CM Report March

CITY MANAGER’S MONTHLY REPORT

MARCH

CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Mayor & Council, residents and business owners of College Park:

As we close out the month of March, I want to extend my appreciation to all departments for their hard work and collaboration.

This month, we successfully wrapped up departmental budget reviews, an important step in preparing for the upcoming fiscal year. We also moved forward in our search for a new Economic Development Director by conducting candidate interviews, and we began laying the groundwork for a comprehensive compensation study that will help us better support and retain our workforce.

In addition, our Strategic Leadership Retreat provided valuable time to reflect, plan, and strengthen our collective vision for the organization’s future. Thank you to everyone who contributed your insights and participation.

This month, we will highlight the Finance Department led by Cynthia Hammond. As we move through another busy budget cycle, we want to pause and recognize the incredible work happening behind the scenes. Our Finance Department is the driving force that keeps our planning process running smoothly — analyzing data, partnering with departments across the organization, and ensuring we make thoughtful, strategic decisions for the year ahead. Their attention to detail, long hours, and commitment to accuracy make it possible for our teams to stay focused and confident in the road ahead.

As we welcome the warmer weather and longer days ahead, I hope each of you finds time to enjoy the season.

Thank you to the Mayor and City Council for your continued support and partnership as we work together to serve our community.

Wishing you all a productive and uplifting month ahead.

Thank You

Warm regards,

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY

PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

OCCUPATIONAL TAX DIVISION BY THE NUMBERS

All approved businesses in the state of Georgia that have alcohol licenses must have a City of College Park alcohol license before selling alcohol within the city. Our team will work with Code Enforcement to issue any citations for those who are not in compliance with the Ordinance.

The following are the stats for court for the month of March:

1. Officer Brown - 4 Citations - 55 NOV’s - Fines $0.00 2. Officer Carter - 40 Citations - 36 NOV’s - Fines $3,400.00

3. Code Enforcement Supervisor Mosley - 6 Citations - 52 NOV’s - Fines $0.00

4. Officer Page - 0 Citations - 20 NOV’s - Fines $0.00 Total Citations: 50 NOV’s: 163 Fines: 3,400.00

CITY CLERK

YOUTH COUNCIL TRIP

Members of the Youth Council and Youth Civic Advisory Board of College Park participated in an educational trip to Washington, D.C. from March 12–15, 2026.

Accompanied by Councilwoman Dr. Jamelle McKenzie, Dean Eleanor Willis, Deputy City Clerk Queenie Brown, Communications Manager Keshia Gass, Police Officer Gibbons serving as a chaperone, as well as parent chaperones. Students explored historic landmarks, engaged in civic learning experiences, and gained a deeper understanding of the federal government and its role in shaping public policy.

The trip provided valuable exposure to leadership, public service, and the importance of civic engagement.

OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS

The City Clerk’s Office continues to manage a high volume of open records requests while remaining committed to efficiency, transparency, and compliance.

In the month of March, the City received 155 open records requests, and so far in April, 64 requests have been received. Staff diligently reviews, coordinates, and responds to each request in a timely manner in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Even with the growing number and complexity of requests, the team works together across departments to provide accurate and complete responses. These efforts help ensure public access to government records, support accountability, and build trust between the City and the community.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

MEET THE TEAM

Gerald Walker Director of Communications

Manager

The Communications Department made substantial contributions throughout March 2026, supporting the City’s mission through strategic messaging, media engagement, and comprehensive event coverage. During the month, the department produced and distributed a wide range of communications, including press releases, social media content, promotional videos, and policy documents, while also providing photography, videography, and editorial support for numerous city-wide events and initiatives.

Key efforts included managing sensitive communications and crisis response, coordinating media inquiries, enhancing digital platforms, and amplifying community engagement through coverage of major events such as the Mayor’s Town Hall, community outreach programs, and seasonal celebrations. Additionally, the department advanced internal and external communications through technical upgrades, branding updates, and expanded broadcast capabilities, ensuring consistent, timely, and transparent communication across all channels. There were significant contributions made by the department including press releases, social media posts, meetings, and coverage of city-wide events (including photography, videography and editorial posts).

Here's a summary of events covered during the month of March 2026:

