There will be a meeting today to discuss future plans regarding the creation of a community-built park on Lexington Road.

The new park will be part of the 125-acre Southeast Clarke Park, which was dedicated Monday after construction was completed.

Located at the intersection of Whit Davis and Lexington roads, the larger park features a lake, nature trails, baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a fitness station and concession stands.

The two acres of land that will become the community-built park were donated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.

“A community-built park is one that is conceived, organized and constructed by the community,” Calabria said.

The park, which will have its own separate name, will feature a playground and a large garden area.

“We’re looking for a lot of University input on the gardens,” said Ashley Calabria, a professor in the College of Environment and Design, who is in charge of the garden project.

She said she is interested in both monetary donations and volunteer time to help with implementing the gardens.

“We are looking for contributions and help from both volunteer and Greek organizations,” Calabria said.

A group of about a dozen women make up the Athens Playground Committee who have been involved with the lobbying and planning of the park.

For the design, the committee has enlisted Leathers and Associates, a nationally known architecture firm that designs playscapes for community built parks.

The community-built section of the park will showcase a playground that is being designed by a group of Athens-Clarke county students who make up a Children’s Committee.

“Children will name the park, and it will have its own identity,” said Nancy Flexner, the co-coordinator for the Athens Community Playground Committee. “These projects have a great way of transforming community spirit. People from diverse backgrounds are all working together toward a common goal.”

Calabria said Leathers and Associates gather their design idea from children who create rough drafts of their ideal playgrounds. The company then incorporates the children’s designs to come up with the schematics for a real park.

Based on Leathers and Associates’ previous work, possible designs for the playground could include mazes, castles, slides, swings and sculptures. However, the actual design of the park will not be unveiled until Design Day which is planned for Nov. 19.

The community-built park is expected to be completed in May of 2003.

Today’s meeting, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Room 501 of Caldwell Hall, will include information on how to get involv with the project. Information about Leathers and Associates, as well as the park’s progress and future plans also will be discussed.

For more information on how to get involved, attend the meeting or e-mail Calabria at (ashley_calabria@yahoo.com)