Friday, September 27, 2002

Duncan Park still subject of debate between city, county

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Fairburn's residents heard one of the strongest defenses of Duncan Park Monday night.

City Councilman Harvey Melear told the crowd that he wanted the Duncan park situation "resolved."

For the last few months, Fairburn and Fulton County have been wrangling over who should pay for the park.

County officials claim it's now the city's responsibility because of a law stipulation that once a city reaches 5,000 people it must pay for park services.

The dispute led to Fulton County announcing it was closing the park, but Fairburn officials stepped in and said they would continue the programs when Fulton County pulled out of the park Nov.30.

"They did not tell us this was going to happen," Melear said.

The councilman also read excerpts from Dr. Claude Duncan, who is the son of Clarence Duncan Sr. who helped get the park built in the 1940s.

In his letter Duncan states that His uncle, Clyde E. Duncan, was parks commissioner in Fulton County and saw the need for a park in South Fulton County.

Duncan suggested the county work with Fairburn in deannexing the park back to Fulton County.

"The park is owned by Fulton County. I'm a little tired of Bill Edwards telling us what the situation is. He wasn't even around when this started," Melear said.