October 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 76

Selena Butler Park Research Study
as ParT of The 2011 reViTaliZaTion of selena butler Park,
the partners of Parks build Community commissioned a study
to collect measurable data on the local community's feelings
about the park and its surrounding neighborhood-in terms of
needs and desires, safety, opportunities for physical activity,
and social engagement.
" there hasn't been access for years to
a quality facility, " says east Carolina university associate Professor Kindal
shores, who, along with assistant Professor stephanie West of appalachian state
university, is conducting the park study.
" Right now, they express a sense
that 'we are residents, but we are not
neighbors,' " shores says, referring to
insights gleaned during three recent
focus group sessions. " they want a
park that will bring people together. "
" Most of the children are not allowed to walk around the neighborhood by themselves-nor do they want
to because it's not safe, " says West.
" they just want to be allowed to play
in the park, " she adds, noting a set of
artwork done by the children. " the
kids drew pictures of their ideal park,
and most drew playground equipment
and sports fields. there was quite a bit
of activity in the drawings. "

For young professionals, the researchers noted a desire for programming-not just for themselves,
but for everyone living near the park.
the young professionals also asserted
that sports leagues could help populate
the park until the neighborhood does it
on its own.
and for the seniors, the focus is on
safety and the return of children and
families. " they were very adamant that
there needs to be a professional presence by both park staﬀ and police...until usage is to the point where people
can watch out for themselves, " West
says. but West points out that the seniors are also planning to be regular
users themselves. " they are looking
forward to cookouts and having a
community gathering place that
gives them a reason to be out, "
West says.
-Amy Kapp

staff monitoring, the seniors themselves hope to help
maintain safety.
Trish O'Connell, vice president of real estate development for the Atlanta Housing Authority, recognizes the potential for the seniors of Auburn Pointe to
serve as a steady, positive presence. " Seniors make
wonderful eyes on the street, " O'Connell says. She
mentions their interest in the community garden and
for programming that could occur at the community
center, both of which will encourage a sense of ownership. " From a master planning standpoint, it was an
excellent relationship to make, " she adds.

accessibility
Citizens and business leaders surmise that Selena
Butler Park could become a secondary destination
for travelers, given the park's proximity to a MARTA
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stop and the Martin Luther King National Historic Site,
as well as the city's plans for a new streetcar that will
come through the district. But, the true priority for the
people of the local area is community accessibility.
Paul Taylor, director of park design for Atlanta,
emphasizes the importance of access and easeof-use for people of all ages and abilities. He notes
plans for appropriate land grades; accommodation
for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers; adequate
seating and spacing; and the use of tan concrete on
the walking trail to cut down on glare from the sun,
while providing a contrast with the grass.
For Fiona Sites-Bowen, a young convert to the
area and board member of the local Neighborhood
Planning Unit, accessibility will go hand in hand with
awareness. " The park is pocketed between two major roads, and because it's been closed, people don't

October 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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