Comments

• On the article Parks And Wrecks

  Jill Sieder

  9:37 am on Thursday, November 10, 2011

  Hey, Chris, I'm not really an official at the park; I lead a nonprofit for children that is based in the rec center, which affords me the opportunity to step out of the building and enjoy the park several times a day. I also live nearby and walk my dogs in the park several nights a week. I too wish the city would do more to maintain and patrol the park. I was primarily responding to Jessica's lament that not enough community people and groups are involved in the upkeep of the park, as I'm aware of a great deal of effort by local citizens and corporate groups to improve and beautify Brownwood. I'm sure that Mary, Laird and other Friends of Brownwood Park folks would love to have you and your daughter join in on their cleanup days and other activities (including plantings and parties in the community garden). You can reach them at parks@eaca.net.

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• On the article Parks And Wrecks

  Jill Sieder

  1:55 am on Thursday, November 10, 2011

  While I share the concerns stated here about undesirable behavior from Brownwood Park visitors, I am more aware of the many responsible park users and local activists doing great things to make the park a safe and active place. To wit, last September 130 community volunteers spent 3 days planting, mulching, building benches, renovating bulletin boards, expanding the community garden, installing erosion control materials in both ends of the park (see this article and some nice photos here - http://theporchpress.com/?p=1073 ). At the EACA meeting last night we heard about new efforts to restore a walking trail on the south end. Both of these projects are supported by Park Pride & volunteers from EACA's Parks & Beautification Committee. So know there is already a local grassroots effort you can join. As director of the East Atlanta Kids Club, which is based at Brownwood Park Recreation Center, I am always vigilant about potential criminal activity in the park, where our kids play 3 or 4 days a week. I am dismayed when I find little baggies and used condoms about. But these are not our predominant experiences of the park. What prevails is a lush canopy of beautiful, mature oak trees, grassy areas where games of kickball are played, teens pursuing hoop dreams and talking smack on the basketball court, small children frolicking on the playground, a circle of benches that form a relaxing outdoor study and reflection space, bird song, fresh air. Eye of the beholder, I suppose.

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