet for more details and view the plans here

 

 

Current view of sidewalk/trail on dam - trail width will be doubled as part of improvements under Park Bond Program.  


Park Bond Oversight Committee Held In-Person in June Meeting at Lynwood Park Recreation Center 

The Parks Bond Oversight Committee met in person on June 22, 2022 at the Lynwood Park Recreation Center. Part of the discussion focused on progress on the Lynwood Park splashpad project. Updates on other Park Bond projects was also provided. You can view meeting materials here

The picture below from early June shows ongoing site work at Lynwood Park site and footings for the poolhouse getting started.


Improvements Underway at Brookhaven Park

May 12, 2022

Improvements to Brookhaven Park began immediately after the City acquired the front half of the park from DeKalb County at the April 26, 2022, City Council meeting.

 

The old fence along Osborne Road and Peachtree Road was removed and landscaping was cleaned-up. A new Brookhaven Park sign is now in place showing it as a City park.

Design and permitting for Park Bond improvements will now restart with construction planned to begin in late 2022 or early 2023.

Planned improvements include a larger parking lot and new building at the dog park that will include restrooms, pavilion, and a deck with grills like the old, existing building. Improvements will also be made to the sidewalks within the dog park.

 

A new, larger playground will replace the current small playground. The new playground area will have restrooms and a small pavilion.

 

A larger pavilion is also part of the plans.

The City plans to clean-up the existing garden club area and consider a new pavilion for the area if budget allows. A new stage area at the bottom of the sloped lawn area will also be considered.

Click image below for larger view of overall Brookhaven Park site plan. 


Horseshoe Road at Murphey Candler Park Closed for Improvements

April 28, 2022

Work on the Murphey Candler Park Horseshoe Road is now underway. The road is closed to vehicular and foot traffic during construction. The playground will remain open during this time. The  rebuilt road is set to open later this Summer. 

Project plans can be viewed here


Earth Day Social at MCP Offers Opportunity for Bond Program Update to Community

April 25, 2022

City Parks and Recreation staff and the Park Bond Program Manager joined several community groups at Murphey Candler Park on Earth Day (April 22) for the 5th Annual Spring Social. An overview of improvements that are part of the Park Bond program was shared during the festivities. View the full list here.

The event serves as chance for local conservation group to show and explain their environmental goals, projects, and educational programs in a relaxed atmosphere. Regional and state groups were also on hand to highlight various programs. 

 

 

 


Murphey Candler Park Scout Hut – Preparing for Progress and Preserving History 

April 18, 2022

A contractor has been selected to demolish the scout hut at Murphey Candler Park. Work will begin within a few weeks to install required erosion control measures before demolition can take place. The actual demo and removal of debris will only take a few days. The work area will be fenced to provide safety for park users as well as ball players and families. Temporary grading will be added to the area for drainage in anticipation of the Lake House parking lot expansion. You can view demo plans here.

  

The Murphey Candler Park Kiwanis Serves monument will be preserved and remain in place on an island in the Lake House parking lot.  


Progress at Parks Continues as New and Improved Amenities Take Shape

April 8, 2022

Installation of the Murphey Candler Park north boardwalk is now moving across the northern end of the lake. The top down construction method allows the contractor to work off the deck of the boardwalk as they progress forward. It also helps eliminate disturbance to the ground and wetlands. Signs are in place to alert trail users to active construction areas. The project is scheduled to be finished this summer.

             

At Lynwood Park, demolition is complete, and grading is progressing on the splashpad project. Work on the stormwater system, sanitary sewer, underground detention, and pool house footings is planned to start later this month. The project is scheduled to be complete at the end of 2022 so that the splashpad and pool will be ready for Summer 2023.

   


Murphey Candler Park - Horseshoe Road Renovation and Community Green Opening 

March 23, 2022

The contract for the Park Bond funded renovation of the Horseshoe Road in Murphey Candler Park was approved by City Council at the March 22, 2022 meeting.

The contractor will reconstruct the existing road using a process known as Full Depth Reclamation. This process recycles the existing material in-place for a new road base. The new 20-foot wide road will follow the same route and be at the same elevation as the existing road. The road will be closed to vehicular and foot traffic during construction. The project is scheduled for completion this summer. View the project FAQ for more information.  

The full project plan is in two parts because of the file size and is available at the links below:

Click image to enlarge

Construction of the new Park Bond funded Community Green is complete. The area will remain fenced off and closed to the public until the Zoysia sod has rooted and is ready for public use. The opening will coincide with completion of the Horseshoe Road this summer. 


More Parking and Additional Improvements at Murphey Candler Park           

March 11, 2022

Parking lot improvements at Murphey Candler Park are now complete and open for use beginning the evening of March 11.

Improvements funded by the Park Bond program includes a resurfaced south lot and an expanded north lot for athletic leagues to use now and for pool users this summer. An expanded north lot now includes an additional 30 parking spaces. This should help alleviate parking along Candler Lake West.

Improvements were also made to the north lot stormwater system and landscaping along Candler Lake West plus a new sidewalk along the road that connects to the playground. Future site improvements with the Lake House will complete the connection all the way to West Nancy Creek Drive and the ball fields. 


Work Underway on Murphey Candler Park North Boardwalk

February 24, 2022

The contractor mobilized this week to begin installation of the boardwalk that will be located at the north end of Murphey Candler Lake. Crews are using a top-down method of construction to minimize impact to the lake, and the work is expected to be complete later this summer

The wood boardwalk will be elevated above the water so park visitors can walk across the wetlands and enjoy observing nature in the area. The pictures show what the community can expect once the installation is finished.

Trails will remain open during construction and will be graveled during the work to maintain access. The gravel will be removed after the boardwalk is in place so that the trails revert to a natural surface.

You can view the full plans for the boardwalk here.

  


 

Murphey Candler Park Lake House: Get Your First Look at a New Community Gathering Space 

January 13, 2022

We’re excited to share renderings of the Murphey Candler Park Lake House now that it has progressed from schematics to preliminary design!

The 4000 square-foot lake house is designed to blend with its surroundings and offer panoramic views of the trees and the lake. It will feature several multi-purpose rooms facing the lake that have retractable glass walls so rooms can open to the large, cantilevered deck around the building. The rooms will be available for community rental, and the deck will be accessible from inside the building when open and from outside when closed.

Read more here to learn how the city’s extensive public input process fed into the design and programming purposes of the facility. You can also view additional renderings and drawings of the space including the site plan and the floor plan.

 

 

 


Lynwood Park Splashpad Groundbreaking Planned for Thursday

January 3, 2022

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Lynwood Park splashpad project is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 6, at 1:30 p.m. at the existing Lynwood Park pool, 3360 Osborne Road.

Click here to learn more about the exciting improvements planned for the park as well as efforts to preserve its legacy. Click image to watch the groundbreaking. 


Construction Starts in December at Lynwood Park

December 3, 2021

Construction of the Lynwood Park splashpad begins this month. The City is asking for help maintaining access along the narrow neighborhood streets that lead back to the park. You can view the construction notice mailed to neighbors along Osborne Road, Devine Circle, and Mendell Circle to know what to expect if you live in or are visiting the area. 

Lynwood Park Construction

 

 


Murphey Candler Park - Work Begins Early December for Pool Parking Lot Improvement

  December 2, 2021

Work is expected to begin by the end of this week on much needed improvements to the MCP pool parking lot. The parking improvement project will add 30 additional spaces. This is just one of the many projects at MCP funded by the by the Park Bond referendum passed by voters in 2018. 

Some trees will need to be removed to complete the improvements. To ensure removal is as minimal as possible while maintaining safety, the permitted limits of disturbance will be surveyed and flagged so any trees to be removed can be confirmed before removal proceeds.

All plans for the improvement project can be viewed here. 

Parking Lot Improvements Plan (Layout)

Tree Removal Plan

Planting Plan

 


Pool Parking Lot Improvements Coming to Murphey Candler Park

November 12, 2021

City Council approved the contract for the Murphey Candler Park swimming pool parking lot improvements during their Nov. 9, 2021 meeting. The contractor will begin repaving the south lot soon and reconstructing and expanding the north lot. Improvements include 30 much needed additional parking spaces for families using the pool and ball fields, plus visitors to the popular park. 

A sidewalk will also be added to the playground along Candler Lake Circle West for safer access to the ball fields.


Historic Lynwood Park Set to Begin Historic Transformation

October 26, 2021

At its business meeting on Oct. 26, the City of Brookhaven awarded $9.25 million in contracts for all of the improvements to Lynwood Park called for in the Park Bond referendum, overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 after substantial public input. These projects will transform the historic school turned recreation center, as well as the surrounding park area, while marking its historical significance to the City. Keep reading here for more details.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New splashpad is just one of the improvements at Lynwood Park.

 


Murphey Candler Park South Trail Project Ready to Use

Sept. 24, 2021

Brookhaven officially opened the new Murphey Candler Park South Trail in late Sept completing another Park Bond project which voters approved in 2018. 

