THE PARK BENCH

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERFALL 2012 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

Today is a great day to visit a park!Find activities near your neighborhood, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks

IN THIS ISSUE

Director’s Note 2

Celebrating Our Progress 3

2012 Year In Review 4-5

Employee Spotlight 6-7

OUR MISSIONThe Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’ mission is to provide safe parks and facilities, enhance the quality of life as a provider of recreation and cultural experiences and ensure a customer focused parks system.

Making Our Park Care A Community Venture

Park Partners and The Home Depot Beautify Fairington Park

The Friends of Fairington Park received a $1500 grant from The Home Depot that assisted them in adding a little beauty to their neighborhood park. Under the supervision and guidance of County staff and The Home Depot employees; this group was able to repair the sign and plant shrubs in the park. This was a great day of community and DeKalb County partnership.

Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs

WILSONROyA moment with

Dear Fellow Employees,

Happy New Year to you and yours! An eventful year has passed and upon welcoming this brand new year, I am truly happy to be able to exchange New Year greetings with you. I hope this New Year will bring all of you blessings, good health, hope and happiness.

We are going to be very busy in 2013 with lots of activities, events and programs in our parks, recreation centers and the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center.

Thank you all for your hard work in 2012. We made it through a very difficult year but most importantly, we made it! Further cost-cutting is needed for 2013 but being the masters that we are at doing more with less I look forward to yet another successful year! I express my gratitude to you, our employees, for making our success possible, and would like to elaborate on just a few of our major achievements in 2012:• Collected over 500 pairs of shoes for the Soles4Souls shoe

charity organization.• Served 199,093 meals to 54 sites for the summer food program.• 28,675 participants attended the 2012 Summer Camp

SuperStars.• 81,643 patrons visited pools and the family aquatic center

during the 2012 season.• Placed 1st place in the “Safe Driver Championship” Contest.• The Leadership Team volunteered a day of service at the

Senior Connections Organization, which involved preparing and delivering meals.

• Reopened the Browns Mill and Gresham Recreation Centers.

As we gear up for another exciting year I want to encourage you to see yourselves, connect with yourselves and “own” yourselves more fully. Whether it’s finding strength in a tough situation, changing an outlook or gaining clarity on one’s own life’s purpose.

In closing, meeting the demands of today’s difficult and uncertain economic environment requires total unity and commitment. Employees at all levels of the department must work together in partnership, particularly to ensure the most efficient and effective service delivery, a customer-centered value system and truly safe workplaces for each of you.

I wish you all, along with your families; prosperity, health and happiness in 2013! Thank you!

GRESHAM PARK

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C e L e b R A t I N g O u R P R O g R e S S

GRESHAM PARKRECREATION CENTER

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, the Board of Commissioners and the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs held the official reopening of the Gresham Recreation Center on December 14. The event was held in conjunction with their Annual Family Night, which kicks off their youth basketball and cheerleading season.

The event provided DeKalb County a chance to present the newly renovated 20,152-square-foot facility to the citizens of DeKalb and for elected officials to thank the public for their support. Citizens were invited to enjoy this special occasion and also have an opportunity to tour the facility.

The facility’s new additions and renovations included:Front Foyer Game Room Computer Lab Gymnasium Kitchen RestroomsHVAC Security System Pavilion Flooring throughout facility

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2012yeAR IN RevIeW

ReCReAtION, PARkS & CuLtuRAL AffAIRS

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2012yeAR IN RevIeW

ReCReAtION, PARkS & CuLtuRAL AffAIRS

Photos 1-131. Cheer-Off Competition 2. Exchange Community Garden 3. Friends of Dearborn Park 4. July is Parks and Recreation Month 5. Volunteers at Senior Connections 6. Summer Camp Culminating event 7. County Swim League Championship at Emory 8. Grand ReOpening of Browns Mill Recreation Center 9. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs for DeKalb Schools 10. Back 2 School Bash at Exchange 11. Field of Screams at Rainbow Park 12. Little Hooper Championship Tournament 13. Youth Soccer

