During the test period, our sponsor, CONEX, will collect the plastic and aluminum, and will weigh and record the results for the Conservancy, which will determine the actual costs to operate the program. The Conservancy will also learn the redeemable value of recycling these materials. The program will also result in a reduction in total waste currently collected by the City, potentially saving the taxpayer money in trash collection and lessening the impact on local landfills. This information will be shared with other parks and with the Office of Parks and Recreation for the City of Atlanta.

The recycling program will be in place in time to kick off another pilot program - concessions at the Sharon Lester Tennis Center, which will offer a limited menu of cold and frozen beverages and refreshments, chips and kosher all beef hotdogs. One half of the net proceeds will help fund Piedmont Park security and maintenance, and one-half will help other City of Atlanta's Parks.

“The city has memorandums of understanding with Piedmont, Chastain, Woodruff and Finley Plaza Parks that will allow them to offer concessions under this type of agreement,” said Dianne Harnell Cohen, City of Atlanta Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner. “The city's portion of the proceeds will be used to help other parks without conservancies with restoration and maintenance needs,” she stated.

Centennial Olympic Park, which is state owned, Chastain Park Amphitheatre and Zoo Atlanta currently offers concessions to its patrons. Consumer demand and the need to establish a model for other City park systems to use in creating sustainable income for maintenance led to the action.

“We are working with the Conservancy to minimize trash generated, handle any debris responsibly and to use best efforts to recycle plastic materials,” said Jonathan Rawls, president of Premier Events Management.

“This is a win/win situation for everyone,” said Yvette. “Park users will receive a service they have been requesting, it will generate money for the continued maintenance of Piedmont Park, and provide needed funds for other Parks in the City of Atlanta.”