Mayor John Ernst and District 1 Councilwoman Linley Jones cut the ceremonial ribbon atop the new 30’ foot bridge which connects the football and baseball fields on the east side of the creek with the softball fields on the west side. Click here for more details.

 

 


Construction Expected to Start on Murphey Candler and Lynwood Projects This Fall

August 25, 2021

City Council approved the contract for the Murphey Candler Park Community Green at its Tues, Aug 24 meeting. The community can expect to see construction and activity on site within the next couple of months.

Illustration (left) shows all amenities that will be in the center of the horseshoe road at MCP. Illustration (right) shows greater detail for Community Green at MCP. 

The Lynwood Park splashpad, pool, and multi-purpose field project has been advertised to get proposals and bids from potential contractors.Construction should start later this fall.

 

Renderings of splashpad and poolhouse for Lynwood Park. 


Ashford Park Splashpad Officially Opens June 24

June 22, 2021

One of the newest Parks Bond projects will bring fun in the sun for visitors to Ashford Park. Read here for details on the official ribbon cutting on June 24. The new pavilion up the hill from the splashpad offers another option for keeping cool. 


Get Ready to Splash into Summer at Ashford Park!

June 10, 2021

The Ashford Park splashpad is nearing completion. The colorful splashpad surface was installed this week despite impacts to equipment availability because of the pandemic. A few mechanical items for the pool still need to be installed.

The splashpad is expected to open within the next two weeks. An official opening event is in the works and will be announced on the Parks Bond page and through other City communication channels.


Council Awards Contract for Murphey Candler Park Boardwalk

June 9, 2021

At the May 25 City Council meeting, council awarded a design/build contract for the Murphey Candler Park north boardwalk to Excellere Construction LLC. The boardwalk is included in the park masterplan and the Park Bond Program approved by voters in 2018. The design/build contract will provide access across the wetlands at the north end of the Murphey Candler Lake for trail walkers and bird watchers to enjoy the area. The company is required to use a top-down construction method to minimize land disturbance as the boardwalk is built. Design will now proceed with construction starting later in the year. See the plan below and examples of how the boardwalk may look with railings at the overlooks and bumper railing along the walkway.


 

Brookhaven Approves Plans for MCP Lake House and Parking

April 29, 2021

At its regular business meeting on April 27, the Brookhaven City Council approved the Murphey Candler Lake House Concept Plan and Murphey Candler Lake House Parking Lot Expansion Concept Plan after extensive public input.

Brookhaven sought public input regarding several options for the parking lot to be located near the new Murphey Candler Park Lake House.  After a careful review and deliberation of 183 responses on the parking options, the council chose the option which provided 100 spaces, as well as preserved two older trees near the entrance of the current parking lot located at the Scout Hut.

Please click here to learn more about the decision.

 

 

 


Brookhaven Seeks Public Input for MCP Lake House Parking Options

April 13, 2021

The City of Brookhaven is seeking public input regarding several options for the parking lot to be located near the new Murphey Candler Park Lake House. 

Mack Cain, Lead Landscape Architect for Clark Patterson & Lee on the Brookhaven Park Bond projects, discusses the four different parking lot scenarios in this video presentationThe public is asked to weigh in by email at ParksFeedback@BrookhavenGA.gov until April 25, 2021.

The input for the parking lot area follows the successful culmination of public input for the Murphey Candler Park Lake House itself. The 10-month public input process for the Murphey Candler Park Lake House defined the community’s vision for the facility identified in the Park Bond referendum overwhelmingly approved by voters on November 6, 2018. The affirmative vote dedicates $40 million for a list of improvement projects identified in the 2016 Parks Master Plans.

“The public input process has been instrumental in prioritizing the amenities which are responsive to the needs of the community,” said Lee Croy, Brookhaven’s Park Bond Manager. “The input we received helped guide the planning for the eventual construction of the new Murphey Candler Park Lake House, and public input will help us reach a conclusion on parking at Murphey Candler Park.”

Parking Lot Options:


Murphey Candler Park Playground Now Open

March 29, 2021

The long-awaited new playground at Murphey Candler Park is ready for action!  Mayor John Ernst and District 1 Council Member Linley Jones cut the caution tape for the official opening on Friday, March 19. Click here for details on the ribbon cutting.  

The new facility features a climbing castle with a tightrope bridge, new double swing set, a tree climber tower, springers and new walkway. Funding for the project came from the Park Bond approved by voters in 2018. A total of $8.9 million is dedicated for Murphey Candler Park improvements as outlined in the community driven master park plans.


