Helen officials reach consensus on Riverside Park

HELEN - The Helen City Commission took a field trip of sorts during its meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners, joined by members of the audience, visited the oft-discussed Helen Riverside Park on Edelweiss Strasse to discuss future improvements.

While there, commissioners walked and talked, determining placement for four additional swings and 10 new benches, as well as selecting the path for the mulched walking trail.

City employees drove stakes as commissioners selected sites.

City Manager Jerry Elkins said city personnel can cut back some of the undergrowth along the river without violating environmental guidelines. The cleanup would improve the view of the river for park visitors.

While no specific benches and swings have been selected for the locations determined Tuesday, Elkins said the improvements could cost up to $15,000 for the kind that will last for years.

Elkins added Helen Riverside Park Renovation Project could be financed with hotel/motel tax since it would be geared to draw and serve tourists to the city and the facility.

Commissioners asked Elkins to present them with samples of swings and benches at their next meeting on Aug. 18.

Helen officials gather at the Helen Riverside Park Pavilion to discuss future improvements to the park.

Helen Mayor Dona K. Burke points out a proposed swing location to City Manager Jerry Elkins and Commissioners Fred Garmon and Helen Wilkins.

Helen City Commissioner Helen Wilkins and Mayor Dona K. Burke discuss where to place swings and benches.

A stake is driven at a proposed seating location along the river.

Helen Mayor Dona K. Burke and Commissioners Helen Wilkins, Fred Garmon, Judy Holloway and Jeff Ash recap Tuesday's decisions with City Manager Jerry Elkins.

The greenspace at Helen Riverside Park will be preserved for family use and special events.

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