1. Brady Food Pantry Closure (Press statement below)

2. Recording of Messages from M&C to Dept. Heads/Retreat

3.Damage Control - termination of Procurement Manager

4.M&C Promo videos for TV-23

5. Social Media Policy document

6. Engagement with GMA Re: Mayor Bianca Motley Broom on cover of Georgia's Cities Magazine

7. CPPD - “Pedal and Talk in the Community” video

8. CBS Atlanta re: Georgia Literacy/ Mayor's reading campaign

9. EGGSplosion Easter Egg Hunt (Facebook post)

10. Technical Upgrades to AI Phone messaging (Court messaging going to City Clerk)

11. WABE reporter Emily Pearson re: chat about ICE

12. Edit/update of City's logo - Mayor

13. Photos from Retreat (See image below)

14. Special Called meeting to www.collegeparkga.gov, social media, etc.

15. MS Teams mtg re: compensation study

16. Graphic designs for St. Patrick's Day, Pi Day

17. Social media posts re: warming centers/ March 16 (see graphic below)

18. Power Dept. video- "Dept. of the Month”

19. Ferst Readers - Mayor's Reading Club @ College Park Elementary (see photo below)

20. Food Pantry giveaway @ Bill Badgett Stadium (Rex Willis)

21. Photography/social media coverage of the Public Works digital center

22. Mayor's 1st quarter Town Hall Meeting. (Streamed Live)

23. Development of Damage Control Policy/Crisis Response

24. Request for Removal of child's image on "Everything College Park" social media page.

25. Ashley attends “Filming Meet Up” meeting with So. Fulton Chamber of Commerce

26. Development of 2nd YouTube Channel – CP TV Plus (Backup to broadcast 2 Town Halls at same time, same date)

27. Coverage of Police Agility Test (Photography and video coverage)

28. Press Release and Social Media Posting of Mr. Hicks as finalist for City Manager. (Press release below)

29. Media Advisory - Mayor Bianca

30. Mural Reveal for Ward III Councilwoman Tracie Arnold (stream and photography)

31. Mayor's Town Hall coverage (stream and photography)

32. Posting of Budget Schedule (www.collegeparkga.gov & social media)

33. Tree Planting on Main Street (Photography and video coverage)

34. Easter Egg Hunt (Photography & Video coverage)

35. Press Release for CPPD's "Operation Shutdown" Phase 2 (Press Release below)

36. Outreach to Comcast/Cable Franchise Representative (continued progress)

37. Physical Agility Test video

38. Drought emergency message for CP Fire Dept. (Graphic Below)

39. Happy Monday – City Hall (in-House) Messaging Each Monday

PRESS RELEASES/MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

STAFF RETREAT GROUP PHOTO - MARCH 13, 2026

CONVENTION CENTER, ARENA AND GOLF ENTERPRISES

DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW

The Gateway Center Campus closed the first quarter of 2026 exceeding key operational objectives and maintaining a solid position in the market as south metro Atlanta’s premier destination for athletic events and community-centered programming. On campus this month, The Arena hosted week of exciting HBCU basketball and other activations featuring the Starry Southwestern Atlantic Conference (SWAC) basketball Tournament, two NBA G-League home games, two League One Volleyball (LOVB) matches , GACA High School basketball Tournament and a well-attended community-focused Night Farmer’s Market.

The Historic College Park Golf Course continues in their efforts to make repairs and enhancements to the Golf Course for the upcoming golfing and event season. The GICC was booked and busy for the month of March hosting several large-scale events, sporting events and expos for clients such as Atlanta Journal Constitution, City of Atlanta, Southern Volleyball Tournament, and many others. Our staff dazzled the Regional Vice President and his guests at the Proof of the Pudding Regional Senior Leadership Conference. Kudos to our GICC banquet staff for their professionalism and diligence demonstrated during this event.

CAMPUS SALES & MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS

Sites and bookings

• 2 short term definite bookings for July 2026: T.W. Ministries and First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Events represent $164,000 in rental revenue.

• GaETC signed a 2-year contract for 2028 and 2029 - $70,000 in rental each year

• Definite Bookings:

• Wings of Strength - IFBB Murray ATL Pro Supershow - August 2026

• RecruitMilitary - Atlanta Veterans Job Fair - June 2026

• OkeCon TCG - April 2026

• TBL Team Boxing League LLLP - April 2026

• The Black Beauty Expo - August 2026

• Insight Productions - Brawlhalla for November 2026

• Varsity - Encore for November 2026

• Varsity - Cheersport for March 2027

• Varsity - NCA for January 2027

• Lee Haney Games for July 2026

• Community Hire Fair - Aerotropolis for May 2026

• Site inspection with Jay Young of Black American Cheer and Dance Association –cheer competition for 2027

Special Events

• Women’s History Month – Women of the Gateway Center Campus

Tradeshows/Networking:

• Airport Chamber Women’s Month Luncheon – Marriott Best Rd Marketing:

• March internal newsletter here

• Sent out external newsletter re: Arena and GICC events

• Woodward flyer for Skyhawks raffle

• Video Day with Yanous Barner

• Photographed events: SWAC, GROOM’D, All Out Champions

• Website Maintenance

• Assist clients with assets for upcoming shows

GATEWAY CENTER ARENA

The Southside’s premier global sports and entertainment venue was booming for the month of March with exciting family-friendly programming featuring community focused events and sporting events from high school to the Pros. The Arena hosted the GACA All Star Basketball Classic High School Tournament, a week of the Southwestern Atlantic Conference HBCU Basketball Tournament, and of course our home teams the NBA G- League and LOVB Atlanta played. We also managed to squeeze in some TNA Wrestling matches and the Night Farmer’s Market.

In honor of International Women’s Day, Donnea Nunnally, Executive Assistant to the General Manager, was selected to represent the Gateway Center Campus as an honoree for the City’s Recreation and Cultural Arts Women’s Day ceremony. The beautiful ceremony, themed Rooted in Brilliance-Flowing in Purpose, included empowering words from Mayor and Council, celebrated each honoree for their contributions not only to the City of College Park but also to those who are within their reach daily.

Stakeholders, patrons and residents are encouraged to stay connected via the Gateway Center Arena’s website for the upcoming programming for Spring and Summer.

EVENTS:

3/1- LOVB Salt Lake v. Atlanta

3/5 TNA Wrestling

3/6 TNA Wrestling

3/7 - 3/14 Starry Southwestern Atlantic Conference Tournament

3/16 NBA G- League Teams Practice

3/17 College Park Skyhawks (119) v. Austin Spurs (116)

3/21 LOVB Atlanta v.

3/24 NBA G- League Teams Practice

3/25 College Park Skyhawks (120) v. Osceola Magic (129)

3/28 All Star Basketball Classic (GACA)

3/29 Night Farmer’s Market

COLLEGE PARK HISTORIC GOLF COURSE

As the month of March ends and we welcome the arrival of spring, we have been busy making several exciting improvements at our golf course. First, we have replaced the old flags with new ones, giving the course a fresh and updated look. We are also pleased to see a steady increase in the number of golfers visiting daily, thanks to the favorable weather conditions. Additionally, we have completed upgrades inside the event center, including the replacement of acoustic ceiling tiles and lighting. These much-needed improvements will enhance the space and better showcase its potential for future events and guests. Unfortunately, on March 13th, the course was closed to ensure the safety of our staff and guests due to 35 MPH winds, which caused several large trees to fall across the cart paths. We are happy to report that all of our crews worked quickly to remove the debris, allowing us to reopen the course the following day.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On March 21st, the City of College Park celebrated the grand opening of Yeye’s Botanica, a spiritual shop on Princeton Avenue now open to the public! The store has a variety of products rooted in culture, spirituality, and education that uplifts embracing different religions and cultural backgrounds. During the grand opening, there was an impactful special performance using African drums and traditional dancing. Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie gave remarks detailing how excited she is for a new business to thrive in College Park’s Ward 1!

PAST STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS AND EVENTS FOR ECONOMIC

• ATL Airport Chamber Board Meeting – March 13th

• CPMSA Board Meeting – March 18th

• BIDA Administrative Review Committee – March 19th

• Mural Reveal with Councilwoman Tracie Arnold – March 30th

• BIDA Board Monthly Meeting – April 7th

• BIDA/Economic Development/Main Street/TAD Budget Meeting with Mayor and Council – April 8th

• CPMSA Board Meeting – April 8th

The City of College Park is open for worldwide business! Clearly College Park is continuously responding to surging Developer interests for our Global city!

