Parks And Recreation

Deborah O. McCarty's 5-year-old son started kindergarten Monday at Northfield Elementary School a mixture of jitters and excitement. Yesterday, McCarty began her first day as Columbia's new leader much the same way."I'm glad to be here," McCarty said as she sat in her relatively empty office at the Columbia Association. "Packing, moving everybody has been an ordeal. Everybody keeps asking me what I want to do first. I want to hear from other people. I want to listen to them, learn how things work."

ATLANTA -- In one of her last public appearances here, Atlanta Parks and Recreation Director Deborah O. McCarty faced controversy over a plan to build a stone path atop a pretty knoll in historic Piedmont Park.She could have led the meeting about the park, but stayed in the background. That was vintage McCarty, and exemplified the approach she'll bring next month to her new job as president of the Columbia Association.In a career here that has taken her from community organizer to the City Council to chief of parks and recreation, McCarty has developed a reputation as a quiet conciliator and consensus builder: not a charismatic leader, but someone who develops loyalty by answering the phone and taking care of details.

ATLANTA -- In one of her last public appearances here, Atlanta Parks and Recreation Director Deborah O. McCarty faced controversy over a plan to build a stone path atop a pretty knoll in historic Piedmont Park.She could have led the meeting about the park, but stayed in the background. That was vintage McCarty, and exemplified the approach she'll bring next month to her new job as president of the Columbia Association.In a career here that has taken her from community organizer to the City Council to chief of parks and recreation, McCarty has developed a reputation as a quiet conciliator and consensus builder.

Atlanta's parks and recreation director will become head of the Columbia Association (CA), the planned community's quasi-government, officials are expected to announce today.Deborah O. McCarty, 45, has a long political history in Atlanta where she served on the City Council for 15 years, was appointed commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs in 1993, resigned last year to run unsuccessfully for president of the City Council, and was reappointed to the parks post this year.She was awaiting a politically charged confirmation by the City Council when she decided to take the $120,000-a-year Columbia post.

Although the Carroll Commissioners favor leasing a county-owned park to Mount Airy, they want to know more about a proposal to open a BMX racing track at the site.The commissioners want to meet with county recreation and Mount Airy officials and the track operator before making a decision on leasing Watkins Park. The lease would be a first of its kind for the county.Mount Airy Mayor Gerald R. Johnson has declined to disclose the identity of the prospective track operator."I think it's good for the town to take over [Watkins Park]

THERE WAS speculation when Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke appointed a task force to review Baltimore's Recreation and Parks Department that it would recommend new leadership for the agency. Although it stopped short of doing that, its report is so critical of Marlyn J. Perritt, director of recreation and parks since 1991, that the mayor should swiftly decide whether city residents would be better served by replacing her.As has become typical in recent years, Mr. Schmoke is once again considering huge cuts in the Recreation and Parks Department budget to help offset the city's declining revenue.

The chief of planning and construction for the county Department of Parks and Recreation will be the guest speaker Thursday at the Greater Pasadena Council meeting.Jack Keene will discuss the status of Fort Smallwood Park and the availability of boat ramps in Pasadena. The meeting will be held at 7: 30 p.m. at the Eastern District Police Station.For more information, call 437-2661.Pub Date: 4/23/96

There are some changes coming soon to the Forest Ridge Elementary School recreation center. Brian Emelson, the charter coordinator, is leaving to accept more responsibilities as the new Eastern Area Coordinator.The Department of Parks and Recreation is reorganizing staff, shifting from five districts to three. Mr. Emelson moves out of his office in the school Monday, but will hang around for the completion of his programs on Aug. 18.He says he's had a great deal of fun at the school. It was the first joint venture between the school system and the park department in the county.

Patapsco Valley State Park officials are inviting area residents to help the park and themselves this weekend at the second annual Outdoor Adventures Expo.Noting renewed emphasis on the need to exercise more and vigorously, park officials are encouraging residents to explore facilities at the 15,000-acre state park. The recreational area spreads through Carroll, Howard, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties."The expo is really a way for us to educate the public about the park and to get them to learn how to use it," said Offutt Johnson, a park naturalist.

The Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation will sponsor Lakefest '94 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Granville Gude Park and Lakehouse, 8300 Mulberry St.Enjoy family activities at the park, including boating, food, games, hay rides and entertainers.Children can see a purple dinosaur, Jason of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Clown Capers and magician Church Bollinger. Music will be provided by The Gantzer and Nixon Band.Bring a picnic or purchase a barbecue lunch. A walk-a-thon for the American Heart Association will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. Information: 725-7800 or 497-0300.