The City of Chamblee has been busy in recent years upgrading its municipal facilities and multi-use trail system as developers pack in hundreds of new housing options near the ITP city’s historic core.

Now, that influx of investment is set to extend to one of Chamblee’s prized greenspaces.

Chamblee city officials plan to host a groundbreaking in March for a Dresden Park renovation project slated to see nearly $13 million in upgrades. Demolition of existing park structures is expected to immediately follow that event next month.

Dresden Park is tucked off Buford Highway, just south of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, at 2301 Dresden Drive. At 24 acres, the greenspace is 2 acres larger than Centennial Olympic Park downtown, for context.

City officials finalized a contract this month with Integrated Construction and Nobility, allowing construction to begin.

Final masterplan for the 24-acre greenspace. Courtesy City of Chamblee

Revitalization plans call for a new modern-style community center, a rectangular field with artificial turf and a multi-use field, a dog park, tennis courts, a large playground, a walking trail, a pavilion, and a new concessions building.

Infrastructure upgrades such as new lighting, terraced seating, restrooms, and a new parking lot are also planned.  

The bulk of park upgrades is being paid for with COVID-19 relief funding—specifically, $10.8 million via American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds.

Earlier this year, Chamblee’s city council approved another $2 million to pay for the larger community building in Dresden Park, bumping the total renovation budget up to $12.8 million.

Entries and overall architecture for the planned Dresden Park Community Center. Courtesy City of Chamblee

The park's 2301 Dresden Drive location (in red) near the City of Chamblee's southeastern border. Google Maps

Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock called the ARPA funding “likely a once in a lifetime opportunity” that will create “the crown jewel of the neighborhood” for an area that’s been underserved. “Our kids deserve the best,” the mayor noted in a project announcement, “and we intend to deliver facilities second to none.” 

The downside, in the short term, is that Dresden Park will be off-limits to the public for 14 months to allow for construction. Contracted programming usually held at Dresden Park will be moved to Keswick Park and other privately owned field locations, and Chamblee officials are urging parkgoers to use other city greenspaces for picnics and family outings, said Jodie Gilfillan, Chamblee’s parks, recreation, and arts director.  

Dresden Park is scheduled to be under construction through April 2025. City officials are planning a ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the revised greenspace in May next year.

Find more context and images in the gallery above.

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