Residents urge nature‑based playscape at Depot Park; council hears local history and event thanks

Several residents used the public‑comment period to urge the council to consider a nature‑based playscape at Depot Park and to reflect on local history and recent events.

Steven Lautjens, who works on ecological landscape projects, said a nature playscape built from logs, boulders and native plants would provide children a way to interact with living systems and learn about seasonal change and pollinators. "Using native plants means the space reflects what naturally belongs here in Kennesaw, and it gives kids a real connection to their local environment," Lautjens said.

Timothy Hein and Donovan Giardina echoed support, noting that such a playscape would formalize activities that already occur during downtown concerts and could have economic benefits by attracting families to downtown events. "All we're doing is giving them a little bit more to work with in this same kind of environment that we are already fostering in the park," Hein said.

During public comment Andrew Bram offered a prepared local‑history anecdote about Maxey Maxwell, an early documented Kennesaw police chief who helped found the Kennesaw Boys Club and once organized a 1950 exhibition boxing match involving city officials. Dr. Drobny later thanked staff and volunteers for their work planning and managing the Big Shanty event and congratulated the Kennesaw Business Association on its 50th anniversary.

The council did not take immediate action on the playscape proposal during the meeting; the public comments were recorded for staff and council consideration.