DeKalb County bans smoking in public parks, playgrounds, ATM lines

Per WSBTV,

"On Tuesday, the county commission approved a plan to ban smoking at playgrounds, parks and public service lines such as lines for ATMs....The current smoking ban goes into effect on Wednesday."

For full text of the amendment, including definitions of common areas, outdoor recreational public place, playground, and service line see Amendment to the DeKalb County Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. The ban covers "inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, oral smoking device, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco intended for inhalation, in any manner or any form."

Update: AJC's coverage.

LIttle Creek Farm Fall Festival Fundraiser [Oct. 200]

Little Creek Farm is a DeKalb County facility. If you have never visited, this is the perfect chance--it's a treat!

Via Little Creek Farm:

Bring your whole family to enjoy a beautiful, fun fall day at the farm! We will have activities sure to entertain folks of all ages including fabulous riding demonstrations, pony & horse rides (even adults who are kids at heart can enjoy!), carnival games, kids crafts, tasty food (chili, hotdogs, homemade booked goods, yum!), and an expansive silent auction offering items of every price range. We've got some other fun, free activities in the works, so visit back soon for more details! 

Cost: $5 admission (cash or check only), kids 5 & under get in free! Admission includes access to the barn, silent auction, fabulous riding demonstrations, and select activities. Bring additional cash or checks for activities such as pony rides, crafts, and carnival games. Credit cards will be taken at the silent auction via PayPal. 

The Good: All proceeds go to benefit the Little Creek Farm Conservancy and their efforts to remodel the outdoor arena.

Little Creek is another nearby treasure, located on Lawrenceville Highway across from North DeKalb Mall. Little Creek offers horse boarding and riding lessons. Little Creek offers self-guided tours as well as guided tours. From their website:

"The Mission of Little Creek Farm Conservancy, Inc. is to promote the stewardship of Little Creek Farm for equine activities, including educational, environmental and recreational outreach programs for the general public. 

Little Creek Farm is a facility of Dekalb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. "

Water and sewer rate increase will benefit local creek system

The Champion reports

DeKalb County’s water and sewer rates will increase by 11 percent to help finance more than $1 billion dollars in improvements to the county’s water and sewer system. The rate will also increase in 2013 and 2014 by 11 percent, according to a plan adopted by the Board of Commissioners in December 2010.

... The system is plagued with pipe breaks and sewer spills. As of Dec. 20, there have been 187 county sewer spills, many caused by grease blockages in pipes...

... According to county officials, approximately $20 million-$30 million will be allocated to address requirements of a proposed consent decree in which the county would agree to pay a $453,000 penalty from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for excessive sewage spills. The county also agreed to implement a $600,000 stream cleanup project, focusing on debris removal from parts of the South River, South Fork Peachtree Creek and Snapfinger Creek. 

The South Fork of Peachtree Creek merrily meanders through MANA and Clairmont Heights. It is great to hear some of these taxes will help improve nearby habitats that have been repeatedly affected by spills. Because, hey, thats our creek!

Here she is, seen from the stone bridge at Mason Mill [May 2010 (left) and Feb 2011 (right)].

While on this topic, visit the  South Fork Conservancy's website, which also spells out a wonderful plan to develop connecting trails while restoring and conserving these much-neglected waterways.

Sunday, March 20: Mason Mill Park Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Mason Mill Park, as you know, has undergone recent renovations and the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place this sunday, 1pm [1340 McConnell Dr., Decatur GA 30030].  We are expecting fantastic weather this weekend, too. A perfect match.