Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21, but the sun is out and it’s heating up in north Fulton County.
Some folks can be forgetful when heading to a beach or park. They’ll grab a drink, headphones and a towel, but sunscreen can often be forgotten.
But those heading to Bell Memorial Park in Milton won’t need to worry about carrying sunscreen with them, because the city has installed two dispensers for folks in the park. Both dispensers are free of charge and will be stocked with SPF 30.
“We know that Melanoma rates are on the rise, and one of the ways we can help prevent burning and possible skin cancer is by protecting ourselves with sunscreen,” Jim Cregge, Milton's Director of Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. “Installing free sunscreen dispensers seemed to be an easy way for Milton to help lead the way in the fight against Melanoma.”
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health 2016 Georgia Cancer Data Report, Melanoma incidence rates have been increasing at an annual average rate of 2.6 percent since 2000, and there were nearly 2,600 cases of the skin cancer in Georgia in 2015.
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The bright yellow dispensers will be stationed across from the park atrium near the restrooms. Milton says each dispenser supports about 250 users and city staff will monitor usage to ensure timely refills. The stations will also have contact information posted for residents to report an empty dispenser.
Milton says that about 2,000 children participate in sports programs annually at Bell Memorial Park.
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