Arthur Blank Family Foundation

DECATUR, April 9, 2003 -- Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones will join representatives from The Trust for Public Land and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to celebrate the acquisition of the Intrenchment Creek land site on Monday, May 12, 10 a.m. near the intersection of Constitution and Bouldercrest Roads.

"The Intrenchment Creek land parcel is a unique addition to DeKalb that offers a variety of possibilities for both active and passive recreation," said CEO Vernon Jones. "I applaud everyone's work to move this project forward."

Intrenchment Creek, a 136-acre site, is one of the first green space acquisitions as a result of the $125 million bond referendum initiated by CEO Jones and approved by DeKalb voters. To date, DeKalb County Government has successfully expanded DeKalb's parks by nearly 40 percent while spending approximately one-third of the allocated funds.

"Our acquisition of the site is part of a larger South River initiative that is a multi-jurisdictional effort to create a continuous buffer to protect the river, create recreational opportunities and promote economic development for the community," said Trust for Public Land Program Director Angela Graham.

The Blank Family Foundation has committed at least $20 million over a three-year period toward an Environmental Initiative aimed at preserving green space and improving parks in metro Atlanta's urban core, inside I-285. Intrenchment Creek was one of several sites selected last year as a model project for preservation.

"The victory of preserving Intrenchment Creek is evidence that public-private partnerships can work to save precious, rapidly disappearing green space throughout the metro area," said Elise Eplan, vice president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. "The leadership of DeKalb County in leveraging dollars and involvement to get the job done is a model of good governance and an example for others to follow."

For directions to this event or for more information, please call Mamie Ellis at 404-371-2082. In the event of rain, the event will relocate to the Gresham Recreational Center.