|
home
> welcome
to dekalb > recreation
 Culminating with a historic mandate from its voters in 2005, DeKalb County has succeeded in the most ambitious greenspace preservation program in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and has had to overcome the most obstacles to get it done.
In November 2005, with two other bond referenda on the ballot, the voters of DeKalb County put their money where their mouth is by agreeing to earmark $96 million for greenspace acquisition and development. This comes on the heels of a $125 million bond referendum for greenspace that voters approved in 2001.
Through August 2006, DeKalb has spent $76 million to preserve more than 2,289 acres of parkland and greenspace, an increase of 61% in total County acreage. Per capita parkland has increased from 5.6 acres per 1,000 residents in 2001 to 8.7 acres in 2006. With additional land purchases, that ratio is expected to increase to 11 acres by 2008. This aggressive program enabled DeKalb to save critical sites along river corridors, sensitive plant and animal habitats, fragile rock outcrops, archeological and historic sites and scenic areas, and has secured additional acreage to expand parks and create new active parks.
The crown jewel of these efforts has been the Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, consisting of sensitive and beautiful lands in the rapidly growing area of South DeKalb. Through the auspices of this initiative, this park has been expanded to more than 2,000 acres, and connects to 2,000 additional acres in Henry and Rockdale Counties. Congress has realized this important and unique potential as both the House and the Senate have approved legislation designating the land in the three counties as a National Heritage Area. For more information about DeKalb’s ambitious greenspace program, go to http://dekalbgreenspace.com
 DeKalb County's Parks and Recreation Department works together with nationally recognized consultants, community, business and government leaders as well as citizens of DeKalb County, to create signature parks and recreational facilities that will enhance the image of DeKalb County and its park system.
We are proud to share the many accomplishments of DeKalb County's Parks and Recreation Department. Our outstanding park system which includes: 130 parks consisting of approximately 6,000 acres of parkland and open space, 151 playgrounds, 2 golf courses, 105 tennis courts, 90 pavilions, 158 ball fields, 11 recreational facilities, and even more.
The Parks and Recreation Department understands that parks are not only important to the quality of life, but they are also assets that increase DeKalb County's desirability as a place to live, work and play.
Click HERE to view a complete listing of our parks and recreational centers.
For this week’s highlights of events in DeKalb County’s parks and recreation centers, and news about upcoming events, click HERE.
|
