7/22/15
By: Rob Moore
Jody Shahan presented a concept for a potential user-friend city park, saying much of it likely could be developed with grant funding.
(HELEN) – For an hour Tuesday afternoon members of the public and the Helen City Commission exchanged words, some heated, over changes made at the Helen Riverside Park. Two weeks ago, the Helen City Commission voted to remove the 13 picnic tables and seven grills and ash receptacles from the city park in favor of a more passive facility. That left three swings for public use, and a pavilion with picnic tables available only by reservation.
City officials argue it was a needed step to make the park usable for city residents, and also for tourists. Several members of the public argued the city acted too hastily in making changes. Others said city leaders recognized a problem and addressed it swiftly.
Commissioner Fred Garmon said, “People said it was a knee-jerk, but I can assure you it was not a knee-jerk reaction.” Garmon pointed to thousands of dollars of damage to the public restrooms at the park pavilion.
Several commissioners said conditions in the park have improved since the picnic tables and grills were removed.
Resident Jody Shahan took a positive approach to the situation, saying she has put two weeks of research into what can go into city parks. She presented a visual display of how the park could look if developed with recreation facilities such as man-size checkers and chess, a water feature, picnic tables and other amenities, possibly with federal grant funds.
Mayor Dona K. Burke said commissioners are divided on the issue and want public input.
I think it was a terrible decision. I have lived here all my life. I can remember before anything was there sitting and having my lunch there. I loved the addition of the picnic tables. I would take my daughter and sometimes her friends up there.And having the ones under the pavilion by reservation only in a tourist town. Just put up some signs and enforce some rules!!!!
Should of been done years ago!
The commissioners and city manager do not have Helen’s best interest in mine. Helen needs new people in office. Fresh new minds that will make a difference for the better.
Judy
July 23, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Helen should provide residents and guests with picnic facilities in numbers suitable to seasonal demands. We reap tremendous profits from the quests and we owe them that consideration.
You need a place for the people to set and enjoy .Something free in Helen. It could be the best . Have the police drive by and check regular. That is also their job. Nice for the children to get their energy out also.Don’t judge all people by one. Put signs up . Throwing trash will be fined . Can not leave your things on a table to reserve it . Have an info phone number posted…Come on Helen..Give some . Don’t think about the people that bring in your money…Locals too…Have a peaceful meeting and think of others beside yourself…Thank you Bill Gulledge
The city is out of hand.
Employ people to check public restrooms during the day. Have a officer do a walk through a cpl times a day during busy times. This is a tourist town and you a alienating them. I also don’t think it’s a coincidence the people who were enjoying the parks the most are Hispanic .. I have lived all over the US in tourist towns. I have never lived in one that had so much control over how much money the business owners make..
Put out a bit of money Helen and you could have a more popular destination attraction..