After an understandably-slow 2020 and early 2021, the Friends are gearing up for an exciting summer at Needham Park!

---

Small Change Grant

The past year may have delayed our execution of Park Pride’s Small Change Grant, but we are now preparing to complete installation of a bench, picnic table, and garbage receptacle in the coming months. The Friends are in the process of procuring installation materials (wood, slate chips, rebar) and are working with the county to obtain the equipment.

Prior to installation, the Friends will host a park walk-through so that we can visualize/confirm installation locations and ensure we have a solid plan of attack. Be on the lookout for a Facebook event to be posted soon!

And if you are interested in donating your time and/or tools to the construction of frames and final installation, please let us know! We will post additional details about the installation event as it approaches, but we expect to limit participation out of an abundance of caution. Connecting with interested volunteers as soon as possible will allow us to strategize and ensure success.

---

Stream bank restoration

In 2019, Commissioner Bradshaw earmarked $345,000 for improvements to Needham Park, based on the community’s Vision Plan. We are happy to say that DeKalb is making strides toward restoring the stream banks in Needham!

You may have seen the survey ribbons within and around the park, many of which were placed in late 2020. While we don’t have a firm schedule yet for the restoration efforts, the county’s surveying is the first step in that direction.

This restoration is sorely needed and was identified as a top priority in our community discussions in 2019. We are excited that this is happening, and we will share more news when we have it!

---

We hope you are as excited about these Needham Park improvements as much as we are! Thank you for your continued support, and we will see you in Needham soon!