FOTR and DeKalb County Master Gardeners Receive Park Pride Grant
DECATUR, Ga.—The collaboration of Friends of Tucker Recreation and the DeKalb County Master Gardener Extension volunteers has been awarded a Park Pride Small Change Grant. A public gathering to announce the grant will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Tucker Recreation Center, located at 4898 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA 30084.
Funds from the grant will be used to construct an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant (ADA) pathway through the recreation center’s Butterfly Garden. Additionally, two informational kiosks will be built to educate the public about the Butterfly Garden and the Trees of Tucker Garden.
The project’s pathway and kiosk initiatives are being led by the Master Gardener volunteers. The Park Pride grant will be matched by District 1 bond funds, according to DeKalb County Commissioner Nancy Jester.
“I am so impressed with the work of the DeKalb County Master Gardener volunteers and the number of hours they dedicate to beautifying and creating educational experiences for our community,” Commissioner Jester said.
Citizens have frequently asked for improvements in the butterfly garden path to ensure that the garden is accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and canes, thereby enhancing the safety and enjoyment of visitors to the gardens. The fact that students are already using educational features contained in the Butterfly Garden and the Trees of Tucker for school projects reflects the urgent need for this funding.
“This grant to Friends of Tucker Recreation and the Master Gardener’s group will create an ADA-compliant pathway through the existing Butterfly Garden. This will create accessibility for persons with disabilities and ensure safe and more manageable visits for all our citizens,” Commissioner Jester said. “Visitors to the center will be able to use materials posted in the kiosks for gardening tips to help them be more successful and environmentally-friendly in their own gardens.”
The mission of the collaboration of Friends of Tucker Recreation and the DeKalb County Master Gardener Extension volunteers is to partner with local government and community members to preserve, promote and enrich the Tucker Recreation Center and adjacent greenspace as a valued local resource for arts, sports, recreation and education.