 Hancock Park in Dahlonega, GA
Modern sculpture in park, Gainesville, GA 
In 2005, the Downtown Development Authority, working with Tunnell, Spangler and Walsh developed a master plan for the downtown area. Part of this plan included a park to be located where the city's utility buildings are currently located. In 2009, the City Council added the creation of this city park to their 6-item list of goals. It looks as if the much needed and anticipated green space off of our historic courthouse square may finally become a reality!
It's been well documented that great cities have great downtown parks. New York's Central Park is a perfect example of a large city with a centrally located park. In Georgia, Savannah is known throughout the world for their network of smaller city parks. The city park concept is something that can work well in smaller cities such as Lawrenceville.
Economic studies have found that the highest return on investment of both public and private funds in with downtown parks. Property values of homes within close proximity of a park commanded 20% more in selling price than homes not near a park.
Urban parks give people another reason to come downtown to shop, eat and gather. People can come to picnic or to play, to exercise or to people watch. A city park could include the following: quiet areas, walkways, an area for children, open spaces, fountains, sculpture, and an entertainment area. A park is a magnet for everyone.
A great park is known for its great trees. A presence of large trees and grassy areas has a cooling effect on the surrounding area. Based on the tree density and canopy, trees can reduce the air temperature by as much as 30 degrees.
Trees act as a natural air purifier. One mature tree can absorb up to 70 pounds of carbon dioxide and 10 pounds of other air pollutants each year. One acre of trees can remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually.
Since Lawrenceville is reopening its well system, it's critical to have clean aquifers. Trees and green spaces can filter rain water as it recharges the groundwater supplies as well as protecting the immediate area from flooding without an expensive storm water management program.
As residents of Lawrenceville, we need to encourage the City Council to continue to press forward with their goal for creating a city park. It's long overdue!
 Alexander Park, Lawrenceville, GA
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY 
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