Known for being a Tree City USA, Avondale Estates takes pride in its green spaces. As part of the Greenspace Ad-Hoc Committee Inventory and Recommendations Report from October 2018 (PDF), Fletcher Park was on the list for eventual updates and improvements.

The city found an opportunity through a state COVID relief grant to make some of these improvements discussed in the Greenspace Plan. After receiving the grant funding, the city is focused on meeting those requirements while attempting to incorporate some of the improvements residents would like to see.

Grant Requirements

The city received a State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionately Impacted Communities grant totaling $393,057 from the state of Georgia's Office of Planning and Budget.

Required improvements to meet grant requirements include:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
• Improvements to playground equipment
• Signage for birding, physical fitness, ADA and inclusivity, or other recreational activities

The proposed Fletcher Park Improvement Plan includes recommendations for ADA accessibility, playground expansion, invasive removal, and drainage improvements. Playground equipment and signage are not included in the current plans and input is highly encouraged.

Updates

July 2025 Update

Improvements to Fletcher Park are set to be completed by the end of August. The following list includes updates and items that will be added in that time frame: 

1. Existing playground equipment was sanded and stained to improve its lifetime and aesthetics.
2. The Swift Tower will remain and signage about birdwatching in the South Woods will be added.
3. Bike racks will be installed at the Lakeshore Plaza entrance.
4. The existing benches and picnic tables will be removed and replaced with upgraded tables and benches. 

February 2025 Update

Improvements to Fletcher Park are set to begin construction in early April and will take 6-8 months to complete (see updated plans below). During this time, sections of the park will be closed to ensure the safety of residents. Elements of the park improvements include: 

1. Keep the existing wooden playground equipment and give it a small makeover by sanding the wood and removing older beams.
2. Adding wooden multi-generation playground equipment and a small accessory play structure with signage to provide adult fitness options.
3. Remove invasive plants along the northeast property line, maintain the established trees and hollies, and replant the bank with native plants to prevent erosion.
4. Lining the Lakeshore Plaza entrance with rocks to direct water into a shallow rain garden.
5. Incorporating an ADA-compliant slate trail leading to the mulch playground area and improvements to the walking trail continuing to access Lakeshore Drive.
6. Modify the stormwater solution at the north entrance to create a more efficient approach, as suggested by the Greenspace Committee.
7. Moving the Swift Tower. 

December 2024 - Updates from Public Feedback

Based on feedback and comments from the community and Greenspace Committee, the city is making the following changes to the original plans (though they are not yet reflected in the plan drawings):

• Scaling back the multi-generational equipment.
• Specifying equipment made of wood that is more keeping with the existing playground and the natural environment,
• Extending the slate trail to run the length of the park.
• Revising the proposed slate path to create a more direct route through the park, and to work around stormwater trouble spots and softer soils.
• Modifying the stormwater solution on the north entrance to create a more efficient approach as suggested by the Greenspace Committee.
• Maintaining the benches and move one to a more accessible location.
• Removing or moving the Swift Tower. Its current location takes away from the functionality of the meadow for children, doesn't appear to be functioning as intended, and isn't attractive to the immediate neighbors.
• Trimming back 12 inches of landscape off the edge of the slate path to make a clear and accessible entrance at the south entrance.

The city will bid the project to get cost estimates and plan and contract will be presented to the BOMC for approval. The final contract will likely be discussed at the beginning of the year.

October 2024 Update - Providing Input

Avondale Estates city staff held a meeting at Fletcher Park (2 Lakeshore Plaza) on October 17 from 5 to 7 pm to share proposed park design updates and gather input from residents. Feedback was incorporated into the plans displayed below. Some of the improvements being considered include:

1. Keeping the existing wooden playground equipment and giving it a small makeover by sanding the wood and removing older beams.
2. Adding multi-generation playground equipment with signage to provide adult fitness options.
3. Adding a small, accessible sensory play structure.
4. Removing invasive plants along the northeast property line, maintaining the established trees and hollies, and replanting the bank with native plants to prevent erosion.
5. Lining the Lakeshore Plaza entrance with rocks to direct water into a shallow rain garden.
6. Cleaning out the existing rock swale leading to Cobbs Creek and increasing its size and width.
7. Incorporating an ADA-compliant slate trail leading to the mulch playground area.

View the plans by clicking the images below: