Recent updates to Python Park continue to cause both excitement and uncertainty in the Paideia community. As spring approaches, a season when Python Park usage will increase considerably, the current Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) continues to hold Python Park back from full completion. In order to obtain the full Certificate of Occupancy (CO), Paideia is required to meet a few more requirements, such as having enough parking spaces and planting enough trees. When Paideia obtains the CO, the administration will assume autonomous control over the property, and Python Park will be officially completed.
This change could lead to a future collaboration with Inter Atlanta FC (IAFC). Tom Taylor highlights the longstanding, friendly relationship between Paideia and IAFC: “Inter is an organization that has been incredibly generous with us.” The Paideia soccer teams have used fields belonging to Inter Atlanta multiple times in past years and during the renovation of Python Park.
However, due to the legally stated usage and zoning of the park, the possibility of a collaboration has another obstacle to overcome. “If we were to start sharing [Python Park] with other organizations, [the City of Avondale] would need to approve that under our zoning regulations,” Taylor explains.
Prior to the renovation, Paideia was not willing to share the fields due to concerns over the involved maintenance of the grass. However, “It’s not the old Python Park,” emphasizes Athletic Director Mike Emery: the renovated fields are turf, meaning that the fields are not as sensitive to weather and irresponsible treatment.
With these newfound opportunities, sharing fields becomes a possibility. “[Inter] would certainly be among the first that we would want to open the doors to,” says Taylor. As Inter once shared with Paideia, Paideia may someday share with them.
This possibility also extends to other Paideia sports teams. “We [the Ultimate Frisbee teams] have a long history of partnering with AFDC [Atlanta Flying Disc Club]. Juniors and are excited to have a facility that will support the greater Atlanta ultimate community,” says girls’ Varsity Ultimate Frisbee Coach Miranda Knowles.
An Inter and Paideia parent, Tom Capello says, the IAFC board’s “hope is that Inter and Paideia will work together to provide access to quality field space within our community.” Despite this possibility, for now, “To let other people use it before we use it doesn’t seem right,” explains Emery, “We need to be cautious of taking care of our people first.”