Photos 14-2414. Youth Music Camp at Porter Sanford 15. Wilson Pickett Exhibit 16. Summer Food Service program 17. Souls4Souls Charity Shoe Drive 18. Let’s Move DeKalb Event 19. Friends of Kelly Cofer Park 20. Special Olympics Baseball Tournament 21. Celebrating Christmas with Riggins and Clarke Family 22. Sneak Preview of Wade Walker YMCA 23. Track & Field 24. Senior Olympic Games (Water Volleyball)

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Photo (left to right) Crew Supervisors-Rodney Jeffares,John Bell, Robert Neal and East District Superintendent, Ken Roberson

The Park Bench sat down with Ken Roberson, the supervisors and crews of the East District .

TPB: What is a typical day like here in the East District?

KR: There is a routine maintenance plan and general work focus that is put together for each of the supervisors and crews. The weekly park usage and demands at some parks by the community makes it difficult at times to stick to the plan because of the constant attention required to these parks. Regardless of the demands and request our crews still manage to get the job done.

TPB: How are you handling the recession and its effects on your daily work?

KR: This economy, like everywhere has brought its challenges. The resources are minimal but we find creative ways to get the job done. It’s no doubt our crews are much smaller now than before and the workload continues to increase but I often remind them that it’s better to have 97% of their jobs as oppose to zero. We use to rely on “specialty” crews who brought various specialized skills such as carpentry, electricial to name a few that we no longer have as a part of our districts. Our crews today are made up of much younger staff that require some hands-on training to

accomplish the task but they are sharp and catch on easily.

TPB: What do you do to keep your crews motivated about work in this economic times?

KR: Well, when we can not compensate the guys monetarily you have to come up with some creative ways to motivate and maintain morale. Having a positive outlook on it all helps everyone get through the demands of the day. I keep the lines of communication open and allow them to vent their frustrations to keep things moving and this seems to be working for us so far. The crews sometime become overwhelmed with the increase in our daily workloads and not having the manpower needed to get everything accomplished but I constantly encourage them to do what they can and to put their best foot forward. Every little bit of morale boosters we can get helps with the guys, so having the opportunities to work some weekend assignments are a plus.

TPB: Where do you find your motivation as a manager to do your job?

KR: I love the outdoors and just being outside. So having the opportunity to work outside is great. I often tell my kids that I’m lucky to be able to do

something that I like, not to mention the many benefits along the way.

TPB: What would you say is a highlight of doing what you do daily?

KR: My ability to be outdoors and the diversity of the work options that being a Superintendant brings. I find it rewarding when I know that we have done a great job and the customer is satisfied. Mainly just to accomplish the goal is satisfying and to see the guys “get it”. Many of the guys I’ve watched grow and develop into great leaders and team players; several are in supervisory positions training others and unfornately others have taken their skills elsewhere but regardless that makes me proud.

TPB: Hearing how well all the guys work great together, tell me how does Valerie fit in this puzzle.

KR: Valerie keeps all of us running and in

MEET THE

EASTDISTRICTNot your ordinar y walk in the park

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order. She’s like the mom of the shop ensuring that all the guys are on tasks and the parks are being maintained according to the routine plan. She also takes care of all our administrative needs from taking calls to inputting our time to name a few. She simply takes charge of it all around here. I seldom say that we won’t really know to the full extent of what all she does around here until she’s gone because she takes care of it all.

TPB: When I say “crew” what is the one word that comes to mind?

KR: PRIDE, TEAM, FAMILY, FUN (although this is more than one word, I can’t use just one).

TPB: (Sitting with Supervisors Rodney Jeffares, John Bell, Robert Neal) How is it working in and supervising the East District?

RJ/JB/RN: There are problems but we come together and work through them. We believe in excelling and giving excellent quality work. Our goal is to serve the citizens of the county and give 110% of our service. We have a great bunch of guys that work well together as a team to serve the citizens of DeKalb.

