DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis participated in a Playground Build Day for children Saturday, May 5 at Mainstreet Park Drive, Stone Mountain.

It’s the children who live in this area who drew their dream playgrounds,” said CEO Ellis.  “Today all of us are coming together to turn these dreams into a reality.”

About 150 volunteers met at the playground to begin construction.  The event was hosted by Mainstreet Community Services Association, Foresters and KaBOOM!.  Volunteers, including many of the children who drew the original designs, will spend the day building the structures.

“This is another example of what is possible with public private partnerships which actively engage the community,” said CEO Ellis.

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis proudly announces that DeKalb County’s Office of Neighborhood Empowerment – ONE DeKalb – was recognized as the 2012 Civic and Community Engagement Advocate of the Year by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) during its annual conference.

“ONE DeKalb gives our citizens a seat at the table where decisions about their community are made and unprecedented participation in county government,” said CEO Ellis.  “I am honored that ACCG has recognized our efforts to ensure citizens have a voice in shaping the present and future of our county.”

ONE DeKalb maintains a responsive and people-centered government, promote neighborhood organizations that lead to sustainable development, and inform and engage citizens to enhance the quality of personal and communal life.  Since its inception in 2009, ONE DeKalb has achieved unprecedented success rallying hundreds of neighborhood groups.  Among other milestones, ONE DeKalb launched its inaugural Neighborhood Summit in 2009, which was expanded to include a green expo in 2010.  At each of the summits, more than 500 citizens, representing more than 300 neighborhood and civic associations, participated in community roundtables and presentations, and received valuable information on county services.

“An important component of civic engagement is motivating citizens to get involved and providing a forum where they can be heard,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King.  “ONE DeKalb has seen great success in bringing people together through neighborhood meetings and other forums, which leads to better informed decision-making.”

ACCG created the partnership and advocacy awards to recognize outstanding individuals, county programs, business leaders, and media representatives who support the efforts of county governments as well as further the Association’s mission.  For more information on ACCG, go to www.accg.org.