The yellow farmhouse at Briarlake Forest Park is under construction, continuing phase two of the master plan for the park. The parking lot is closed.
Over the past five years, we have been working with DeKalb County on a plan to convert the yellow farmhouse into a pavilion and educational nature center, thus increasing its usefulness to the community. Scroll down to see drawings of the new pavilion.
As you may know, in its current condition, the farmhouse is not structurally sound and has little to no historical significance. The Park has had the benefit of tremendous expertise in developing a plan to repurpose the house—architects, naturalists, and of course, many interested volunteers. We envision that the pavilion will become a site for social gatherings, educational nature programs, cultural events and much more.
The plan will retain the porch and brick chimney area facing Briarlake Road while converting the remaining parts of the farmhouse to a covered pavilion and open deck. The facility will include secured restrooms and much-needed storage space and will be handicapped-accessible. It will be surrounded by attractive landscaping and benches.
The house dates back to 1850 - 1870, and was occupied by only two families in the last 100 years. The Greshams lived on the property from 1918 to 1949, and the Catheys lived there from 1949 to 2015.
This vision has been a long time coming, and is being generously supported by our Dekalb County Commissioners, Dekalb County Parks and Recreation, and Park Pride. We are looking forward to having a very nice gathering place for our community.
Construction is expected to take three to six months.
We advise residents to visit the park as usual, but to park along Amberwood or Blackwood Drive and access the park via the four
trail heads on that side of the park. Please remember that all Dekalb County Parks close at sundown, Briarlake Forest included.
Over the past five years, we have been working with DeKalb County on a plan to convert the yellow farmhouse into a pavilion and educational nature center, thus increasing its usefulness to the community. Scroll down to see drawings of the new pavilion.
As you may know, in its current condition, the farmhouse is not structurally sound and has little to no historical significance. The Park has had the benefit of tremendous expertise in developing a plan to repurpose the house—architects, naturalists, and of course, many interested volunteers. We envision that the pavilion will become a site for social gatherings, educational nature programs, cultural events and much more.
The plan will retain the porch and brick chimney area facing Briarlake Road while converting the remaining parts of the farmhouse to a covered pavilion and open deck. The facility will include secured restrooms and much-needed storage space and will be handicapped-accessible. It will be surrounded by attractive landscaping and benches.
The house dates back to 1850 - 1870, and was occupied by only two families in the last 100 years. The Greshams lived on the property from 1918 to 1949, and the Catheys lived there from 1949 to 2015.
This vision has been a long time coming, and is being generously supported by our Dekalb County Commissioners, Dekalb County Parks and Recreation, and Park Pride. We are looking forward to having a very nice gathering place for our community.
Construction is expected to take three to six months.
We advise residents to visit the park as usual, but to park along Amberwood or Blackwood Drive and access the park via the four
trail heads on that side of the park. Please remember that all Dekalb County Parks close at sundown, Briarlake Forest included.
Renderings of the new pavilion below; west elevation is from the meadow; east is from Briarlake Road, north from the back of the house toward Amberwood and south from the porch side.