VALERIE POLLYKeeping The House In Order

TPB: All of the guys speak highly of you and the work you do here. So, how is it working here and handling the demands of so many?

VP: It’s easy because there is a system to what needs to happen to get everything done. The majority of my day is spent supporting the district administratively in order to ensure they can serve this county to the best of their ability. A typical day includes answering calls, resolving complaints, inquiries from citizens and commercial customers and attending to payroll needs. I am the “go-to” person for everyone and if I don’t have the answer I find the resources that will keep this district working. We are often called on from other departments and/or community groups to assist with special events and I’m the liaison that works to make sure our guys are where they need to be when they need to be there. Because our crews work out in the parks I take pride in making sure they are always in the loop with county and departmental news. I love what I do and the guys make it easy!

THE EAST DISTRICT

CREWS

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GEORGEWALLACE

& Friends

Lynwood Red & White Ball Feature

Eating, Laughing & Dancing with a purpose

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The Annual Red & White Ball was a much anticipated event for the community around Lynwood Recreation Center. This was a time of the year when current and former residents come back together to celebrate the holidays and raise money and collect toys for a great charitable cause - the children. In years past those attending contributed by donating toys, purchasing tickets or giving monetarily. All of these efforts have aided the recreation center in being a valuable asset to its community and families

that have benefited from efforts such as this one. As always the staff and

committe members were diligently planning for

this annual and were thrown a curve ball, with the recent e s t a b l i s h m e n t of the new city, B r o o k h a v e n . Not knowing if this will be the

last Red & White Ball from this

center, the committee decided to pull out all

the stops and go big and make this a ball to remember.

Remembering some of the history of this community the committee decided to invite Comedian George Wallace to headline this year’s ball.

George Wallace, who has been selling out comedy clubs and concert venues all over the country, derives his comedy from the everyday and simply shares moments of life. He finds humor everywhere he turns–from media to relationships to dialogue cliches. At all costs, he avoids standard opening lines and is known to be an ace at reading an audience. Among other comics, Wallace is known as “the guy who can roll the room over if it’s dead.”

This event hosted by WSB-TV Channel 2 News Reporter, Mark Winne drew current and former Lynwood Community residents and others from around the metro area including elected officials,

area pastors and retired DeKalb County educators, who were teachers at some of the schools in the area. Also some of the newly elected officials and neighbors of the City of Brookhaven took part in this event. Honors and Awards were given to several community people for their contributions and service to the Lynwood Park Recreation Center and community. Peter Scott, former journalist for the Atlanta Journal Constituttion presented a proclamation to George Wallace on behalf of CEO Burrell Ellis and the Board of Commissioners in honor of his community involvement and contributions.

The food, the music, the people, the comradory were great, however the night was not complete until Mr. Vegas himself, Comedian

George Wallace took the stage. Wallace kept the audience in tears with his comedic routine, antics and remininsce of growing up in the Lynwood Community. George also brought along as an added bonus two of his comedic friends, Myra J and Terry Hodge. They were phenomenal and kept the audience doubled over with laughs. It as truly an event that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Throughout the evening attendees were able to enjoy the melodic sounds of EJ and the Versatiles Band. George Wallace and friends stayed the duration of the event and afterwards graced the audience with photo opporutunities with them. All who attended walked away with a lovely teddy bear momento and keepsake courtesy of Mr. Wallace to mark this event forever.

The staff, committee, community, Mr. George Wallace and Friends and all others that had a hand in the planning and execution of this event did a fantastic and commendable job in making this a memorable event for all and most importantly the end benefactors - the children.

