News

Tucker Park Secures Grant from State DNR

February 28, 2022

A dilapidated home

Tucker, Ga. (February 28, 2022) – The City of Tucker announced this month that they have been awarded a $2.5 million grant from Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources to complete work at the historic Johns Homestead Park. The grant, which was one of 15 approved by state lawmakers, will primarily go toward repairing and enhancing the park’s stormwater management system, as well as adding amenities such as new trails, boardwalks, and a fishing pier.

“Johns Homestead is home to two bioretention lakes, a wetland, a beaver pond and much more,” said Parks and Recreation Director Rip Robertson. “This grant will be integral in allowing us to improve, enhance and preserve these beautiful resources.”

The grant will also allow the City to restore streambanks and buffers with native plants. For this effort, they will work with EcoAddendum, a non-profit organization committed to helping preserve the rich biodiversity and healthy environment of our region. The grant was secured by the City of Tucker in cooperation with volunteer group Friends of Johns Homestead Park and the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District (CID). The Friends group has pledged to contribute $13,000 to the project, as well as 1,500 valuable volunteer manhours to help complete the work.

“One of the results of this important work will be to increase access and provide recreational amenities to attract users from throughout the region,” said Beth Ganga of Friends of Johns Homestead Park. “We are excited for everyone to see what we have in this gem of a park.”

Johns Homestead is a 53-acre park off Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. In addition to its abundant natural resources, it is home to an historic 1820s homestead and outbuildings.