Decatur, GA: Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Decatur Square
Big things are happening in Decatur, GA, and the community is buzzing with excitement! The city is moving forward with a major renovation of the beloved Decatur Square, and it’s shaping up to be a space that everyone can enjoy. The first phase of this project will introduce a brand-new stage for performances, an interactive play area for kids, and plenty of other improvements that will make the Square a more vibrant and welcoming place.
Community Engagement at its Best
The city is currently busy working on the schematic design of the project, and they’re eager to hear from the public. To ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, an open house was held on Thursday, Sept. 19, and there’s still time to participate through a community survey that’s open until Sept. 30. This isn’t just another project; it’s truly a community effort where residents are invited to share their thoughts and ideas about how they want this transformation to look.
What’s New for the Square?
So, what can we expect with this renovation? Well, for starters, the addition of a new performance stage is a big highlight. However, this means that the existing bandstand will either need to be relocated or potentially demolished, a decision that city officials are carefully weighing based on cost and feasibility. Assistant City Manager Angela Threadgill remarked, “It comes down to cost because the other thing we have to consider is it could be less expensive to build something new.”
The enhancements don’t stop there! The Square will be expanded into North McDonough Street and will feature green infrastructure, public restrooms, and improvements to the existing plaza, including new landscaping, play equipment, and furnishings. Residents can also look forward to seeing the statue “Celebration”, which honors Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson, relocated to North McDonough Street. There are plans to repair its base and the water feature, bringing back the mist that many people remember fondly.
Restroom Concerns and Requests for Shade
One hot topic at the open house was the new public restrooms, which are set to be located on North McDonough Street for visibility and safety. While some residents expressed their relief about the addition of restrooms, concerns about cleanliness were raised. Threadgill assured attendees that public works would maintain and clean the restrooms, which will not be open 24/7 but will be locked during evening hours for safety.
Another big concern from the community is the need for more shaded areas in the Square. A few residents want to see more structures that provide shade, especially with the sunny Georgia weather. Maya Hahn, a concerned resident, noted, “I think it needs more shade areas than what’s planned here because that’s one of the biggest problems with the Square right now.”
More Than Just a Pretty Space
This renovation isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where community members can gather and enjoy various events. Residents like Kris Webb look forward to seeing kids play safely while parents can relax. There’s also a call for enhancing the overall entrance to the Square, as some feel it currently lacks the charm to attract visitors. Paula Collins emphasized the need for more multifaceted spaces that can accommodate everything from concerts to family picnics.
Looking Ahead
As for next steps, the City Commission is set to discuss this exciting project during a work session in October. Construction documents are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with a contractor selected early in 2025. The actual construction is anticipated to kick off in spring 2025 and wrap up by spring 2026.
Change is coming, and it seems the future of Decatur Square will be brighter and more user-friendly than ever before. So, make sure to stay tuned and participate as we look forward to enjoying an upgraded community space that promises plenty of wonderful memories!