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• AeroATL Community Development Collective (South Fulton) – April 14th

• AeroATL Community Development Collective – April 16th

• Legacy Veterinary Hospital Ribbon Cutting and Open House – April 18th

• ARC Regional Housing Strategy – Local Government Update Meeting –April 22nd

• College Park Night Farmers Market – April 29th

• ARC Regional Housing Summit – April 30th

• ATL Airport Chamber Board Meeting – May 8th

MAIN STREET

In March 2026, Main Street staff business engaged efforts through participation in the E-Café Ribbon Cutting for Public Works Team. Support of Mayor Bianca Motley Broom’s International Women’s Day Audacious Ask Workshop at The Wellness Spot. Attendance at the Wise & Well Nutrition event hosted by Hospital in Your Home Senior event.

ENGINEERING

OVERVIEW

The Engineering Department provided ongoing operational support to all city divisions, prioritizing infrastructure, multi-agency GIS updates, plan reviews, and rigorous construction oversight to ensure city-wide compliance.

Key Accomplishments for the period include:

Local Economy & Growth: Prepared amended the city’s Redevelopment Area Map to include the desired expansion.

Governance & Customer Service:

• Reviewing official voter address information. This is an annual review that is requested by county registration and election departments for voter address integrity and accuracy. Checklist items include new street additions, street name spellings, and address range accuracy amongst other items.

• Conducted technical reviews for Right-of-Way (ROW), Land Disturbance Permits (LDP), and Final/Preliminary plats.

• Facilitated stakeholder meetings to streamline development projects.

• Performed daily site inspections on all active construction projects to ensure adherence to city standards and timelines.

Quality of Life and Public Safety & Security:

• Continued support for Fire Department recruitment by producing custom training maps. These resources, provided both with and without street labels, are designed to assist recruits in mastering city geography and street-level navigation.

• To facilitate Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) negotiations, we assisted the Fire Department by producing comprehensive map of boundaries and intersecting streets. This spatial data will serve as a foundational tool for upcoming discussions on service delivery coordination with the City of East Point.

FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING MAPS

Fire Department: College Park/East Point Intersecting Streets Map (for potential(IGA) Redevelopment Areas Map - Expansion

REVIEWS

SITE ES&PC INSPECTION SUMMARY

COMMON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Daily ES&PC Inspection Activity

March 6 – April 9

3/6/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – No Issues 3/27/26- 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues

3/9/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues 3/27/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues

3/9/26 - Hawthrone Station – No Issues 3/30/26 – 1689 Walker Ave - No Issues

3/10/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues 3/30/26 – 3907 Main Street – No Issues

3/10/26 - Gibson Park Apartments – No issues 3/30/26 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues

3/10/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues 3/30/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues

3/11/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues 3/31/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

3/11/26 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues 3/31/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues

3/12/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No issues 3/31/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues

3/12/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – No Issues 3/31/26 – 1000 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

3/13/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues 3/31/26 – Gibson Park Apartments - No Issues

3/13/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues 4/1/26 – Roderick Botanical Garden – No Issues

3/17/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No issues 4/1/26 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues

3/17/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – Nol Issues 4/1/26 – Bluesky Apartments - No Issues

3/17/26 – Hawthrone Station – No issues 4/1/26 -1689 Walker Ave – No Issues

3/17/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues 4/2/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

3/18/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues 4/2/26 – Gibson Park Apartment – No Issues

3/18/26 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues 4/2/26 – 1000 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

3/19/26- 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues 4/3/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues

3/19/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – No Issues 4/3/26 – Bluesky Apartments - No Issues

3/19/26 – 1000 Naturally Fresh – No issues 4/6/26 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues

3/20/26 – 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues 4/6/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No issues

3/20/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No issues 4/6/26 – 1689 Walker Ave – No issues

3/23/26 – Hawthrone Station – No Issues 4/7/26 – Roderick Gay Botanical Garden – No Issues

3/23/26 – Bluesky Apartments - No Issues 4/7/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

3/24/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh - No Issues 4/7/26 - 1000 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

3/24/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – No Issues 4/7/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – No Issues

3/24/26 - 2541 Roosevelt Hwy – No Issues 4/8/26 – Project Brinks – No Issues

3/24/26 – 1000 Naturally Fresh – No Issues 4/8/26 – Hawthrone Station – No issues

3/25/26 – Hawthrone Station - No Issues 4/8/26 – 1689 Walker Ave -No Issues

3/25/26 – Bluesky Apartments – No Issues 4/8/26 – Bluesky Apartments - No Issues

3/26/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No Issues’ 4/9/26 – 3700 Naturally Fresh – No issues

3/26/26 – Gibson Park Apartments - No Issues 4/9/26 – Gibson Park Apartments – No Issues

3/26/26 – 1000 Naturally Fresh – No Issues 4/9/26 – 1000 Naturally Fresh – No Issues

CITY PLANNING

Mayor and City Council

There were no zoning applications for consideration by the Mayor and City Council.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission reviewed two (2) text amendments and two (2) subdivision applications at their March hearing.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals held a special-called meeting for one (1) application in March.

Pre-Application Meetings, Use and Development Inquiries, Code Enforcement Support, Plat Maps, Business License Review, Zoning Certification Letters.

• The City Planner continues to coordinate with the Building and Inspections Department, Economic Development, and City Engineer to respond to inquiries and permit applications regarding potential use of land, site development, zoning verification letters, auto broker licenses, business licenses, pre-application meetings, sign permits, plat map subdivision or consolidation, and preliminary review of renovations/ additions. Resolution of above related issues is ongoing.

• The City Planner is also supporting Economic Development in the development of the Comprehensive Plan update that is due October 2026.

• The City Planner attended the Fulton County School Board Committee meeting and a Clayton County CTP Technical Advisory meeting and community charrette.

