SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — A group of South Fulton volunteers is putting time into one of the city’s busiest corridors, hoping cleaner streets will help strengthen community pride and create a better environment for future investment.
Dr. Cobie “Lyrix” Brown and volunteers with Global Myndz Youth regularly gather around the intersection of Flat Shoals Road and Old National Highway to pick up litter and maintain the area.
Brown said the effort has been part of his community work for about two decades. The volunteers also pay particular attention to residents, including older adults, who may not be able to handle the cleanup themselves.
For the volunteers, the work is about more than removing trash. They see the condition of the corridor as part of how people experience the neighborhood and how businesses view the area.
Brown said the Old National corridor has significant talent and potential, particularly among young people, and that a cleaner, more organized environment could make the area more attractive to developers.
Jill Lindsey, another volunteer, said she became involved after hearing some residents refer to the area as “Old Nasty.” She said she would rather see the corridor recognized for its potential, pointing to its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The cleanup effort comes as community members continue to push for a more positive image of the Old National area.
Community cleanup connects to youth outreach
Brown’s work also includes mentoring young people through Global Myndz Youth. The organization describes itself as a youth organization and center that provides programs, volunteer opportunities and community events for local families.
The cleanup is part of a broader effort to bring residents together and encourage young people to take an active role in their community.
That focus will continue at an upcoming community day and block party at Creel Park.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, from 3 to 7 p.m. Organizers say families can expect free food, free haircuts and book bag giveaways.
Creel Park is located at 2775 Creel Road and sits off Old National Highway between Bethsaida Road and Flat Shoals Road. The city lists the park as having playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, a walking track and other recreational facilities.
A cleaner corridor, but development is still ahead
The volunteers’ work reflects a broader community goal of improving the appearance and reputation of the Old National corridor.
Brown said developers are more likely to take notice when an area appears clean, organized and well maintained. Community members hope that stronger neighborhood involvement can help create conditions for additional restaurants, businesses and other resources.
There is already development activity planned along the broader Old National Highway corridor. Town Center at Mansa Park describes a proposed 66-acre mixed-use development that would include housing, hospitality, dining and green space. The project’s website says the plan has received approval from the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority.
That project is separate from the volunteer cleanup effort, and the cleanup organizers have not announced that it is connected to any specific development.
For now, volunteers are concentrating on what they can change directly: keeping the roadway cleaner, involving residents and giving young people a role in improving the neighborhood.
The next step will be Saturday’s community event at Creel Park, where organizers hope the cleanup effort will turn into another opportunity for residents and families to connect.
