Map showing 1020 Mendell Circle next to Lynwood Park in Brookhaven — Brookhaven plans to buy 1020 Mendell Circle, the orange-shaded parcel next to Lynwood Park, to preserve greenspace and mature trees.

Brookhaven plans to buy 1.3 acres next to Lynwood Park for $750,000, protecting dozens of mature trees and preventing future redevelopment of the property.

The City Council authorized the purchase of 1020 Mendell Circle, according to an updated city announcement. The acquisition will be paid for through the city’s Stormwater Fund and Tree Fund, with the land intended to preserve greenspace and support stormwater management in District 1.

The purchase follows the city’s acquisition of approximately half an acre at 926 Devine Circle in late 2024. Together, the properties would add about 1.8 acres to Lynwood Park, an increase equivalent to roughly 17% of its 10.8-acre footprint.

The Mendell Circle property contains an estimated 30 to 40 specimen trees, according to the city. Among them are American beech, tulip poplar, red maple, several oak species, hickory, bigleaf magnolia 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.

District 1 Councilmember Michael Diaz pointed to recent tree losses from nearby development as a reason to protect the remaining wooded land.

“While we cannot undo those losses, these acquisitions will expand Lynwood Park by nearly two acres, preserving dozens of mature trees and protecting this natural area for future generations,” Diaz said.

The park sits within Historic Lynwood Park, a historically Black community established in the early 1930s and described by the city as one of the oldest in DeKalb County. Its recreation center and park remain gathering places for neighborhood residents and families with longstanding ties to the community.

The city’s announcement did not specify a closing date or describe plans for public access or improvements on the additional land.