Maintenance and Management

Current Conditions

Parks maintenance resources have been stretched increasingly thin in past years.  Funding has not kept pace with increased maintenance responsibilities, equipment is outdated, and the number of staff is inadequate.  In addition, there is a need for job training, increased maintenance staff, and maintenance equipment to sustain desirable service levels.

Park Master Plans

Many neighborhood and community parks have facilities that do not adequately serve residents, are inaccessible, tend to attract vandals, and are unattractive and underused.  These problems are due largely to a need for master plan designs for individual parks.  Since 1968, when the City's park planning guidelines were adopted, Atlanta has grown into an international city with "big city" problems.  

Enforcement Of Rules

Park rules and regulations are included in the City Code, yet are not adequately enforced because police face higher priority issues.  As a result of poor park location and design and inadequate police patrol and enforcement, some parks have become places for criminal activity. Crime diminishes when use of the park by legitimate users is substantial and when there is clear visibility into the park by frequent passersby.

Anticipated Future Conditions

Emphasis will need to be put on facilities that make efficient use of limited funds by serving the most people, of all ages, and by requiring much less maintenance than architectural structures. Additionally a priority needs to be put on investments that will be here for future generations, such as greenways and park open space.

Current Policies

  1. Maximize efficiency of staff and management by providing needed job training.

  2. Ensure the efficient maintenance of existing park land and facilities.

  3. Increase staff and equipment as new park land and facilities are acquired to ensure efficient maintenance.

  4. Maximize efficient utility of park components by adopting uniform standards for play equipment and park furniture.

  5. Utilize Park Planning Guidelines in the design of all parks and public open spaces.

  6. Clearly post park rules and regulations in all parks.

  7. Produce park management plans that include staffing, maintenance schedules, equipment, training, quality control, and annual cost.

  8. Locate new block, neighborhood, and community parks only in areas that are highly visible from surrounding residential streets.

  9. Include park rules and regulations as part of the City's law enforcement code, so that police may enforce observance of these regulations.

  10. Utilize greenway trails to increase activity and visibility in parks and neighborhoods.

  11. As part of police training, educate all police on park regulations, as specified in the City Code, so that they will know to enforce such regulations.

  12. Include cleanup costs in the fees charged for special events.

  13. Close parks with security problems after dark. When parks are open at night, provide adequate lighting and park personnel. House caretakers on site where appropriate.