Brookhaven will spend $750,000 to buy a 1.3-acre property next to Lynwood Park, adding greenspace and dozens of mature trees to one of DeKalb County's oldest historically Black neighborhoods.

The City Council approved the purchase of 1020 Mendell Circle on Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to a city announcement. The property will be protected from future redevelopment and folded into the park, which sits in District 1.

The deal follows Brookhaven's late-2024 purchase of 926 Devine Circle, a roughly half-acre lot nearby. Together, the two acquisitions add about 1.8 acres to Lynwood Park, expanding its 10.8-acre footprint by roughly 17%.

The Mendell Circle parcel holds 30 to 40 specimen trees, including American Beech, Tulip Poplar, Red Maple, three oak species and Loblolly Pine.

"Preserving a stand of mature trees protects benefits that cannot be quickly replaced by new plantings, including shade, habitat and natural stormwater functions," City Arborist Jeff Dadisman said in the city's announcement.

The $750,000 price tag will come from Brookhaven's Stormwater Fund and Tree Fund. The council also amended the 2026 General Fund and Stormwater Fund budgets to accommodate the purchase, according to the Oct. 13 meeting wrap-up.

District 1 Councilmember Michael Diaz, who represents the Lynwood Park area, pointed to recent tree loss from development on the neighboring Devine Circle property as motivation. Diaz said the acquisitions will expand the park by nearly two acres, "preserving dozens of mature trees and protecting this natural area for future generations."

The deal adds nearly two acres.

Mayor John Park said the city prioritized the purchase to keep greenspace ahead of development pressure in Brookhaven.

Lynwood Park holds deep roots in the community. Established in the early 1930s, it was the first predominantly Black subdivision in DeKalb County, according to Rough Draft Atlanta. In 1968, students known as the Lynwood Trailblazers entered the previously segregated DeKalb County school system. Brookhaven granted the neighborhood its first historic designation in October 2020.

The recreation center and park still draw families and returning generations with ties to the neighborhood, according to the city.

The next Brookhaven City Council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m.