🌱 Douglasville Park System National Finalist + Douglas Co. Homicide

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening in town. Today you'll learn about these stories and more:

• The Douglasville Park System has eyes on its efforts from a national standpoint.
• Several individuals have been arrested for potential connection to a Douglas County homicide.
• Douglas County Public School school registration is officially open for the 2023-2024 school year.

But first, today's weather:

Warm with periods of sun. High: 89 Low: 64.

Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. The Douglasville Park System is receiving national attention and has been named one of the four finalists for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. To qualify for the award, the Douglasville Park System had to demonstrate environmental stewardship, maintain an emphasis on volunteerism as well as develop long-range planning. Douglasville Parks offers several different activities, including walking, sports, playgrounds, and more. The winner of the award will be named this fall in Dallas, Texas at the Parks and Rec Industry Conference. (Atlanta News First)
2. On Thursday, four men were arrested for the killing of 17-year-old Brian Brown who was shot and killed in the Bill Arp area of Douglas County. One of the four arrested was a 17-year-old from Douglasville. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office received a call around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday involving a shooting and responded to find Brown suffering from an injury, he was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. More information is still to come surrounding the case but as of now, the four who were arrested are being charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. (11alive.com)
3. In Douglas County, registration for the 2023-2024 school year is officially open, and it is recommended that parents and guardians complete the documentation sooner rather than later to ensure your students can start school on Aug. 2. For children entering kindergarten or the Douglas County School System for the first time, it is necessary that you enroll online by following this link. To start kindergarten this year, children must be five years old on or before Sep. 1, and all the other required documents are listed on the registration form. Registration documents must be submitted by Jul. 21 for students to be ensured the first day of school start date. (Douglas County School System)
4. The City of Douglasville has announced an upcoming series of yoga classes. Classes will take place every Wednesday through Aug. 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Ike Owings Community Center. These classes are open to beginners and all ages are welcome. (City of Douglasville - Government via Facebook)
5. Splash N' Play days are coming soon! There are two upcoming dates for this free, family-friendly event. Enjoy water slides and fun in the sun on Jun. 8 from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Hunter Park or on Jun. 22 from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Fowler Field.

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Today in Douglasville:

• Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival And Garden Tour At Douglas County Museum Of Art And History (9:00 AM)
• Mommy And Me Mermaids At Painting With A Twist (11:00 AM)
• Summer Family Paint Day At L&R Alpaca Haven Farm (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Douglas County District Attorney's Office would like to take a moment to wish District Attorney Dalia Racine a very Happy Birthday, as well as a big thank you for all of her hard work. (Douglas County District Attorney's Office via Facebook)
• You can register your vehicle for the Douglasville Police Department's 2nd Annual Cars & Cops Event that will be held on Jun. 17 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the Douglasville Police Department. There will be music, prizes, and a wide array of interesting cars to look at. The fee is $25 per vehicle to register. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
• You can now register your kids for the Kids Law Enforcement Academy in Douglasville from Jul. 18-20. You can request the application via email or stop by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for it, and if you have any questions please contact Dep. Shelly Kimball at skimball@sheriff.douglas.ga.us or 678.486.1297. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.