When DeKalb County acquired the land that was to become Briarlake Forest Park, it included a charming yellow farmhouse. The house dated back to the mid 1800s, but careful study revealed that the house was not structurally sound and had little to no historial significance. However, many wanted to preserve the house in some fashion.
Over a five-year period, the Friends of Briarlake Forest and Dekalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs worked on a plan to convert the yellow farmhouse into a pavilion and educational nature center, thus increasing its usefulness to the community. The Park had the benefit of tremendous expertise in developing a plan to repurpose the house—architects, naturalists, and of course, many interested volunteers.
Our hope was that the pavilion would become a site for social gatherings, educational nature programs, cultural events and much more. That vision has been realized and the pavilion is already being used regularly and we expect that use will only grow.
The project was funded by Dekalb County, our fiscal partner Park Pride and our generous community donors.
The brick chimney area facing Briarlake Road was preserved and the remaining parts of the farmhouse were converted to a covered pavilion and open deck. The facility includes restrooms and much-needed storage space and is handicapped-accessible. Eventually it will be surrounded by attractive landscaping and benches. Below are photos from the grand opening of the pavilion in December 2022.
Over a five-year period, the Friends of Briarlake Forest and Dekalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs worked on a plan to convert the yellow farmhouse into a pavilion and educational nature center, thus increasing its usefulness to the community. The Park had the benefit of tremendous expertise in developing a plan to repurpose the house—architects, naturalists, and of course, many interested volunteers.
Our hope was that the pavilion would become a site for social gatherings, educational nature programs, cultural events and much more. That vision has been realized and the pavilion is already being used regularly and we expect that use will only grow.
The project was funded by Dekalb County, our fiscal partner Park Pride and our generous community donors.
The brick chimney area facing Briarlake Road was preserved and the remaining parts of the farmhouse were converted to a covered pavilion and open deck. The facility includes restrooms and much-needed storage space and is handicapped-accessible. Eventually it will be surrounded by attractive landscaping and benches. Below are photos from the grand opening of the pavilion in December 2022.
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