Path to reopening Intrenchment Creek Park remains unclear due to land swap litigation

A small group gathers before entering into Intrenchment Creek Park. The public park has been closed since DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond issued an executive order in March, citing public safety concerns found by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

In the late afternoon golden light of a hot Atlanta summer, a small group of people quietly hike down a forested path in South DeKalb’s Intrenchment Creek Park toward a destroyed campsite and makeshift memorial.

“Is this where they were killed?” DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry asked.

“Yeah,” replied Brad Beadle, “You can see a shotgun shell there.”