Public Input Sought On Future Of Former Austin School Site

DUNWOODY, Ga. (CW69 News at10)

PRESS RELEASE:

Dunwoody Parks & Recreation is seeking guidance from residents on park options and funding sources.

October 13, 2020 – The City of Dunwoody seeks public input to develop park plans for the former Austin Elementary School site at 5435 Roberts Drive. Demolition of the now-empty school buildings will create 12 acres of additional park space. Project information, a video presentation and public input survey can be found here: www.dunwoodyga.gov/austinplan.

"With this many acres in one location, we have a lot of options moving forward," said
Dunwoody Parks & Recreation Director Brent Walker. "The space could be used for
athletic facilities. It has nice wooded areas for passive use and natural surface trails. It
could also be used for a future community center or indoor gymnasium."

The City studied options for reuse and renovation of the existing buildings, but their poor
condition proved both cost prohibitive and impractical. Asbestos mitigation began last
week. It will be completed before demolition.

"What we'll have after demolition is a nice open green space that the community will be
able to enjoy right away," Walker added. "We'll also maintain two existing playgrounds
and trails that are on the property while we engage with the community and consider
what's next."

The public input survey, available through November 6, offers a range of options from passive parks to programmed recreation to new construction. Some would require additional funding to support.