FINANCE

The Finance and Accounting Department has completed all the budget meetings with the City Manager. The meetings with the Mayor and Council began on April 8th, 2026. The remaining meetings will be held on the following dates.

April 13th, 2026 – 6:30pm (Monday)

Goal #2 Quality of Life Recreation Administration; Programs; Facilities; CDBG; Engineering; SPLOST

April 15th, 2026 – 6:30pm (Wednesday)

Goal #2 Quality of Life

Public Works Administration; Building & Grounds; Parks; Sanitation; Storm Water Utility; Water/Sewer; MOST; Code Enforcement

April 21st, 2026 – 6:30pm (Tuesday)

Goal #3 Transportation & Mobility Highways & Streets; T-SPLOST

Goal #4 Public Safety & Security Police Administration; Investigations; Patrol; E911 Communications; Confiscated & State Drug Funds, Corrections

April 23rd, 2026 – 6:30pm (Thursday)

Goal #4 Public Safety & Security Muni Court, Grants

April 27th, 2026 – 6:30pm (Monday)

Goal #4 Public Safety & Security Fire Administration; Suppression

May 6th, 2026 – 6:30pm (Wednesday)

Goal #1 Local Economy and Growth Business License; Inspections; GICC Special District Tax; Convention Center; Gateway Arena; Golf Course; Hospitality Fund; Car Rental Tax Fund

May 7th, 2026 – 6:30pm (Thursday)

Goal #5 Governance & Customer Service

Legislative; Executive; City Clerk; Financial Administration; Accounting; Purchasing; Information Technology; Multi Department; General Fund Revenues; Other Considerations

During the month of March accounts payable processed 1300 invoices and 391 checks. Accounts Payable has begun the process of sending out the flyers for the ACH campaign. The goal is to have all vendors paid by ACH by July 1, 2026.

The Finance and Accounting department updated several SOPs. SOPs updated during the month of March include Police Forfeiture, Accounting, and Accounts Payable. Future SOPs will include Customer Service ACH processing. The department is working to ensure that SOPs are updated for all critical operations within the department.

The FY 2025 audit is on its way, and the auditors will be onsite April 13th through April 15th. Staff is working diligently to upload items to Suralink portal.

The Customer Service Division has implemented Nighthawk and is testing Sage.gov customer service portal. The smart meter changeout for water is 87% complete. In addition, Ms. Deborah Calloway was named Employee of the Month for March 2026. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Calloway.

The Property Tax Division has collected 87.3% of the taxes levied in 2025. Also, the Senior 65+ Homestead Full Ad Valorem Tax Abatement applications have been mailed. SOPs for all major property tax functions are being updated.

The Procurement Division has 4 active bids and is working on solicitations for the Resident Feasibility Study and GICC roof replacement.

Finance and Accounting is happy to announce the hiring of Ms. Karen Rene’ as the city’s new Grants Manager. Ms. Renee brings a wealth of knowledge to this role and has hit the ground running as of April 6th. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Rene to the city.

FIRE RESCUE

Fire Chief’s Message: What is Community Connect?

Welcome to the College Park Fire-Rescue Department Community Connect

I am Fire Chief Sterling P. Jones, and I am excited to introduce this innovative platform designed to keep our community informed and engaged. At College Park Fire-Rescue Department, our commitment to safety goes beyond responding to emergencies—it includes empowering you with the tools and information needed to stay safe and informed.

This website and application are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance communication, provide timely updates, and offer valuable safety resources. Whether it's keeping you up to date on fire prevention tips, emergency alerts, or community events, we are here to serve you in every way we can.

Thank you for being an active part of making College Park a safer place for everyone. Together, we can ensure a strong and resilient community!

Stay Safe, College Park Community Connect https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ga-collegepark

DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the fire department participated in the EGGSplosion Easter Egg Hunt: Color Chaos at Bill Badgett Stadium. Children ages 1–12 dove into a field bursting with color, laughter, and discovery.

FROM THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the fi re department conducted CPR Instructor evaluations with the American Red Cross.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the fire department held a Community CPR Class.

THE DIVISION OF FIELD OPERATIONS

Pre-Fire Planning

On April 10, 2026, Field Operations conducted a pre-fire plan of the Gallery Furniture Store on Roosevelt Highway. The primary purpose of a pre-fire plan is to enhance firefighter safety, improve operational efficiency, and protect lives and property by providing detailed, pre-gathered information about a structure or property:

1. Enhancing Firefighter Safety

2. Improving Operational Efficiency

3. Protecting Lives and Property

By understanding building layouts, occupancy, and fire suppression systems in advance, firefighters can conduct quicker search and rescue operations and implement fire containment strategies more effectively. This reduces property damage and increases the likelihood of saving lives. Pre-fire plans also help identify high-risk areas and prioritize mitigation measures tailored to specific properties.

FROM THE DIVISION OF TRAINING

April is Autism Awareness Month - CP Firefighters learning how to better handle calls when autistic person is involved.

FILLING CRITICAL STAFFING

The Fire Department is actively hiring employees to fill critical vacancies. On April 6, 2026, the department welcomed one certified Firefighter/Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.

FROM THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Fulton ALerts COmmunity Notifications (FALCON)

Fulton County is now using the FALCON system to distribute emergency notifications to residents, businesses, and county employees. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for FALCON to obtain relevant and timely information related to Fulton County and City of College Park.

FALCON is a telephone communication service that allows us to quickly notify citizens about emergency situations. All residents are being encouraged to review and update their information, or to register for the system.

FALCON Website

Fulton County will use the FALCON system to notify citizens about emergencies such as:

Severe Weather - severe weather warning notifications will be issued within seconds after being issued by the National Weather Service. Weather notifications are issued for the immediate threats of:

• Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

• Flash Flood Warnings

• Tornado Warnings

Other emergencies include:

• Evacuation notice and route

• Gas Leaks

• Amber Alerts

• Drinking water contamination

• Utility outage

• Fires

• Bomb threat

• Hostage situation

• Chemical spill or gas leak

• Other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential

COLLEGE PARK FIRE RESCUE - APRIL FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE

� Spring Into Safety

As spring arrives in Georgia, warmer temperatures and outdoor activities bring an increased risk of fires. April is the perfect time to refresh your safety habits and prepare your home and family for the season.

