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STONECREST, GA – The Stonecrest City Council unanimously approved the allocation of $374,211 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for lighting improvements at the Southeast Athletic Complex and awarded a contract to install LED field lights at the facility during its Jan. 23 meeting.
The City’s investment will increase visibility, enhance safety, and extend outdoor youth program hours in the park. Stonecrest’s improvement plan includes adding new lights to the soccer fields and maintenance area at the complex.
“We are committed to bringing more amenities and a brighter future to our parks and recreational facility,” said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. “Parks are unofficial town squares that unite our communities, and our Parks and Recreation Department provides an essential service to our residents and visitors. These ARPA funds combined with SPLOST revenue from our Fiscal Year 23 Capital Improvements Budget will help us continue to build outdoor gems that will draw our community together for generations.”
In August 2022, the City Council set aside an initial total of $900,000 in ARPA funding for park upgrades. The amount approved during Monday’s meeting represents a portion of those funds.
The city anticipates noticeable cost-savings from the purchase of the new lights.
“LED sports lighting is more energy efficient than traditional lighting methods,” said Ben Dillard, director of Parks and Recreation. “This one-time federal funding provides an opportunity to activate our fields for longer durations and reduce the City’s operational costs.”
Stonecrest received $9.7 million in ARPA funds to help residents and businesses recover from the economic and health impacts of the pandemic. To learn more about the City’s ARPA program, visit: www.stonecrestga.gov, and click Stonecrest Forward.
2 Comments
That is great to hear.Its scary going to places without them.
In truth,some parks need upgrades.. while others need additions to them. I haven’t been to Exchange Park since last year. Far as the outside of it,I was baffled. I get that COVID caused the recreation center to close but why is the outside the same? Its useless to open the recreation center but nowhere for sporting teams to play or for people to have their picnics. Even as modest as Shoals Creek Park is there is more activity taking place there.Hopefully, that has changed.
Last Year..like many residents of DeKalb County,I received a notice about needs for Shoal Creek Park. Shoal Creek has been in need of several things.If possible, it’s needs recreational center,.I would like to see an out/ indoor track..similar to Exchange Park,a tennis court or a skate park.
Recently, I visited the Recreation Center at Lake Spivey/Park( Clayton County)and its very gorgeous. It almost reminds me of LA Fitness..lol! Maybe its a little bit of an exaggeration but its a very nice center. I love most of the parks in my county but I would like for one to “stand out”. I visited Lithonia Park and Southeast Athletic Park. I like those parks. Both have the potential to be even more unique and grand. They can use some upgrades and other features( It doesn’t have to have a water park).
I’m still hoping for the best for South DeKalb.
Yikes! Maybe Im getting old and my vision is playing tricks on me. I knew that the Southeast Athletic Complex was dated..but I didn’t know that it was THAT dated.
Initially,I was going to attend a Juneteenth festival there but after looking at what a FB poster put on his/ her page,I think that I will be attending their festivities elsewhere. It is absolutely unbelievable the horrible conditions that park is in : big sinkholes, rusted exposed bolts, and dated as I said.
All of those problems at SAC are dangerous and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Like I said ,I had no idea how bad that problem is. I’m baffled to know that the Juneteenth festivals will expose people to those dangers. I’m really surprised people continue to play/ have events at SAC.
I don’t know if the county/ city of Stonecrest is in charge but something needs to be done to it …in a hurry. SAC have so much potential in it. The kids as and other visitors deserve better.