In mid-January, Sandy Springs leaders cut the ribbon at the city’s newest green space off Burdett Drive, a small pocket park that connects several neighborhoods around Abernathy, Johnson Ferry, and Brandon Mill roads.
Council Member Melissa Mular, representing the surrounding neighborhoods in District 3, said green space like Burdett Park is important to add, no matter how small. She said it’s a gateway to City Springs and the district she represents.
“I know a lot of families here couldn’t wait for this to be done so they could come here with their kids,” Mular said. “This is how it should work, right? The neighbors come up with an idea. The city works on it with them, and look what we can do.”
Residents of the nearby 400-home Mountaire Springs neighborhood had been calling for beautification efforts at the Burdett Drive and Johnson Ferry intersection since the city reworked the corridor years ago.
Two dozen people, including residents, city staff, contractors, and elected officials, attended the park’s grand opening. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul recognized Council of Neighborhoods President Rhonda Smith, who worked with nearby residents in advocating for the park.
The project involved grading and installing drainage. The finished product has a compacted crushed granite path with a cobbled edge, pedestrian lighting, a drinking fountain, landscape improvements, and park furnishings.
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The City Council approved about $375,000 contract with Alpharetta-based Tri Scapes to construct the park in the city’s right-of-way at the edge of Johnson Ferry Road before the Abernathy Road intersection.
Tri Scapes planted several species of trees, including holly, serviceberry, magnolia, red oak, and Japanese cedar, with hydrangeas, Rose Creek Abelia bushes, and Chinese fringe flowers.
The park enhances the aesthetics along Johnson Ferry Road, one of the main corridors connecting Sandy Springs to east Cobb County. A new modular building and improvements at the Abernathy Arts Center next door will wrap up in the next few months.
Burdett Park now connects the Abernathy Arts Center to the linear Greenway Park, enhancing connectivity on both sides of the busy corridor.