*Reminder – College Park is having a Household Hazardous Waste & Shredder Event at 2233 Harvard Avenue from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM on April 18, 2026. This would be a great opportunity to rid your home of unwanted material. Contact Public Works at 404.669.3780 for details.

� Outdoor Burning Safety

Spring cleanup often includes yard debris burning. Always follow guidance from the Georgia Forestry Commission and local ordinances.

Obtain required permits before burning

Burn only natural vegetation (no trash or household waste)

Never burn on windy or dry days

Keep a water source or hose nearby

Never leave a fire unattended

� Contact College Park Fire Rescue with questions about safe burning practices.

� Check Your Smoke Alarms

Test all smoke alarms monthly

Replace batteries if needed

Ensure alarms are installed in every bedroom and hallway

Replace units older than 10 years

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

� Grilling Safety

Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures

Never grill indoors or in enclosed spaces

Check propane tanks and connections for leaks

Keep children and pets away from the grill area

� Prevent Brush & Grass Fires

Dry grass and debris can ignite quickly, especially during windy conditions.

Clear leaves and dead vegetation from around your home

Properly dispose of smoking materials

Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass

Report unattended fires immediately

� Our Commitment

College Park Fire Rescue remains committed to protecting life and property through prevention, education, and rapid response. Your awareness and preparedness are key to keeping our community safe.

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT

HUMAN RESOURCES VACANCY REPORT

These are the following roles currently available with the City, GICC/Gateway Center Arena and the 2026 Summer Day Camp. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our Career Opportunities Page to view job descriptions and apply.

D epartment H ires

B udget A nalyst - Fi nance

C hi ef B ui ldi ng Inspector

C ommuni cati ons Operator - E 911 D i spatcher

C usto m er Ser vi ce A cco untant

D i rector of E conomi c D evelopment

GIC C /Gatew ay Arena

B ui ldi ng Mai ntenance Mechani c - GIC C

C rew Leader - GIC C

C rew Worker - GIC C

C ustodi an - GIC C

C usto di an (PT ) - G IC C

Envi r o nm ental C o m pl i ance O ffi cer – Water & Sewer Ho usekeepi ng Super vi so r - G IC C

Fi r efi ghter /A EMT - C er ti fi ed - (C o nti nuo us Recr ui tm ent) Lead Par ki ng A ttendant - C o nventi o n C enter /G IC C

Fi r efi ghter /A EMT - Recr ui t - (C o nti nuo us Recr ui tm ent)

J ai l er (PT ) S ummer C amp

J udge - Envi r o nm ental (PT ) 2 0 2 6 Sum m er Day C am p A ssi stant Manager

Labo r er I - Bui l di ng & G r o unds 2 0 2 6 Sum m er Day C am p C o unsel o r

Labo r er I - Water & Sewer 2 0 2 6 Sum m er Day C am p C usto di an

Li tter C o l l ecto r (PT ) - Bui l di ng & G r o unds

2026 P ark A ttendant

Par ki ng A ttendant (PT )

Po l i ce C hi ef

Po l i ce O ffi cer (C o nti nuo us Recr ui tm ent)

Sani tati o n C o l l ecto r I

Sani tati o n Dr i ver II

C am p Manager

2 6 Sum m er G ym nasti cs Instr ucto r

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Net planner cable service has been installed, and the television is now fully set up and functional.

Verizon wireless router has been successfully installed and is ready for use.

WIRELESS EXTENDERS

Verizon extenders have been installed and deployed in City Hall, improving cellular connectivity to a consistent 4bar signal strength.

E-CAFÉ INSTALLATION

New devices have been set up and deployed in the E Café located in the Public Safety building.

POLICE

Week 9

Week 10

Week 12

March 2026 Police Highlights

• Police Department began logistical planning for the city and summer parks, Spring break and potential Teen Take Overs.

• Agency Personnel attended Metropolitan multi-jurisdictional teen take over meeting.

• Agency Command Leaders attended the leadership retreat for two days.

• City wide Neighborhood watch meetings were attended.

• South side Law enforcement meeting was attended in East Point.

• Police Department attended and supported the International Women’s Day Celebration as Lt. Robinson was recognized.

• Background and recruitment increased their efforts to hire at the city events.

• Three successful Search warrants and media releases were executed on Old National Pkwy area to combat, stop and prevent crime and drug sales in the area.

• Checkmate nightlife entertainment establishment was cited for violation of selling alcohol without license and occupational tax requirement. Business was shut down until compliant by Police Department. Collaborative effort with Code Enforcement and city departments.

• North end area had some arrests near Vesta and Main and increased patrols. .

Background & Recruiting/Training

• Background and Recruitment held one physical agility test.

• There are currently no (0) Police Officer in the Field Training Program.

• There were four (4) police recruits in mandate training at Law Enforcement Training Center(s).

Community Policing

COPS had (4) total officers working, City Hall is assigned (1) of the officers. They attended (26) meetings/events.

C.O.P.S. MARCH EVENTS

Date Eve nt

3/2/2026 Council Meeting

3/4/2026 Meeting

3/5/2026 B.I.D.A.

3/5/2026 Meeting

3/5/2026 Meeting

3/6/2026 Ceremony

3/7/2026 YCAB

3/7/2026 Ribbon Cut

3/9/2026 B.Z.A. Demo

3/11/2026 B.I.D.A.

3/17/2026 S tate of Promise

3/18/2026 CPMS A

3/17/2026 Youth Advisory Board

3/19/2026 Career Day

3/20/2026 W omen’s Luncheon

3/20/2026 S pecial Call Meeting

3/21/2026 S enior Health F air

3/23/2026 Council Meeting

3/25/2026 B Z A

3/25/2026 Youth Council

3/25/2026 Town Hall W ard 3

3/25/2026 May or Town Hall

3/28/26 Easter Egg Hunt

3/28/2026 W oman’s Day

3/30/2026 Planning

3 / 3 1 / 2 0 2 6 Charter Review

TECHNOLOGY

Second Mobile Surveillance camera is in possession, Deployed in field.

PATROL DIVISION

During March 2026, the Field Operations Division sustained a high operational tempo, responding to a total of 9,452 calls for service, inclusive of dispatched calls, self-initiated activity, and directed patrol operations. Of these, 1,581 calls were incident-related, requiring direct enforcement or investigative response.

