Oakhurst DogPark Proposal

     My name is Lea Renard. I am the current representative for Oakhurst DogPark.

I want to help stop the proposed Plan that threatens the destruction of our beloved DogPark.  Eleven months before the Nov 3 commissioners meeting discussions around this damaging proposal began without an official representative for our DogPark community. This is unacceptable and illegal according to Georgia law. I believe one of the commissioners is pursuing a personal agenda that is pro-development and not what residents want. I believe members of Oakhurst DogPark were purposely excluded and misrepresented to be used as a scapegoat for this Plan.   It is critical that our community's concerns are included, and addressed so that our Park can be preserved ...and made even better.

I have initiated communication with the Decatur City Manager, and Parks and Recreation offices advocating to stop any activities that threaten the Park's existence until a comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders is established. This vote needs to be readdressed.  Our beloved DogPark is more than just a greenspace. It is a Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of a Nature Preserve ...and a community hub where we get to know our neighbors and enrich our daily lives.  Over 70% of Oakhurst's residents utilize the dog park regularly. Residents overwhelmingly expressed their desire to keep the park intact due to its social, recreational, and ecological benefits.

 I would like to present a new proposal for Oakhurst DogPark and Oakhurst Park that would benefit everyone concerned.

1. I propose that Decatur City purchase the property behind Oakhurst DogPark including the property at 153 Hood Cir. This property can be added to the DogPark expanding the size of the current park. We could then create a small dog DogPark at the other end of the property with an entrance to the park at !53 Hood Cir. This would include more of the community that may be uncomfortable with bringing their small dogs, or shy dogs, or older dogs to the DogPark. We do have alot of young dogs that play hard at times in the park. The dogs could still socialize with each other at the fence, but would keep small dogs safe from any possible problems with bigger dogs. We would like to include everyone from the community who would like to bring their dogs to Oakhurst DogPark while limiting any problems.
The property owners who are Real Estate Holding Companies can then go buy other property to develop ...such as the empty shopping center on Columbia Dr that has been boarded up for years ...and make $10,000,000 in another location.

2. I also propose that the rainwater runoff gulley that runs beside the dogpark be turned back into a natural stream ...like they did at the Candler Park golf course ...which would prevent flooding, filter the water clean naturally, and prevent any debris from the dogpark being washed into the stream. It would also include water from the spring behind the Boysand Girls club. The city has already agreed to do that with the gulley that runs by Wylde Center on the other side of East Lake Dr ...so I think they could do that on the DogPark side as well. This would attract more birds to the park which is already an Audobon Wildlife preserve.
We could also put a boarkwalk over the stream that would expand the DogPark up the bank to the fence by the soccer field ...and also protect the stream from debris.

3. I then propose that Agnes Scott drop the lease on Oakhurst Park and start a new lease at McKoy Park. Oakhurst ballpark is not built for college age kids. It is built for smaller kids ...little league kids. I would like to preserve Oakhurst Park the soccer field, and the indoor pool as it is ...with some updates. It is perfect for that area.
McKoy Park has a bigger baseball field, and more area in general. There is plenty of room for a volleyball court, and other courts that Agnes Scott needs. You would not have to cut down any trees, "move a stream", or destroy a beloved dogpark. There is plenty of parking. There are 2 entrances to the parking. There is plenty of street parking near the park. ....and the streets around the park lead to 2 major thoroughfares, Memorial Dr and Candler Rd ...which will prevent any major traffic jams ...unlike the intersection at 2nd Ave and East Lake Dr. This would be a perfect fit for Agnes Scott for the 4 months out of the year they need it ...and then the rest of Decatur can enjoy the updates the other 8 months out of the year. Agnes Scott may even be willing to share their schedule with another team.

     I think this proposal includes everyone concerned with this development idea ...and gives everyone what they need and want. You will not have to move a "stream" ...cut down way too many trees ... destroy a beloved DogPark ...or turn this corner of Oakhurst upside down unnecessarily. ...AND It will NOT cost $10,000,000.00. It will expand and preserve the nature in this area that we love so much, and improve Decatur's Parks.  Please support a new idea for this plan. It will be better for ALL of us.

 Please sign to demand the Decatur City commissioners to readdress this issue and create a better plan.