CongratsAllStar
JoannaYoung
The City of College Park is proud to recognize JoanneYoung as our All-Star ofthe Month. JoanneYoung is the backbone ofthe HR and Risk Management team known for her reliability, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping others. She approaches every question and challenge with patience and precision, ensuring employeesfeel supported and valued. From streamlining open enrollment to managing the intricate details of onboarding, Joanne handles complex responsibilities with grace and efficiency. Her professionalism, confidentiality, and genuine carefor staff make her an indispensable resource to the organization. Joanne’s hard work and dedication reflect the very best of our workplace and core values. Congratulations to our All-Star ofthe Month!
Remember to submit your Employee All-Star of the Month nomination for June 2025. Nomination submissions are due by June 15th and can be assessed by clicking the link below Please be advised that selfnominations are accepted. All-Star of the Month
EMPLOYEEUPDATES
Michael Hicks, our most recent CIO, is now the Interim City Manager. With over 25 years of distinguished leadership, including his most recent role as Chief Information Officer for the City of College Park, he brings a proven track record of operational excellence, masterfully overseeing budgets, leading teams, and optimizing processes to drive impactful results.
See more of his background and accomplishments on the City Manager webpage!
INTRODUCINGPARKER!
City of College Park Introduces New AI Virtual Assistant, “Parker”
The City of College Park is excited to announce the launch of its new AI-powered voice and chat assistant, Parker, developed in partnership with Polimorphic. Beginning December 15, Parker will be accessible on the City’s official website and available to assist residents with questions, service navigation, and general information.
Parker is designed to make accessing city services faster and more convenient. Available 24/7, the virtual assistant will provide quick, accurate responses to frequently asked questions without requiring a trip to City Hall or a call during business hours. “Parker will allow our residents to get the help they need when they need it,” said City officials. “Whether it’s paying a bill, locating city services, or finding information about upcoming events, Parker offers a faster, more convenient experience for our citizens, guests, and businesses.”
A phone-integrated version of Parker will be introduced in the coming weeks, expanding options for residents who prefer to connect by phone. The launch of Parker reinforces College Park’s continued commitment to modernizing service delivery, enhancing accessibility, and improving the overall customer experience for everyone who lives, works, and visits our community.
FIREDEPARTMENTUPDATES
Chief Sterling shared important words of encouragement with the firefighters and the department as the holiday season approaches. He reminded everyone that taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness it is a responsibility, both to yourself and to the people who depend on you.
During this busy and often demanding time, Chief Sterling encouraged the department to: Prioritize your mental and emotional health
Lean on each other for support
Find balance where you can
Remember that you are valued and appreciated
GATEWAYCENTERARENA
Gateway Center Campus is excited to introduce the inaugural Indoor Night Farmers Market at Gateway Center Arena on Friday, Dec. 20, from 4–7 p.m.
Come out and support local farmers and craftmakers, explore fresh produce and handmade goods, and experience the true taste of the city all indoors This family-friendly event is open to the public and features a festive kids corner filled with holiday-themed fun and cheer. Grab your fresh veggies, shop local, and enjoy a cozy night out with the whole family!
RECREATION
Looking to get active? Recreation is calling all hoop lovers to join their basketball teams! Get out here, play ball, boost your mental health, and get moving in a fun, team-centered environment. Whether you’re a seasoned baller or just getting back on the court, there’s a spot for you. Lace up, tap in, and be part of a community that stays active, connected, and motivated.
Click Here for Adult Basketball.
Click here for Youth Basketball.
Repairs ofthe baby pool at the Conley Center and Tracey Wyatt Complex are currently undergoing much-needed repairs and replastering to ensure it remains a safe, clean, and welcoming spacefor our youngest swimmers. This project addresses routine wear and tear while improving the pool’s overall functionality and appearance. Safety and enjoyment are the department’s top priorities, and these upgrades will help create a more comfortable and secure environment for children and their families. We are excited about and look forward to unveiling the repairs when the 2026 pool season opens so our community’s youngest members can splash, play, and make lasting summer memories.
Baby Pool Repairs Underway
EMPLOYEEUPDATES
The City of College Park confirms that Police Chief Connie Rogers submitted her letter of resignation after business hours on December 9. We thank Chief Rogers for her years of service to our community and her dedication to public safety during her tenure. As this is a personnel matter, the City will respect the privacy ofthose involved and will not be offering additional comment regarding her separation. To ensure continuity of operations, Deputy Chief Sharis McCrary has assumed leadership ofthe College Park Police Department effective immediately. Deputy Chief McCrary is an experienced and respected law enforcement professional who will maintain stability within the department and continue advancing our mission to keep College Park safe.
The City remainsfully committed to supporting our officers, serving our residents, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of high-quality public safety services.
HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT(HVE) GRANT
The College Park Police Department is pleased to announce it has received a $49,780 High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration providesfunding for this grant. It is awarded based on the partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in h
Please note that the City has two employees with similar names. To ensure your message reaches the correct person, please double-check the email addresses:
Bryant J. Anderson – Recreation Leader
Email: Banderson@collegeparkga.gov
BREA
Brian J. Anderson – Public Works Director
Email: Brian.Anderson@collegeparkga.gov
The City Hall breakroom is currently undergoing renovation aimed at enhancing comfort, efficiency, and overall usability for staff. Construction and improvement efforts are in progress, and the project continues to move forward as planned. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this improvement process. During this time, a temporary space will be available for use in the area across from the elevator.
MAINSTREET
Snap a Holiday Photo at the College Park Train Depot! Looking for a festive photo opportunity? Main Street has transformed the College Park Train Depot with a charming Christmas photo frame, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday pictures. Gather your department or coworkers and stop by to capture a cheerful snapshot together before the season ends. It’s a fun and festive way to spread holiday spirit and make a memory to share!
GOVERNMENTEMPLOYEETICKETOFFER
This season, Wednesdays are for the residents of the Southside! Come out to the following games and get your complimentary tickets to support your home team!
��Jan. 14th
��Jan. 21st
��Feb. 4th
��March 25th
CLICK HERE FOR RESIDENT NIGHT!
ATL Hawksvs. NO Pelicans | Wednesday, January7 |7:30pm th
Join us at State Farm Arena asthe Atlanta Hawkstakeon the NewOrleans Pelicans! Each ticket purchased through thisoffer includes an Atlanta HawksT-shirt (whilesupplies last).
Purchaseyourticketsthrough the link provided below.
Have you got any extra winter accessories? Maybe a coat that doesn’t get much use, or an extra pair of gloves? You can donate them to the Internal Coat Drive! We are collecting gently used coats and winter accessories for the warming stations in College Park. Drop off your items at the City Clerks Office now until Feb 2026.
BREAKROOMCLOSUREFORREMODELING
TAKEAMOMENTTOREST
Takeamomenttorechargeandrestinthe employeequietroom!
UsetheCalendlylinkbelowtoreserveatime slotandtakeadvantageofthiswellness resource.
BookSomeQuietTimeToday!
Incaseyoumissedit! ReadtheNovemberCommunityNewsletterHERE! TobefeaturedinthenextHappyMonday,submityourdepartmentupdates toashley.leong@collegeparkga.gov
