ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Atlanta police have been busy making arrests at Selena Butler Park this summer as many people there try to enjoy the recently-upgraded amenities following a $1.5 million makeover last year.
"They (the police) have made 22 arrests in the last 30 days or so," said City Councilwoman Natalyn Archibong.
The park is in her district, and she watched with pride last summer as improvements to the basketball courts, tennis courts and playground were carried out. However, the crime and drug problems that existed at the park before the renovations have come back, and Archibong said further steps need to be taken to control the problems.
"There was a huge investment here, but that doesn't mean that it's over. We have to continue to protect our resources. I definitely want to be focused on this, I think it's very important."
Archibong said there will soon be off-duty police officers, paid by the city, to provide an extra layer of patrol. She said she is also hoping to get a neighborhood organization to take control of the community center at the park on weekends so it can be open for people to get water and use the bathroom.
"This park... is an important jewel in the community," said Archibong. "We have a opportunity to turn a corner here in a way we won't regret."
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