$100 Million Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond
Update on Bond Projects A number of the proposed bond projects are in progress or have been completed. Click here for an update on the status of the proposed bond projects.
Acquisition of Property Underway As part of an ongoing process, Forsyth County has begun the acquisition of property as funded by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space bond approved by voters in February 2008. The properties listed below have been acquired by Forsyth County as part of this parks, recreation and green space initiative.
View a map of acquired properties
Haw Creek Park (Echols Road Property) - opened June 28, 2012 Location: Echols Road Acreage: Approximately 85 acres Closed on property: December 30, 2010
Windermere Property Location: South of Windermere Parkway, adjacent to Windermere Park Acreage: Approximately 31 acres Closed on property: December 31, 2009 Lanierland Park (Lanierland Property) Location: North of Jot-Em-Down Road Acreage: Approximately 109 acres Closed on property: September 1, 2009
Eagle’s Beak Park (Eagle's Beak Property) Location: Old Federal Road/Etowah River Acreage: Approximately 225 acres Closed on property: May 20, 2009
Chattahoochee Pointe (McClure Property) - opened June 28, 2012 Location: Off of Old Atlanta Road and bordering the Chattahoochee River Acreage: Approximately 100 acres Closed on property: April 22, 2009
Old Atlanta Park (Buice Property) - opened June 29, 2012, 2012 Location: Old Atlanta Road near the Lambert High School site Acreage: Approximately 39 acres Closed on property: February 2, 2009
Caney Creek Preserve (Harrison Property) - opened June 22, 2012 Location: Along the north and east sides of Caney Road just west of the intersection of Caney Road and Brookwood Road Acreage: Approximately 63 acres Closed on property: December 31, 2008
Matt Community Park at Settingdown Creek (Wallace Tatum Property) Location: South side of Wallace Tatum Road just south of its intersection with Matt Highway Acreage: Approximately 185 acres Closed on property: December 31, 2008
About the Bond On February 5, 2008, Forsyth County voters approved the issuance of a $100 million Parks/Recreation and Green Space General Obligation Bond. The issue received overwhelming voter approval of 69-70% countywide. Bond Language "Shall there be issued up to $100,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Forsyth County General Obligation Bonds for the purpose of financing parks and recreational areas, programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, green spaces and conservation areas for the protection of lakes, rivers, forest and wildlife habitats?" Bond Intent - Improvements and expansion to existing parks
- Purchase land for future (active recreation) parks - Acquisition of land for green space (passive recreation)
Proposed Bond Projects View Existing County Parks and Army Corps of Engineers Properties
After the Vote County staff and stakeholders along with the Board of Commissioners developed an action plan for park improvement and expansion projects. County staff began the process of developing a plan to identify and evaluate land to be considered for purchase as green space. Open discussion on the process was held in several Board of Commissioners meetings and the Board of Commissioners developed sample criteria for rating land throughout the county.
Green Space: GIS Selection Process A Town Hall Meeting was held July 24, 2008 by the Board of Commissioners, to garner citizen input regarding green space. At the meeting, citizens were asked to indicate which of the sample criteria were most important to them. - View the results
Ongoing Process The Board of Commissioners selected Lose & Associates as a consultant to facilitate the process toward the green space plan. Check back for updates regarding this ongoing process.
Forsyth County Green Space Definition Green Space is protected natural, ecological and cultural resources provided and maintained to benefit residents, businesses and visitors. It preserves undisturbed open space; protects air and water quality; offers passive outdoor recreation opportunities; and promotes and enhances the quality of life of the community. Green Space is land that remains in a relatively natural state. It helps make the community attractive, livable, and economically competitive and viable. |