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Brookhaven and Briarwood Parks to reopen with big upgrades
By Logan C. Ritchie
After months of renovation and
construction, Brookhaven Park and
Briarwood Park welcomed visitors back
just before Thanksgiving.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was on
Nov. 25 at Brookhaven Park, which
features a large, improved dog park and
the tallest Robinia wood play structure in
the U.S.
Improvements to Brookhaven Park
started immediately after the city took
possession of the park from DeKalb
County in April 2022. The park has a
larger parking lot, two pavilions and
restroom areas, improved walkways,
and a dog splash pad. On Dec. 7, the
city opened an ice skating rink as part of
Holidays in the ‘Haven.
“This ribbon-cutting marks
an important step in bringing the
community’s vision from the Brookhaven
Park Master Plan to life,” City
Councilmember Madeleine Simmons said.
“With these new amenities, families and
pets alike now have even more spaces to
gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.”
Councilmember Jennifer Owens said
Briarwood Park — the final project of the
$40 million park bond — held a small
ceremony on Nov. 25.
Briarwood Park has an improved
parking lot with lighting, a dumpster pad,
2024
City Council & Board Meetings, 4362 Peachtree Rd NE
Tuesday, Dec. 3
City Council
6:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. work session) 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 13
Development Authority
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Planning Commission
7 p.m. (5:30 p.m. work session)
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Arts & Culture Commission
5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
City Council
6:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. work session)
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Board of Appeals
7 p.m. (5:30 p.m. work session)
^ City Hall closed Dec. 24 & 25
Updates & more info at www.BrookhavenGA.gov/Calendar
Brookhaven Park’s new playground. (Courtesy City of Brookhaven)
EV chargers, stormwater improvements,
a new entry, loop trails, and a community
garden. Plans are underway for a larger
celebration to commemorate the upgraded
community garden in the spring.
“The city’s parks and green spaces are
vital to our community identity,” Owens
said. “The completion of the 2018 Park
Bond projects should be celebrated.”
Flock cameras help police solve
homicide at Blackburn Park
By Logan C. Ritchie
Thanks to the city’s investment in
Flock cameras, the Brookhaven Police
Department has arrested and charged
three suspects with felony murder and
armed robbery in connection with a Nov.
9 homicide at Blackburn Park on Ashford
Dunwoody Road.
Decatur resident Brandon Xavier
Davis, 21, was discovered with a fatal
gunshot wound near the tennis courts
around 5:25 p.m. BPD said evidence
indicates that the three suspects — Azra
Sheppard, Diamoni Henry, and Davion
Meux — conspired to lure the victim to
Blackburn Park under the pretense of a
business transaction, with the intent to rob
him. Video from Flock cameras provided
critical leads, enabling detectives to
identify and locate the suspects.
“This rapid progress highlights the
value of investing in Flock Safety’s
resources, which—when paired with
the expertise of our investigative
team—enabled us to solve this case in
a significantly shorter time frame than
would otherwise have been possible,” a
press release stated.
Brookhaven Mayor John Park said he
hopes the development brings a “small
degree of comfort to the grieving family.”
“Brookhaven’s ongoing investments in
cutting-edge crime fighting technology has
once again brought a swift resolution to
this senseless and violent crime,” said Park.
Chief Brandon Gurley said the
investigation “highlights the critical role of
inter-agency cooperation and methodical
police work in achieving justice.”
Additional charges could be filed.
On Nov. 8, one day prior to the
Blackburn Park murder, a 15-year-old
male was shot at approximately 3:30
p.m. on at ParkTowne North apartment
complex at North Cliff Valley and Buford
Highway. The minor was transported to
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur
M. Blank Hospital in Brookhaven.
An investigation by BPD revealed
that the victim had arrived at the location
expecting a physical altercation but was
met with gunfire instead. A juvenile
suspect has been arrested on charges of
aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
Additional charges may be forthcoming.
BPD is urging the public to contact the
department with information regarding
either incident by calling (404) 637-0600.
8 | DECEMBER 2024
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