Dear Members of the Northwest Business Association,

We are thrilled to share some exciting developments regarding our local parks,  community initiatives, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Park Enhancements and Accessibility Improvements: Our commitment to enhancing the recreational experiences within our community remains steadfast:

Jennie Drake Park Trail Enhancement and Erosion Management: Visitors can now enjoy an improved trail experience at Jennie Drake Park, coupled with erosion management measures at the entrance on Oldknow Dr. These upgrades ensure both safety and enjoyment for all park-goers.

Accessibility Improvements at Local Parks: We are pleased to announce several accessibility enhancements at key parks within our community:

• Lillian Cooper Shepherd Park: Construction is underway for an ADA compliant parking lot, along with new furnishings under the recently constructed pavilion.
• Sara J. González Park: Access to this beloved park will be greatly improved with the addition of an ADA parking area and enhanced walkways catering to all mobilities. Additionally, a new music station will further enrich the park experience for visitors of all ages.

Chattahoochee Park: Dog owners rejoice! A brand-new dog park awaits you, complete with a paved parking lot and increased lighting for added safety during evening visits.

Infrastructure Investments and Initiatives: Our community is poised for growth and prosperity through strategic infrastructure investments and supportive initiatives:

• Sales Tax Resolution for Water and Sewer Projects: Council has passed a resolution to place a 1% sales tax measure on the ballot, earmarked for essential water and sewer projects totaling $1.1 billion. Your support in this critical endeavor is invaluable as we strive to address vital infrastructure needs within our community.

Community Initiatives: We are delighted to support community-driven initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of our residents:

• ESL and GED Classes at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church: Since January 8th, 2023, Springfield Missionary Baptist Church has partnered with APS to offer ESL and GED classes on Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 12pm. ESL classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, while GED classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We encourage community members to spread the word and participate in these invaluable educational opportunities.

• After-School and Summer Camp Programs: We are actively working on launching After-School and Summer Camp programs to provide enriching experiences for our youth. These programs will offer engaging activities and support for our community's children during the school year and summer months.

Professional and Personal Development Opportunities: In addition to our community-focused initiatives, we are excited to highlight opportunities for professional and personal growth:

• Heavy Equipment Operator Certifications: The Halliburton Operator School offers heavy equipment operator certifications fully covered via Worksource Atlanta. Contact them at Heavy Operator School or call 471.850.1500 for more information.
•  GA Hope Career Grant: Atlanta Technical College offers free certifications in fields deemed in high demand by the State of Georgia through the GA Hope Career Grant. Visit the Atlanta Tech website to apply and learn more about these tuition-free programs.
• City of Atlanta Watershed Department Vendor Development Program: For minority and women-owned businesses seeking opportunities, the City of Atlanta Watershed Department offers a vendor development program. Learn more about this program and how it can benefit your business here.

We welcome your support and collaboration as we strive to build a stronger, more inclusive community together. For more information on how you can get involved or contribute resources to these initiatives, please don't hesitate to reach out to Councilman Dustin Hillis' office.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the well-being of our community.