Call volume trends indicate peak activity on Tuesday (1,837 calls), with the lowest volume observed on Saturday (959 calls). A total of 1,398 enforcement actions were executed and entered into Courtware during this reporting period.

Despite seasonal fluctuations in activity and ongoing system-related challenges, the division maintained consistent, proactive, and e ff ective public safety operations across all zones.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

The Criminal Investigations Division is currently comprised of four detectives, one part-time detective, and one crime scene investigator. They are supervised by one lieutenant and one sergeant and maintain personnel in On-Call status continuously for the purpose of responding to significant crimes at all times, day or night.

The division was assigned ninety-eight cases, ninety-five were Part 1’s for investigation during the month of March 2026. These cases are classified as Burglaries, Assaults, or Robberies (BAR). Of the seven categories listed, the College Park Criminal Investigations Division maintains above or on par yearly clearance rates with the national average for the clearance of these crimes.

BACKGROUND & RECRUITING

The Training, Background & Recruiting Unit is comprised of one (1) Lieutenant, two (2) sworn Officers, and one (1) civilian staff member. The unit is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and processing qualified applicants for employment with the College Park Police Department, guiding candidates through each phase of the hiring process, and ensuring training compliance and operational readiness for both sworn and civilian personnel.

Performance Summary & Highlights

• Successfully processed forty-nine (49) new police applicants and forty-three (43) jailer applicants through NEOGOV to include the positions of jailer and police officer, ensuring detailed documentation and accountability throughout the process.

• Officer Hall graduated from GPSTC (Austell) on February 27, 2026. She completed 12-days in the Field Training Program. On March 25th, she tendered her resignation, effective April 6th.

• Continued Improvement in recruitment documentation e ffi ciency through enhanced pre-employment tracking and more thorough packet auditing.

• Ongoing skills development supported through multiple open-range sessions, Taser certification, EVOC training, and academy support initiatives.

ELECTRIC POWER

DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION

College Park Power in the process of installation of automatic switches throughout the service area to assist with power restoration during storms.

The initial design is to install 20 of these devices in strategic locations this year and probably another 20 next year. Priority will be to assist with power restoration to residential homes and apartments.

When a power outage occurs from storm damage such as tree limbs or fallen trees, the damage typically knocks out an entire circuit feeding several hundred customers. The power crew then responds to repair the damage and restore power. If it is determined that the restoration will take several hours, the crew will proceed with manual switching to restore power to some of the customers and isolate the damage.

The distribution automation switch takes the place of the manual switching and is completed within a few seconds. This switching can move the customers either to another circuit or even to another substation.

This installation, located on Fairway Drive, is one of many that will be popping up in the next few months.

There are 3 basic stages of the system: detection, isolation, and restoration.

The goal in the design is to minimize the number of customers without power during the repair.

The first phase of this project is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. More switches need to be installed and coordinated, followed by team training.

PUBLIC WORKS

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Building & Grounds is known for moving quietly and getting the job done. Our new truck arm has become an essential tool in helping us better manage and reduce waste. Its use has made operations safer, faster, and far more efficient for both the crew and the city, transforming the way this team works.

Lifting, moving, and manipulating materials that would be difficult or impossible to handle, allow this team to perform a wide range of heavy-duty tasks. Grading, clearing, leveling, and other site-prep tasks allow our team to work in areas that are higher, deeper and farther away than the tractor alone would not be able to reach.

During the interview process for potential hires, the Buildings and Grounds team selects highly skilled candidates. After the interview, applicants are often asked to demonstrate their abilities on a small section of grounds to ensure they are proficient in essential tasks such as weedeating, edging, and mowing. Bringing on team members who already have strong landscaping skills allows the crew to maintain momentum and adapt smoothly when work requests shift quickly. Skilled hires help keep our fastpaced environment running efficiently and support the team’s ability to respond to changing priorities.

Our city is growing, and our department is growing right along with it. With new hires joining the team and staff stepping into new roles, we’re making room to support that progress. That means renovating our work areas and creating additional office space for those advancing in rank. And with that comes the need to clean up shop. Our Shop area located in the basement, is helping us carve out the office space we need, and the process has reminded us just how much we accumulate over time. You never realize how much you’re storing until it’s time to sort, organize, and let things go; so out with the old and in with the new.

This is one of the flowers beds the team is currently focusing on, shown in the photo below. It plays an important role in the overall appearance of the City Hall area, serving as a key point of beautification and often the first impression visitors get when entering the city’s facility.

FACILITIES

Welcome to the Public Works e-Café! A large portion of our workforce is made up of labor staff who spend their days moving throughout the city, starting, completing and resolving work orders and projects. Since they are in the field, this group can easily miss important departmental updates, training opportunities, and other digital resources. To close this gap, our Public Works Director, Brian Anderson, discussed his vision with City Manager, Michael Hicks, to propose a user-friendly computer environment that would give these employees access to their e-mails, Skillsets training, and their e-suite tools. The City Manager fully supported the initiative and approved the software needed to bring it to life.

Working in partnership with IT representatives, Jason Cheek, Robert Givons, and other IT members, our lighting vendor and Rex Willis, both Lisa Swann, and Facilities Manager, La’Darrian Nichols played key roles in making this project a reality, while meeting the deadline for the unveiling.

Thanks to Tim Spencer, Diedre Jones, Brandy Heard, Tabitha King. Thank you, Councilwoman McKenzie and Rex Willis, for sharing in this incredible event with us. Thank you, Mike Antol, our Animal Control Officer who stayed late to make sure our vendors had access to our building and for also knowing where all of the breaker boxes were! You were and have always been a tremendous help!

We met our unveiling deadline, and now the next phase is underway. IT has received the full list of employees who will have access to the eCafé, along with their email information, and we’re now waiting while they work their digital magic. Once their setup is complete, our staff will be able to log in and begin using the system. Access, credentials, and permissions are all in progress. We are moving forward one step at a time.

HIGHWAY, STREETS AND STORM WATER

Highway, Streets and Stormwater is one of the most essential components of Public Works. It serves as the backbone of mobility, supports economic growth, ensures public safety, shapes the city’s appearance, connects neighborhoods, and protects the city’s infrastructure. A city’s growth is directly tied to its quality of life, and when streets begin to deteriorate, everything that depends on them starts to slow down or break down.

