Visions 2015 Rockdale News Special Section

DEVRESER STHGIR LLA ,LANOITANRETNI XETROV 2102© 9387.685.778.1 MOC.LTNI-XETROV .CNI LANOITANRETNI SERUTCURTS CITAUQA XETROV moc.ltni-xetrov parks & trails MT More for everyone at Rockdale parks By Martin Rand III T he parks and trails around Rockdale County will have plenty of new features, classes and camps to offer kids this summer to get them up and out of the house this summer. p o r d r e p s el i m s e r o m Rockdale County Recreation and Maintenance Director Jackie Lunsford says that some of changes came from suggestions from parents and the overall public. “We have a lot going on,” she said. “Enhancing our parks makes it a place everyone is proud of and everyone what’s to go.” One change added to the parks service this upcoming summer will be the addition of a Teen Summer Camp for ages 13 and 14. The Teen Camp will be based out of Johnson Park but will include adventure trips, leadership and service projects, teambuilding activities, swimming, and more, says Lunsford. Also at Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Rockdale County, the second phase of a four-part renovation process is being completed. This makeover fixed up the locker rooms and bathroom at the park and added a pavilion on the grounds, which it lacked previously. Phase 1 of the Johnson Park renovation project transitioned the park to using the county sewer system rather than a septic tank. Phase 3 will renovate the pool and the final phase will reconfigure the park. “They’re going to put some islands in and make some one way (paths),” said Lunsford. “They’re going to make it more organized.” Other improvements at other parks include the fixing up the outdoor basketball courts at Pine Log Park, 1451 Pine Log Road, Conyers, installing a pavilion at Earl O’Neal Sports Complex, 2709 Old Covington Road, Conyers, and putting in a new splash pad to replace the former pool at Milstead Park, 1665 Main Street, Conyers (see artist’s rendition above). The splash pad will have six jets of water that will shoot water into the air for about three minutes. “There was an old pool here, but it 1wasiV -very old pool salpS kraP daetsliM we a A G ,®daph and we had to take it out,” said Lunsford. “When we talked to the people that lived there, we asked them and they said, ‘If you could put another water feature in that would be great.’” A ribbon cutting program introducing the splash pad to the community is planned for May 18 at 5 p.m. at the park. “Its’ a short program, and then we’re just going to let the kids play,” Lunsford said. The county also recently completed the Black Shoals Park Retreat House and 1.8-mile non-pavement scenic Nature Trail project, 3001 Black Shoals Park, Rockdale County. The Retreat House indoor facility, adjoining the Walk of Heroes Veteran's Park, has heat and air, flush toilets, a warming kitchen, a porch with picnic tables, and space for large meetings or events. Yoga classes will also be held there. “We try to offer something to everyone at every age,” said Lunsford. “Everything isn’t for everyone, but if you look, there’s something for everyone.” RN Creamberry’s Ice Cream Come to Creamberry’s Where We Sell an Experience and the Ice Cream Comes With It! Waffle Bowls and Cones • Sundaes es s tz ls zels ze s Shakes • Floats • Cookies and Pretzels Hours: Closed Mondays Tues.-Sat. 12 - 9 pm • Sunday 12 - 8 pm 925 Commercial Street, Olde Town Conyers 770-860-1786 22 ROCKDALENEWS.COM l Visions 2015 CreamberrysIceCream.com HOT AND COLD BEVERAGES

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