InTucker Magazine

Ask Rip – October 2017

Rip Robertson is the first Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Tucker. He takes the job with years of experience in Parks and Rec, as well as Public Works. Rip is a former Military Intelligence Analyst for the U.S. Army and is active with the Army Reserve.

Susan Kellett Gue – When will the city be taking over the parks in our area, and will they be acquired all at once or one by one?
We are in the process of working with DeKalb County on dates and details. I can tell you that we do plan to assume responsibility for all parks and recreation facilities during the 2018 calendar year.

Joseph Allen – I would love to know if we are planning to have organized sports in Tucker? T-ball, Softball, etc.
As a longtime recreation professional, I understand how big an impact sports can have on a community – both for kids and adults. In the next few months, I will be looking at a number of ways to engage the community and get them involved in planning activities at our parks. To answer your question, a lot of it will be determined by a Parks Master Plan that will be completed next year.

Jamey Wilson – I know maintenance will be a large focus in the beginning, but when will the talks start about improving some of the current forest parks? Like the two in Smoke Rise, for example.
The talks will start soon, but they need not be happening at City Hall – they need to be happening in the community. I would hate the idea of someone coming in and unilaterally deciding which changes get made to which parks. This is why we need residents and other stakeholders to take an active role in the Parks Master Plan process next year. I’ve been on the job only a couple weeks and already I know that y’all have some tremendous visions for our parks.

Laura Kresmin – Why are there no bathrooms or porta-potties by the playground at Henderson Park?
That is something we need to take a serious look at. There are a number of reasons why this hasn’t happened yet (logistics, public safety, etc.), but we’re going to take a look at all those issues and see if there is a good solution. Remember, it’s not just families at the playground, but also trail runners, hikers and tennis players who would like to see a bathroom facility in that part of the park. In the meantime, I’m glad to point out that a new playground and bathroom are in the plans for the Community Garden side of Henderson Park. Those facilities should be ready for use by the end of the year.