Highway, Streets and Stormwater is one of the most essential components of Public Works. It serves as the backbone of mobility, supports economic growth, ensures public safety, shapes the city’s appearance, connects neighborhoods, and protects the city’s infrastructure. A city’s growth is directly tied to its quality of life, and when streets begin to deteriorate, everything that depends on them starts to slow down or break down.

KEEP COLLEGE PARK BEAUTIFUL

This department spent the month preparing for upcoming events and working to close out other projects.

The stickers for the cigarette recycling receptacles for the GICC are in final process. KCPB should be able to complete this process and place receptacles by mid-April. Shortly after placement, we plan to host a Lunch-In-Learn regarding cigarette litter collection and recycling. The goal is to encourage proper usage and increase recycling of cigarette butts in the City of College Park.

KEEP COLLEGE PARK BEAUTIFUL

This department also attended the Mural ribbon cutting. The mural promotes women working in the community. As noted, it can be seen by passersby as they fly into our city at the HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport.

I attended the Wine Stroll, put on by Main Street. The event was lovely and well attended. Met with ATL CID regarding upcoming events to support the World Cup preparations.

April 22, 2026, Beautification is the GOALLLLL!!! Block Party.

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Atlanta this summer, and the South Metro communities will be in the global spotlight. To show our communities’ commitment to showing up ready, AACID’s, in partnership with our city partners, is launching the Beautification is the GOALLL!!! Litter campaign.

Join us on Earth Day – April 22nd for a community block party including games, carnival food and music plus the launch of neighborhood and corridor clean-ups. While there, you can join a team of up to five people and sign up for scheduled clean-ups throughout April, May, and June. The team with the most complete cleanups will win $100.00 gift card per person!

Met with Georgia Works to talk about the clean-ups and the upcoming World Cup activities. Gathered info for EDP MS4 report. Attended new City Manager’s Reception.

The Building and Grounds team is proud to highlight the Parks and Building & Grounds separate division. We extend our congratulations to Samuel Nelms, who has stepped into the role of Parks Supervisor for the City of College Park. Sam has worked diligently to earn the certifications needed to lead this division successfully, and he has clearly communicated his vision for enhancing and beautifying our parks. We look forward to seeing his goals come to life.

Maintaining city parks is vital, as these spaces quietly shape the health, identity, and overall livability of our community. Parks offer residents safe places to relax, exercise, and connect with one another. When a city invests in its parks, it invests in quality of life, community pride, and longterm growth, creating public spaces that residents can enjoy and feel proud of every day.

SANITATION

The Sanitation Department continues to manage daily operations alongside an increased workload of yard debris removal and the successful clearing of homeless encampments in coordination with Code Enforcement. We are currently engaged in a massive collaborative effort with Public Works to remediate a large illegal dumpsite on Walker Creek Drive. Additionally, our team is preparing the community for "Cleanup Month" and the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste and Shredding Day on April 18 (7:00 AM – 2:30 PM). We are actively supporting these initiatives by fielding citizen inquiries and directing residents to full event details on the city website.

WATER AND SEWER

RECREATION & CULTURAL ARTS

The City of College Park hosted a powerful and inspiring 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration, centered around the theme Rooted in Brilliance, Flowing with Purpose. Led by the College Park Cultural Arts Council in partnership with the College Park Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, the event brought together community leaders, residents, and honorees for a meaningful tribute to the women who lead, serve, and uplift the community.

The theme was reflected throughout the program, highlighting the brilliance, resilience, and intentional impact of women across College Park. Attendees experienced a celebration that honored achievements while emphasizing purpose-driven leadership and community connection.

City leadership—including the Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, City Council Members, and Interim City Manager—participated in the “Honor Well,” recognizing a distinguished group of women whose contributions continue to shape the community.

Special recognition was given to Beverly Rodriguez, Chairwoman of the Cultural Arts Council, for her visionary leadership in guiding the planning and execution of the event. Equally commendable was Bryant Anderson from the Recreation team, whose dedication and organizational leadership helped ensure the celebration ran seamlessly.

The program was thoughtfully guided by emcee and Recreation team member Paulette Payne, whose professionalism and engaging presence maintained a vibrant and seamless flow throughout the event. She opened the ceremony with an inspiring and reflective message, setting a tone of grace, empowerment, and unity for the afternoon.

At the heart of the celebration were the honorees, whose impact and legacy reflected the essence of the theme. Their stories demonstrated how brilliance, when grounded in purpose, can create lasting change within the community.

The creative and event team brought the vision to life. Beonica Smith of CKJS transformed the City Auditorium into an elegant setting that visually captured the theme, while Warren Bond Jr. preserved memories of the day. Jenae Cason of the Communications team demonstrated exceptional design talent by creating the event logo and designing the program and other marketing materials, bringing the event to life with creativity and style. The atmosphere remained lively and engaging with music provided by DJ B-Rob.

EGGSPLOSION 2026 BRINGS COLOR, JOY, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT TO COLLEGE PARK

It was a beautiful and joy-filled day in the City of College Park as families gathered for EGGSplosion 2026: Easter Egg Hunt – Color Chaos. The event came to life in the most vibrant way, with laughter, bright baskets, and smiling faces filling the field from the moment the gates opened. The celebration captured the heart of the community and reflected the true spirit of the “One College Park.”

Hosted by the College Park Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, the event provided a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for families to come together and celebrate. Support from the College Park Police Department and College Park Fire Department helped ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The day was filled with exciting and memorable moments, as team members of the Recreation Department brought their unique gifts and talents together to create an engaging and unforgettable experience for all. Kirkland Arnold added a unique and colorful twist by transforming the field with vibrant painted designs, bringing the “Color Chaos” theme to life. Ron Kilpatrick kept the energy high with interactive workouts that had children moving, laughing, and fully engaged. The event was skillfully hosted by Paulette Payne, whose engaging presence and warm energy helped create a fun, welcoming, and seamless experience for all in attendance.

Festive décor by CKJS Kustoms created a warm and celebratory atmosphere, while Kristen provided lively music that kept the event upbeat and fun for all ages. Special appearances by Sparky delighted younger attendees, creating joyful moments and lasting memories throughout the day.

