The City of Decatur cut the ribbon on a new and improved town square Friday. It’s an $8 million project city leaders approved to upgrade the popular gathering area for residents.

“The project began as a master planning process. We call it Town Center 2.0,” said David Junger, the deputy city manager for the City of Decatur. 

Junger said city leaders and members of the community came together to reenvision the space.

“A big part of the transformation project involved the removal of an old gazebo bandstand. It really didn’t function in terms of our concerts and our music that we like to support,” he explained.

Restrooms were also built at the location. 

“We have never had public restrooms up here, and that was big part,” Junger said.

The newly upgraded space was designed especially for families with young kids in mind.

“People come up here to eat dinner, socialize, and now we have a beautiful play area for children,” Junger said excitedly. 

Some residents said they would’ve liked to see the square remain the same. They also questioned why the city spent $8 million on these improvement projects. The deputy city manager, during an interview with CBS News Atlanta, provided details regarding the sources of the funding.

“The great thing about the project is that there are no residential tax dollars going to this,” Junger said. “It’s being purchased by a special-purpose local option sales tax, so it is sales tax dollars being used for this project, and these are improvements that can be enjoyed by all in the community.” 

Additional improvement projects are ongoing.

“On North McDonough, we are building a new pedestrian plaza, and from the north, you are getting an incredible view of the old historic courthouse and the John Lewis statue, and that speaks to our community as well,” Junger said.

Much of the work was planned for completion before the World Cup. 

“We have 30 days of concerts and watch parties for the World Cup events,” he explained.

Those events begin on Thursday.

ATLANTA – A grieving community gathered alongside a heartbroken family Sunday afternoon to honor a beloved woman killed in a random knife attack on a MARTA train.

What we know:

Community members and family gathered Sunday afternoon for a vigil to remember 66-year-old Margaret Swan, who was killed on a MARTA train a little over a week ago. Over 100 people joined Swan’s family to pay their respects to the mother and grandmother.

Swan was violently and randomly stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack. Police have arrested and charged 25-year-old John Elijah Matthews with her murder. Swan’s family shared that she had been watching her grandchild just before boarding the train.

What they’re saying:

Family members and community advocates expressed immense grief and called for immediate safety changes across the transit network during Sunday’s gathering.

Wynecia Patterson, an advocate with the Atlanta People’s Campaign, spoke on the collective pain felt by the neighborhood.

“All the tragic things that have been going on in our community, and we feel like we are falling short with our people, and we want to bring light on the tragedies going on,” Patterson said.

Swan’s daughters, Shanae and Tiara Sams, expressed deep heartbreak and demanded increased security to prevent future violence on transit lines.

“Everybody should be protected and safe being on public transit,” Shanae Sams said. “We all use public transit from time to time, but we shouldn’t be in fear if we will make it or not on the train. They need to be patrolling the trains like they used to years ago.”

Tiara Sams remembered her mother’s character and noted the ongoing shock of the loss, particularly knowing the suspect remains behind bars.

“My mom was very kindhearted, brave. She was a phenomenal woman, and she always wanted to help people and for people to be good,” Tiara Sams said. “Yesterday I wanted to just even call her, but I had to remind myself she’s not here. Then like it’s been hard because he’s still alive, he’s still here, and he is in protected custody. He is protected.”

She added her disbelief regarding the unprovoked nature of the crime.

“I don’t think it’s right for someone to prey on someone that didn’t do anything to them,” Tiara Sams said.

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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Runners, walkers and supporters filled Piedmont Park on Sunday for Pride Run ATL, a community-focused event celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, visibility and togetherness.

“I like to find causes to walk/jog for, not run just yet, but this is dear to my heart, I have friends, family, I have coworkers, just people in general who all should experience love,” said Koreena Atkins, who has been on a fitness journey in the last year.

Organizers say the run is designed to welcome participants of all levels — from competitive runners chasing a personal best to families and first-timers looking to show support and enjoy a morning in the park.

“This is basically a pride parade that happens to be 3.1 miles,” said Nick King, Pride Run ATL’s Director.

A morning of community and celebration Piedmont Park has long served as a gathering place for Atlanta’s biggest community events, and Pride Run ATL adds a fitness-forward kickoff to the day’s Pride energy.

“I have so many friends who identify in this community. Me as an ally, I just want to make sure I’m giving back any way I can,” said Johnathan Carey, with Union Fit Hub who led the warmup Sunday.

The largest pride run in the southeast was emceed by Atlanta News First’s very own Andy Pierrotti.

Shannon Sweat said he’s been running in this race for the last three years.

“Obviously show my pride, it’s a great month, it’s a great to have all these people out here, it’s a lot of fun,” said Sweat.

The event blends wellness with celebration, bringing people together for a shared start line and a shared message: everyone belongs.

King said this year’s theme is “Free To Be” and it’s all about being yourself.

All of the money raised goes towards LGBTQ+ organizations in the community, and King said this year, they’ve raised more money than ever before.

“Seeing people cross the finish line and it’s almost like this overwhelming sense of freedom to just be free to whoever they want to be,” said King.