Pembroke officials respond to concerns about Harn Community Center park

PEMBROKE, Ga. (WTOC) - Pembroke leaders are responding to concerns from community members about the condition of the park at the J Dixie Harn Community Center. Some parents say they are concerned about bringing their children to the park because of issues including graffiti, vandalism and aging playground equipment.

City Administrator Chris Benson says some of the playground equipment has weathered several storms and is showing signs of wear and tear.

“It’s showing visible signs of wear and tear on the core of the equipment,” Benson said.

Benson also pointed out several areas he says need attention, including a step where material is peeling from the stairs. He also showed a broken swing that the city is preparing to replace.

“It needs some sprucing up. It needs some things that can make it visually appealing,” Benson said.

Mayor Tiffany Ziegler says the park has endured significant damage over the past decade, including damage from a deadly tornado in 2022 and multiple hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene in 2024. Ziegler also says the park has been vandalized multiple times.

“We had playground tables that have been broken, completely ripped apart by teenagers. We were able to catch them on camera,” Ziegler said.

Ziegler says she understands why parents are frustrated and says improving the park is a priority.

“I love children and I love the ability for my kids to be able to go out and play on playground equipment. I understand where the moms are coming from. That is definitely something that’s on my radar,” she said.

The city has money allocated in its 2026 budget for additional playground equipment. However, officials say the city is working with a tight budget. Money that had been planned for additional improvements was instead used for major debris cleanup across Pembroke following Hurricane Helene.

Ziegler and Benson say they are also waiting for reimbursement from FEMA, which could help the city make additional repairs.

“We budgeted the funds. We had a setback from Hurricane Helene, and we are hopeful that instead of adding a new park location to the community, at least we’ll be able to replace the equipment out there,” Benson said.

In the meantime, Ziegler says the city’s street department is working to remove graffiti, replace the mulch and make other needed updates.City leaders say they are continuing to work on improvements while they wait for additional funding.