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Vision for Brook Run Park unveiled Dec 11 2002 12:00AM Dunwoody Crier By Dick Williams
The master plan consultants for Brook Run park unveiled their concepts for the 102-acre area this week, showing crowds at two public meetings their plan to divide the acreage into areas for the arts, nature education and play.
Ray Strychalski of EDAW, Inc., said the draft conceptual plan meets almost every suggestion that gained community support in earlier public meetings in Dunwoody and south DeKalb.
Residents caught a first glance Monday night in a community meeting at the Brook Run theatre. A second meeting was held Tuesday night in south DeKalb County after The Crier went to press.
After seeing the plan Monday night, former state Sen. Jim Tysinger, author of the legislation deeding Brook Run to DeKalb County, said he was pleased.
"It's impressive the way they followed the suggestions of the people," he said. "They did an outstanding job reflecting the input."
The EDAW concept relies on what the firm calls a "fusion of natural and cultural arts" that can teach lessons of stewardship and responsibility for the land. It organizes Brook Run, a former state center for the mentally impaired, into three major zones - "The Arts," "Nature's Way" and "Play!"
What visitors to the land south of Peeler Road and west of North Peachtree would see first is the planned "Play!" area. EDAW sets aside 25 acres for a five-acre children's adventure garden starting where the old ball field sits.
Bill McCahan, working with Parks Commissioner Marilyn Drew on behalf of the sponsoring Dunwoody Preservation Trust, envisions local children helping to design the playground's features. It will contain clusters of play equipment suited for different age groups as well as an amphitheatre for youth-oriented performances. The clusters would take advantage of existing woods and natural clearings. An elevated walkway and tree house are suggested, though EDAW notes that all its plans are suggestions subject to community and county approval.
"What a master plan is not," said Strychalski, "is landscape architecture or specific materials and building plans."
The play area might also include a skate park. "I see the playground as the gateway to the park," said Drew. "It will attract visitors and set the tone for what is to come in future years."
The arts area of 25 acres takes advantage of existing buildings at Brook Run. The theater could become the home of the Dunwoody Stage Door Players, dance groups and musical groups. Brook Run's administrative offices near the front of the complex could be rented to not-for-profit groups or used by the DeKalb Parks and Recreation department. Included in the arts acreage is the Great Lawn, a re-designed version of the Brook Run meadow. A stage or band shell at one end would become a venue for outdoor events. One of the existing dorms could be renovated to provide overnight stays for art or music camp participants.
More than half of Brook Run would be devoted to the appreciation of nature if the master plan comes to fruition. The state deed restrictions require that 70 percent of the acreage remain greenspace.
"Nature's Way" included renovation of the administration building for offices and classroom space and a base for "Camp Brook Run," offering programs year-round for all ages. Two dormitories will remain for use as camp dorms, Elder-hostels and the like. One is now being used temporarily to house potential Olympic athletes from around the world.
The master plan envisions restoring native vegetation and stream channels and returning the area to a wildlife and bird sanctuary.
Though miles of trails and a horticultural center are suggested, the jewel of the plan could be a proposed aviary. It would require demolition of the hospital at Brook Run. EDAW suggests a study of an aviary dedicated to the native birds of Georgia. Its experts believe the aviary could become a regional attraction with bird displays, demonstrations and conservation education. Potential partners, EDAW says, are the Zoological Foundation of Georgia and the Audubon Society. Claire Hayes, director of the Dunwoody Nature Center, views the park as an opportunity.
"It's really exciting that half of it is devoted to nature," she said. "Tearing down the hospital means less concrete rather than more. A lot of things we've been dreaming about can be done at Brook Run - overnight camps. I get just tingly."
The draft master plan notes that many of the planned activities and attractions could generate revenue to help sustain the park. It also includes the Veterans' Memorial sought by many, the potential for a community recreation center and training courses for athletes.
Those training needs, however will be met in the main by neighboring Peachtree Charter Middle School and area colleges and universities.
"This is going to be a fantastic asset to the county," said David Fowler, a resident of neighboring Dunwoody North. "It's going to set DeKalb up as a groundbreaking county in this state."
İCrier Newspapers LLC 2003