MCP Lake House Open House Gives Community First Look at Major Park Project

February 23, 2021

Nearly two dozen residents attended Monday’s virtual Open House for the Murphey Candler Park Lake House. They asked questions and offered feedback to the project team on lighting, parking, how the new facility might be used, and much more. Comments are being accepted through the end of the week.

Click here to view the presentation on the public input process.

Click here to watch a recording of the Open House.

Please send additional comments and questions to ParksFeedback@BrookhavenGA.gov by 5:30 on Friday, February 26, 2021.


Parks Bond Program Featured at City Council Advance

February 20, 2021

At its 2021 Advance in mid-February (broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live), Brookhaven City Council discussed its future plans and current projects, including the Parks Bond Program. Click here to see the Parks Bond update.

Please note the Completion Schedule shown in the Parks Bond update provides tentative plans for completion of the Program during the course of the next two years. Several projects are still dependent on permitting through agencies outside of the City's control, including Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission, Georgia EPD Safe Dams, and DeKalb County.  

You can watch the full Council Advance video here.


More Improvements Coming to Murphey Candler Park

February 12, 2021

This is an exciting time of change and improvement for Murphey Candler Park!

Many accomplishments have already been finished including the long-awaited lake dredging, the shoreline restoration, the trash trap to keep the lake clear of debris, the all-abilities westside playground, removal of invasive plants, improved and expanded football/softball parking, a baseball drop-off lane, a beautified new entrance to the trails on the eastside, and improvements to Nancy Creek, just to name a few.

Spring will bring many more improvements thanks to voters who passed the bond funding in November 2018, including:

Lake House Concept Virtual Open House set for February 22 at 6:00 p.m. (yellow square on image)  

  1. Playground to be completed in March 2021 • Community Green construction begins Spring 2021 • Horseshoe Road reconstruction begins following completion of Community Green
  2. South Trail construction to start in March 2021
  3. North boardwalk design/build begins Spring 2021
  4. Swimming pool parking lots improvements begin Sept 2021
  5. Dam sidewalk widening with overlooks begins Fall 2021

Please contact us at ParksFeedback@BrookhavenGA.gov if you have Parks Bond questions or comments.

 

 


Mark Your Calendar for the MCP Lake House Virtual Open House

February 8, 2021

The City of Brookhaven is hosting a virtual open house to present an overview of a 10-month public input process on the vision for the Murphey Candler Park Community Center, now known as the Murphey Candler Park Lake House. 

The virtual open house will be held on Zoom on Feb. 22, at 6 p.m.  Interested participants can join at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84764510609.

Voters overwhelmingly approved a 2018 Parks Bond referendum which dedicated $40 million for a list of improvement projects identified in the 2016 Parks Master Plans. Of this, approximately $1.2 million was earmarked for a community center.

Click here to learn more about the open house. Click here to read the full Public Input Report. 

 


 

January 2021 Park Bond Program Update

Hundreds of Residents Weigh in on Murphey Candler Park Community Center

January 21, 2021

As fall gave way to winter, the City of Brookhaven was wrapping up a 10-month public input process on the vision for the Murphey Candler Park Community Center. 

“The public input process is instrumental in prioritizing the amenities which are responsive to the needs of the community,” said Lee Croy, Brookhaven’s Park Bond manager. “We can’t build everything that everyone wants, but we can make significant improvements, including construction of a new building that will meet the growing needs at Murphey Candler Park.”

From November 2019 through September 2020, residents, business owners, and other stakeholders were invited to share their initial programming and design input through a variety of meetings and activities. Over 400 responses have been received throughout the outreach process, including survey participants, toolkit users, and attendance at pop-up events. 

Keep reading for more details.                                                                                                                                     

Click image to read the full Public Input Report


 

December 2020 Park Bond Program Update

Playground Kicks Off Slate of Murphey Candler Park Improvements

Dec 15, 2020

Installation of the new playground at Murphey Candler Park got underway in mid-December. The improvements featuring a castle, climbing tree and whimsical springers came from feedback given by area children during 2016 workshops.

“This was an opportunity for the kids to be a part of the process and give them a sense of ownership in their parks," said Parks and Recreation Director Brian Borden.

Click here to learn more about the playground improvements and progress on other projects at Murphey Candler Park.


Completed Projects and Plans for Next Year Mark Final 2020 Meeting for Parks Bond Oversight  Committee

Dec 4, 2020

The Parks Bond Oversight Committee held its final meeting of the year on December 3 and received updates on the numerous Parks Bond projects. Highlights that were noted include the completion of the Briarwood Park pool and the Blackburn Park parking lot improvements.

