Veterans Park may get U.S. Army equipment

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Through the U.S. Army Donations Program, Austell’s Veterans Park may receive retired combat equipment — hopefully by Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

The equipment is available for display at selected sites, according to Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Clemons who said he learned of the U.S. Army Donations Program from U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Atlanta).

Though the park was dedicated in 2014 on Veterans Memorial Highway, Austell Parks Department and Community Development Department Director Jim Graham said, during the Feb. 4 City Council meeting, no events have been held there.

If Austell can be approved as a site for this equipment, Clemons said he is hopeful Veterans Park will become a destination — not just on Memorial or Veterans Days.

Graham said they hope to receive a tank and another artillery piece.

While the city cannot own this equipment, the city would be responsible for its upkeep, Clemons added. For this maintenance, Graham said it would cost probably around $40,000 which would come from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Presently, Veterans Park contains an 80-foot flagpole with a 20-foot by 30-foot American Flag, a circular brick paver area around the base of the flagpole, a 100-foot by 6-foot retaining wall, landscaping with a sprinkler system, a monument, seven flagpoles, three benches, brick pavers (to be engraved) and lighting.

Information: AustellGa.gov, tacom.army.mil/ilsc/donations