Ribbon-cutting marks Murphey Candler open space dedication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Evening culminates with special “movie under the stars”

Brookhaven, GA, Sept. 28, 2018 - Another normal Friday night in the park? Nope.  As a father tossed a football to his son and giggling schoolgirls kicked around a soccer ball, residents with blankets and lawn chairs made their way into the spacious open field with an “if you build it, they will come” air of excitement.

(Mayor John Ernst, Councilmembers Linley Jones, Joe Gebbia and Bates Mattison; and City Manager Christian Sigman are joined by group of young ribbon cutters to dedicate the new Murphey Candler open space.)

On Sept. 21, about 80 residents made their way to Murphy Candler Park as dusk neared for a special event: the ribbon cutting of the park’s new 1.9-acre open space, the newest addition to this jewel in the Brookhaven park system crown. Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst was joined by Council members Linley Jones, Bates Mattison and Joe Gebbia to officially open the newly-renovated space.

“This ribbon cutting marks another milestone in our overall park renovation master plan for Murphey Candler Park,” said Ernst. “along with recent projects such as conducing maintenance on Murphey Candler dam and the upcoming next phase of the park’s Lake Shoreline Restoration Project that begins in November.”

According to Brian Borden, Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Director, the renovated open space features addition of new Bermuda sod, a 10’-wide concrete perimeter trail, a granite seat wall that allows park visitors a great view of activities going on in the park and an entrance plaza into the park from Candler Lake East. “Both the new open space field and the surrounding landscaping have their own built-in irrigation systems,” noted Borden.

(Left, Mayor Ernst shows visitors some of the upcoming park improvements; right, the crowd gathers to enjoy a special viewing of the movie, Paddington.)

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve our parks to provide more amenities to our residents,” said Councilmember Linley Jones. “With the improvements here at Murphey Candler, the upcoming official opening of Skyland Park and other projects waiting in the wings, we are constantly looking for ways to make our parks bigger and even better for residents. We realize our residents recognize the value of spending time outdoors, regardless of the activity, and we strive to make this a pleasurable and convenient adventure for all ages.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were treated to a true “movie under the stars” experience with the showing of the popular family movie, Paddington. 

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