The Ashford Park splashpad and Murphey Candler Park playground are now both under construction. The next project to be advertised for bidding will be the Murphey Candler Park south trail.

Plans for each of the projects were shared with the committee and discussed. Click here to view the meeting agenda packet

Responses to questions submitted by citizens and Committee members during the meeting will also be posted here soon.


November  2020 Park Bond Program Update

Murphey Candler Park Trail and Boardwalk Improvements Set for 2021

Nov 18, 2020

City Council affirmed two Murphey Candler Park projects at their November 10, 2020 meeting, specifically the south trail and north boardwalk. After reviewing detailed design and discussing project plans with the Park Bond Oversight Committee necessary adjustments were made to the conceptual master plan.

The 10’ wide south trail will run along Nancy Creek in the area between the football fields and the creek. A bridge will span the North Fork tributary from the lake to provide improved access between the baseball and softball/football fields. Pervious concrete will be used for the length of trail located in the state stream buffer along Nancy Creek.

The north boardwalk will be located at the north end of Murphey Candler Lake. The 10’ wide boardwalk will offer access for viewing plants and wildlife in the wetlands north of the lake. Construction of the boardwalk will use a top down method to minimize disturbance to the wetlands.

Both projects are included in the MCP master plan and funded through the City’s Parks Bond Program.

The projects will get underway in 2021 and are expected to be complete by mid-year.

 

             South Trail (click to enlarge)                                      North Boardwalk (click to enlarge)


 

September 2020 Park Bond Program Update

Progress on the City’s Park Bond Program continues into Fall, and park users will begin to see active construction and other improvement activities in various locations. This program update highlights several contracts that have been awarded since Spring where work will begin soon or is already underway.

For many of the projects, only the area of work will be closed to the public, so park users are encouraged to be aware of active areas and take any necessary precautions to maintain their own and contractor safety.

You can view past program updates here.


Murphey Candler Park Community Center Public Input Update

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts this summer on the Murphey Candler Park Community Center!

The City of Brookhaven and its project management team of Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) held two public input sessions for the Murphey Candler Park Community Center in early September. CPL facilitated the meetings using the Public Involvement Toolkit (offered to residents in July and August as a group-led exercise) to guide discussion for the Parks Bond funded facility and its planned use.

Activities completed during the sessions were intended to gather community input and better understand what programming components and architectural aesthetics should be included in the Community Center.

Input from these sessions will be incorporated with the ones already submitted by neighborhoods and community groups earlier this summer.

You can view the presentation used during these sessions here and responses to comments/questions submitted during the meetings here.

Comments and feedback on the Murphey Candler Park Community Center to can also be sent  to ParksFeedback@BrookhavenGA.gov.

Read past Program Updates to learn about the public input process and earlier opportunities, such as a pop-up booth at Light Up Brookhaven, online survey, and additional pop-ups at the YMCA and baseball fields. Upcoming events and opportunities include virtual and in-person open houses, ongoing updates through the City’s digital communications, and updates/adoption of the concepts before the Oversight Committee and Mayor and City Council.


Sept 10, 2020

The Park Bond Oversight Committee met last week on September 2, 2020 to discuss the status of the park projects included in the Program. The agenda and agenda packet including the items displayed at the meeting can be found here

Several questions were submitted by the community during the meeting. Questions and responses are available here. Also, as requested by Committee members, the demolition drawings showing planned tree removal for projects in Murphey Candler Park are also available here.


Sept 4, 2020

ASHFORD PARK

Splashpad & Other Improvements

A contract for $849,384.94 was awarded to Integrated Construction and Nobility, ICAN, at the July 28, 2020 City Council meeting. The project includes a new splashpad, pavilion, and other site improvements.

The park will remain open while the project is under construction. A temporary fence will be installed to separate the playgrounds from the work areas. The project will take about 6 months to complete. The splashpad will be ready for opening in Spring 2021.

 

 

 

 


BLACKBURN PARK

Parking Lot Improvements

A contract for $879,000.00 was awarded to Lovvorn Construction at the April 14, 2020 City Council meeting for the parking lot improvements in Blackburn Park.

The project is planned for completion by mid-October. Visitors may experience minor traffic delays within the park. Please pay close attention to maintain safety.


MURPHEY CANDLER PARK

New Playgrounds

The playgrounds on Candler Lake East at Murphey Candler Park will be replaced with new and improved playground structures beginning in October. A contract for $305,315.99 was awarded to Kompan at the July 28, 2020 City Council meeting.

View the Layout Plan and a Closer View for more details on the new playground.