South Fulton reopens Creel Park playground with accessible design
The City of South Fulton has reopened the Creel Park playground after a $275,000 renovation designed for children of all abilities.
The 3,689-square-foot play area was funded by a federal Community Development Block Grant and built in partnership with Playworx. It features wide ramps, elevated decks, high-contrast colors, sensory panels, ground-level musical features and quiet spaces. The city says it meets Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs and District 6 Councilwoman Natasha Williams-Brown led a ribbon-cutting at the park. “This playground represents an investment in our children, our families, and quality of life in our community,” Gumbs said.
Williams-Brown called the park “an important gathering place for families in our community.”
The Parks and Recreation department plans to use the Creel Park design as its model for future playgrounds, according to the city.
— Derek Prall
Free climate film festival comes to DeKalb this weekend
DeKalb County is hosting a free Climate Film Festival on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center.
The festival opens Friday at 7 p.m. with “The Tree Economy,” DeKalb filmmaker James Schroeder’s look at development and metro Atlanta’s tree canopy. A 6 p.m. artist talk with Schroeder comes first.
Saturday’s features are “Groundswell,” about regenerative farming, at 1:30 p.m., and “How to Live on Earth,” presented by Benedict Cumberbatch, at 4 p.m. Short films by Georgia filmmakers, a 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony and a 3:05 p.m. panel on local climate action fill out the day.
Visitors will also find free popcorn and snacks, interactive art and tables from local environmental groups. The event is open to all ages.
Commissioner Ted Terry’s Resilient DeKalb initiative is presenting the festival to mark the International Day of Climate Action.
“Art has a unique ability to highlight not only the problems we face but also help us come together to find solutions,” Terry said in a statement.
— Derek Prall
AutoNation gives $100,000 for pediatric brain cancer research
AutoNation has donated $100,000 to Atlanta-based CURE Childhood Cancer to help move a potential treatment for diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer that mainly strikes children, closer to a clinical trial.
The grant, presented by employees of AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia, will fund Mayo Clinic research aimed at bringing the therapy to FDA review and a Phase I trial in children. DMG tumors grow in critical areas of the brain and spinal cord, making them especially hard to treat.
“AutoNation’s gift will help move a promising therapy out of the lab and toward a clinical trial, and that is how hope becomes real for families,” said Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE Childhood Cancer.
It is one of 10 $100,000 grants AutoNation is making to cancer partners nationwide to mark the 10th anniversary of DRV PNK, its cancer initiative, which has raised and donated more than $50 million.
— Derek Prall
Covenant House Georgia moves Sleep Out to Truist Park
Covenant House Georgia will hold its annual Sleep Out at Truist Park on Friday, Nov. 13, inviting community members to spend a night at the Braves’ ballpark to raise money and awareness for young people experiencing homelessness.
It is the first time the overnight fundraiser will be held at Truist Park.
“Our commitment to leveling the playing field starts with ensuring young people have the stability and support they need to thrive,” said Danielle Bedasse, executive director of the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Since its first event in 2012, Sleep Out has raised more than $8 million for Covenant House Georgia, which provides young people with safe housing, supportive services, education and job opportunities.
Participants will spend the night at the stadium while learning about youth homelessness and the nonprofit’s programs. They can register individually or form teams with friends, family or co-workers and fundraise together. Participants must be 13 or older.
— Derek Prall
The Hawks make a deal with Amazon Prime Video for local streaming of games
The Atlanta Hawks have signed a first-of-its-kind deal with Amazon Prime Video, one of the leading streaming service platforms, to stream Hawks games for fans within Hawks territory spanning during the 2026-2027 NBA season.
That Hawks territory spans Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Those with Prime Video subscriptions will be able to stream Hawks games, both home and away, for 74 games out of the 82-game season at no extra charge. The other eight games are planned to be broadcast nationally and therefore don’t apply.
For local fans within the state of Georgia that don’t have prime Video, they can also watch the Hawks — who started off their season this week with a win over the Orlando Magic — on Atlanta News First and Peachtree Sports Network.
— Mark Lannaman
