The City of Sandy Springs is launching a smart phone application that allows users to snap and submit photos of potholes, graffiti and other problems for the City to address. Called CoSSpotter, it is a free, real time mobile tool that utilizes CitySourced technology to allow residents to identify public safety, quality of life and environmental issues and report them to City staff for quick resolution. It launches on December 1, 2010, and some examples might include:

• Abandoned vehicles
• Graffiti
• Illegal dumping
• Broken sidewalks
• Potholes
• Overgrown trees and vegetation
• Dead animals

The application uses the smart phone's global positioning system to automatically provide the problem's location, simplifying the reporting process for users and City staff. It is available for Android, Blackberry and iPhone.

The application is available free of charge via the City's website, sandyspringsga.org/cosspotter. Once reported, the problem goes into the City's database and residents can monitor its progress via the website or within the application.

The City of Sandy Springs received the state's top beautification award for the design and development of Morgan Falls Overlook Park in the Community Improvement category by Keep Georgia Beautiful, a part of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The Community Improvement award recognizes efforts to preserve and improve the beauty of a community.

"Sandy Springers love spending time at Overlook Park. The park's many amenities, including the multi-use pavilion and innovative playground equipment, are in continual demand," said Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos.

The City's first master-planned and constructed park since its incorporation in 2005, Overlook Park at Morgan Falls opened July 28, 2010, and represents the culmination of more than nine years of grassroots efforts led by the City of Sandy Springs, the Sandy Springs Conservancy and Leadership Sandy Springs. Overlook Park has quickly become a community landmark and neighborhood gathering place.

"Receiving this award is an important honor for the City of Sandy Springs, our community partners and residents. We are thrilled with Overlook Park and excited by this recognition," added Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough.

The City of Sandy Springs Police Department will begin its Explorers Program in January. The Explorers program is sponsored through the Boy Scouts of America, however both young women and men, who are between the ages of 14-21 are eligible to apply through mid-December. Once 12 successful applicants are chosen, regular meetings will begin each Wednesday.

The function of the Sandy Springs Explorers will be to participate in an assortment of police activities including DUI Checkpoints, traffic details and road races or with manpower on other large functions. The Explorers will also be trained in police functions geared towards honing their skills in preparation for competing in national explorer competitions.

Police Explorers are common throughout departments across the nation. The purpose of Law Enforcement Exploring is to provide young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement with a comprehensive program of training, competition, service and practical experiences. Character development, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism are integral components of the overall program. Through their involvement in the program, Explorers develop an awareness of the purpose, mission and objectives of law enforcement agencies.

To join the Police Explorers Program, contact Officer Corey Begeal at 404-403-9431 or via e-mail.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) work originally scheduled to be complete this week on Brandon Mill and Abernathy Roads has been delayed. Utility relocation setbacks by Georgia Power, AT&T and Comcast have not allowed contractor CW Matthews to progress with the construction as planned.

GDOT is allowing a temporary opening that should be completed in mid-December contingent upon good weather. CW Matthews will install a signal and pave as much as possible to allow right and left turns from Brandon Mill Road onto Abernathy Road and full turns into Brandon Mill Road from Abernathy Road.

This temporary opening will allow the utility companies to continue to work in the area. In early 2011, the utility work will be completed. CW Matthews will then do a short closure (less than a week) of Brandon Mill Road, and then open it to full service with the planned traffic shift.

The Christmas and the holiday shopping season is a peak time for crimes such as muggings and theft of items in automobiles. This year, the Sandy Springs Police Department will be working with volunteers to distribute crime prevention flyers to holiday shoppers in Sandy Springs.

"When you are shopping, park in highly visible, well lighted spaces and not next to a van or truck where someone can hide," offered SSPD Crime Prevention Officer Larry Jacobs. "Hide your packages in the trunk and keep all valuables out of sight. Have your keys ready to unlock your car as soon as you arrive."

SPECIAL NEEDS GYMNASTICS - The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce its partnership with Fulton County Schools to provide leisure and athletic opportunities for special needs youth.  Currently, the Recreation Department offers a Special Needs gymnastics program.  The Department will host upcoming bocce, basketball and tennis local level Special Olympics events.
When: Fridays, January 7 - March 2, 3:00 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: Special Needs participants
Price: $114

GYMNASTICS TEAM SHOWCASE - Come and enjoy watching the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks gymnastics teams talented students demonstrating their skills in Artistic Gymnastics (bars, beam, floor, vault) and Rhythmic Gymnastics (rope, hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon).
When: December 11, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: gymnastic team participants
Price: Free

REGISTRATION FOR HOLIDAY CAMPS UNDERWAY

31 STORIES HOLIDAY CAMP - A fun week of stories, art, music, games and much more
When: December 11, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: gymnastic team participants
Price: Free

PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CAMPS
When: December 13 - 17, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: children, 3 yrs - 5 yrs
Price: $100/week

GYMNASTICS CAMP
When: December 20 - 23, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: children, 6 yrs and up
Price: $104.00/week

MIGHTY MITES CAMP
When: December 13 - 17, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Hammond Park Gymnasium, 705 Hammond Drive
Who: children, 3 yrs - 5 yrs
Price: $100/week

Registration for programs is available online via Activenet, or call (770) 206-2035 for further information.