Community support played a major role in the event’s success. Shuja Temple No. 281 volunteered their time, and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office added to the excitement by providing goodies for participants. The presence of the Mayor and City Council further highlighted the City’s commitment to fostering community-centered events.

The event was beautifully documented by Warren Bond Jr., along with additional support from Gerald Walker and the City’s Communications team, ensuring that these special memories were captured and shared.

EGGSplosion 2026 was a colorful celebration of community, connection, and joy— leaving families with lasting memories and excitement for what’s to come next year.

TUMBLEWEEDS SHINE IN COMPETITION AND COMMUNITY

It was an exciting and impactful season for the College Park Tumbleweeds Gymnastics Program, marked by competitive success, community engagement, and continued athlete development.

A standout achievement came from Isabella Brown, who qualified for Regionals —an impressive accomplishment as one of just 75 gymnasts selected from 155 competitors across the state of Georgia. Her dedication, hard work, and consistency throughout the season paid off. Bella represented College Park at Regionals on April 17, where she competed against top gymnasts from eight states. The program expressed pride in her achievement and performance at the next level.

The athletes also excelled in competition. At the Brown Girls Do Gymnastics Competition held at Tri-Cities High School, Tumbleweeds gymnasts delivered an outstanding performance. The Level 7 and Xcel Silver teams earned 1st Place, while the Xcel Gold team secured 2nd Place. Beyond the awards, the event provided a meaningful and empowering environment that celebrated diversity in gymnastics while fostering confidence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among athletes.

Meanwhile, the Xcel Bronze team wrapped up their regular season at the March Madness Meet in Cobb County. The meet was made even more special with Coach Lisa Wheaton serving as a judge on Bars, representing the program with excellence. In preparation for the competition, the Xcel Silver team focused on healthy habits, emphasizing proper nutrition as part of their training.

Beyond competition, the Tumbleweeds program remained actively engaged in the community. Staff participated in Career Day at Lake City Elementary School, where they spoke with students about careers in recreation and gymnastics. Additional outreach included Career Day at Tri-Cities Middle School, as well as engagement with The Main Street Academy, where staff from all three recreation centers connected with students sharing career insights and volunteer experiences. The outreach provided valuable opportunities to inspire youth while strengthening community connections.

The program also prepared for the upcoming Tumbleweed Olympics. Staff finalized all event stations for Advanced, Little Tumbleweeds, and both Tumbling levels, ensuring a fun and memorable experience for athletes and their families.

Overall, the College Park Tumbleweeds Gymnastics Program demonstrated excellence both on and off the mat. From competitive achievements to meaningful community engagement, the athletes and sta ff showed dedication, teamwork, and pride. The program looks forward to continued growth and success in future seasons.

YOUTH BASKETBALL TEAMS CAPTURE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The College Park Recreation youth basketball program celebrated an extraordinary season, with multiple teams earning state championship titles and continuing a strong tradition of excellence across age divisions.

The 8U Boys team claimed the Class A State Championship in Dalton, securing victories over Smyrna in the semifinals and finishing with an impressive 19-point win over the Henry County Recreation Department in the championship game. This victory marked the third consecutive year the program captured the title in this division. Team members included Kayden Franks, Nolan McGhee, Rhamel “RJ” Merriweather Jr., Ty’hir Muhammad-McDaniels, Matthew Rucker, Benjamin Smith, Samir Williams, and Jacob Wilson. The team was coached by Jaylon Terrell and Emmanuel Rainey Jr..

The 10U Boys team also secured the Class A State Championship, competing in Hampton. Their path to victory included wins over DeKalb County, Sandy Springs, and the City of Atlanta, culminating in a decisive 15-point win over host team Henry County. This achievement marked an impressive sixth consecutive championship for College Park in this age group. Team members included Tristan Adams, Timothy “Champ” Gilmore Jr., Maceo Lyons, Carlos McGhee, Elis Nabors, Jaxon Oliver, Kamden Orr, Khari Richardson, Carter Smalls, and Jody Stallings. The team was coached by Milani Richardson and Norman Richardson.

The 12U Boys team earned their second consecutive Class A State Championship, continuing the program’s dominance. Their championship run included victories over Rockdale County, Macon-Bibb, DeKalb County, and concluded with an exciting 8point win over the City of Savannah. Team members included Prince Bethel, Myles Collier, Kayson Culver, Shane Gordon Jr., Makhi Henderson, Mason Henderson, Braylin Kern, Madden Prak, CJ Smiley, and EJ Sparks. The team was coached by Dre Eason and Shamar Karangu.

A special milestone was also recognized as Shane Gordon Jr. concluded his College Park Recreation basketball career. Having started at the age of seven, he finished with an outstanding record of six Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Championships.

Collectively, the season reflected the dedication, teamwork, and excellence of College Park’s athletes and coaches, further solidifying the program’s reputation as one of the top youth basketball programs in the state.

GIRLS ALL-STAR TEAMS DELIVER STANDOUT

PERFORMANCES AT STATE

The College Park Recreation Girls All-Star basketball teams brought energy, determination, and high-level play to the Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Tournaments, turning in an exciting and memorable showing across all age divisions.

On March 7, 2026, the 8U Girls All-Star Team captured the GRPA State Championship in dominant fashion in Dalton, overwhelming their opponent with an impressive 44–4 victory in the title game. Their performance showcased exceptional teamwork, strong defense, and relentless effort from start to finish. The championship team was led by coaches Wendell Raiford and Shundi Clay.

The 10U Girls All-Star Team also made an outstanding run, earning the Runner-Up title at the GRPA State Tournament in Henry County. Competing with intensity and heart, the team battled through tough matchups and represented College Park with pride and resilience. They were coached by Shtaja Dinkins and Reginald Jenkins.

The 12U Girls All-Star Team rounded out the success with a strong third-place finish at the GRPA State Tournament in Griffin. Their competitive spirit and determination were on full display as they faced some of the top teams in the state. The team was coached by Gregory Jordan and Kevin Scandrett.

From a championship victory to podium finishes, these teams demonstrated the talent, dedication, and competitive spirit that continue to define College Park basketball.