We are at a critical crossroads for our parks system and need your help. Parks in Johns Creek are not just a nice feature to have in our community; our parks and recreational programs are an essential part of the high quality of life, which makes our exceptional city a desirable place to live and raise a family.
To guide the improvements and expansion of our parks system over the next 10 years, we’ve hired a consulting team to help us create a master plan.
After months of feedback and input from the community, the priorities are beginning to emerge. Over 1,500 participants in our online survey, public meetings, and interviews have told us repeatedly that they want more parks. They want more places to take their children and retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Many have also requested the prioritization of the creation of a system of recreational greenways, not just wide sidewalks along busy streets, but recreational greenways in natural settings. Although it may take decades, one such envisioned recreational greenway would run along the Chattahoochee River; another could connect along the power line easement to the Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta.
I’m excited about the interest in improving our parks system and the suggested possibilities. However, it won’t be easy. Johns Creek is largely built out, thus vacant land is not as readily available. The demand makes the limited amount of available land very expensive. Furthermore, our consultant has cautioned us that although we can make some improvements and acquisitions within our existing budget by utilizing reserves or seeking donations and private partners to implement the plan, our parks need a permanent funding source, a steady, reliable revenue stream.
I anticipate the master plan will be presented to the council in either the late summer or early fall time frame. This is an exciting time, full of possibilities. The future of our parks system and our recreational programs depend on our willingness to fund the improvements. Stay involved. To take the survey or see the consultant’s presentation, visit our website at JohnsCreekGA.gov. We want to hear from you. In the meantime, explore our parks and be active!
to your business!