Brookhaven backtracks on toy policy at Ashford Park
BROOKHAVEN, Ga. -- Brookhaven has a toy story with a happy ending, but it was messy enough in the middle that the mayor had to intervene.
The setting is Ashford Park, where people have been leaving and donating old toys for other children to enjoy for years and years.
Even those who love the park call it the "toy graveyard."
"These toys are still in play. They're still in use," said parent Josh Zerkle. "The kids enjoy them. The parents enjoy them. It's a neat place to come and play with a bunch of toys you don't have at home."
The toys are such a draw that parents and caregivers were shocked when city workers came out on Friday and hauled them all away without any notice or warning.
It was part of a new safety screening program that was started after the City of Brookhaven took control of the parks from DeKalb County last week.