EATING, LAUGHING &

DANCING WITH A PURPOSE

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Photo Above (left to right): Maria Brunt, Recreation Assistant, Mark Winne, WSB-TV News Reporter, and Cassandra Bryant, Recreation Assistant

EXPLORE ARABIA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

ExErcisE & aErobicssaturdays8:30 - 10:00aM & Noon - 1:30PMJoin Fitness Instructor DeQuanda Sanders for dynamic cardio and aerobic workouts in the Nature Center or by trail. Please bring a water bottle and a mat. Meet in the Nature Center classroom.

hEalthy cookiNg DEMossaturday, March 910:30aM - Noon Celebrate the joys of cooking with chef and health educator Deborah Summerville of Wonderland Gardens featuring seasonal dishes and healthy comfort foods perfect for winter. Meet at the Nature Center.

rEal talk, rEal fooD, rEal sPirit foruMsaturday, March 91:30 - 3:30PM Participate in lively and enlightening discussions about wellness, nourishing foods, and spirituality. Gather at the fireplace in the Nature Center.

hikE/bikE for thE hEalth of it!sunday, March 17, 298:00aMGet moving and see the Nature Preserve by trail and PATH. Hikes are moderate, 2-5 miles. Meet at the Nature Center and please bring water.

WiNtEr trEE Walkfriday, february 15 8 - 11:30aMJoin Park Ranger Robby Astrove on Georgia Arbor Day for an interpretive hike to learn about winter tree identification. Participants will learn about overlooked signatures best noted for winter ID.

flat rock culturE—historical communities and Peoplesaturday, february 1610aM -1PMJoin Johnny Waits of the Flat Rock Archive during Black History Month to learn about

the rich African American History in South DeKalb County and the unique culture of Flat Rock past and present. Space is limited, please register with rlastrove@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ruiNs of arabiasunday, february 248 - 11:30aMLearn about Arabia’s past through the lens of old rock ruins with veteran preserve volunteer Tom Smith. Old quarry buildings, homestead foundations, and mystery structures are revealed each winter. Come explore with us.

MEDiciNal PlaNts aND tEassunday, March 17 8 - 11:30aMJoin herbalist and medicine woman Nicole Bluh to discuss and practice foraging and tea brewing. Participants will learn about ethical plant collecting, the healing power of the plants that grow in our area, and how to prepare healing teas and tonics.

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SPORtS & AtHLetICS Youth Track & FieldRegister NOW - March 1Ages: 5-14 (Birth Certificates Required)$40 per child$50 per child after March 1Age Control Date: December 31, 2012

Youth Spring Soccer LeagueRegister NOW - February 15Ages: 5-14 (Birth Certificates Required)U6 (4 & 5 yr. olds) - $45 U8 (6 & 7 yr. olds) - $55U10 (8 & 9 yr. olds) - $65 U12 (10 & 11 yr. olds) - $75U14 (12 & 13 yr. olds) - $85Late fee is additional $10 after February 15Fee includes uniform (shirt, shorts & socks)

Senior Olympic GamesMay 6 -17Register March 25 - April 19Ages: 50 and upVisit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks for fees and events.

ReCReAtIONSpring Break CampApril 8 - 12Monday - Friday7:00am - 6:30pmAges 5-12$6 per day or $25 for the weekCheck with the recreation center for additional details.

Summer CampJune 3 - July 26Monday - Friday7:00am - 6:00pmAges 5-15$55 per weekBreakfast and lunch provided

We encourage you to check out our recreation centers to experience exciting events, classes and programs. All 13 of our recreation centers provide enriching activities to stimulate your mind, body and spirit, so visit us to enjoy the benefits of RECREATION! Here is a glimpse of a few NEW activities that will be offered this Winter.

Center Event DateN. H. Scott Here & Now Black History Program 2/1-28 Mason Mill Bark in the Park 2/1-28 Tobie Grant Healthy Choices Workshop 2/1-28Lynwood African American Inventor Museum 2/25Midway Community Health Fair 3/9:february 18 (President’s Day)May 27 (Memorial Day)

UPCOMING ACTIvITIES

Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs1300 Commerce Drive, 3rd floorDecatur, georgia 30030

Administrative Office Hours: Monday - friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Dekalb County CeO burrell ellis and the board of Commissioners

THE OFFICE AND RECREATION CENTERS WILL BE CLOSED TO OBSERvE THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS:february 18 (President’s Day)May 27 (Memorial Day)