SPLOST VIII funds $3.3 million facelift at Midway Park
Featured Stories, News September 12, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials continue to improve a park system that is already one of the finest in the state.
On Thursday, Sept. 8, the County officially unveiled various updates to Midway Park (5100 Post Road) including a new playground, pavilion and enhanced athletic facilities at a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Midway Park was originally constructed in 1982 and is the 2nd oldest park in Forsyth County,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “Through the years, it has received capital updates to portions of the property, but I am excited that this upgrade brings the upper baseball complex to current standards as well as a new playground and pavilion that will keep families coming for generations to come.”
Improvements and additions to the park include:
– New inclusive and accessible playground
– Laser grading and new sod on diamond fields
– New batting cages and bullpens
– New Pavilion with seating for 36
– New flooring and interior/exterior paint for Community Building
– Repaved and leveled park entrance and upper parking area
– Sealed and restriped lower parking area
The budget for the refurbishment was $3.13M and funding was provided by SPLOST VIII. The project consultant was Woolpert Design, and the contractor was Diversified Construction.
Amenities at Midway Park and all Parks & Recreation facilities can be found by visiting parks.forsythco.com
County officials set to unveil $3.1 million facelift at Midway Park
Featured Stories August 24, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Midway Park is the second oldest park in Forsyth County, which boasts some of the finest and most modern parks in the state.
Built in 1982, the park has undergone quite a few upgrades over the years but nothing quiet as grand at what will be demonstrated at a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept 8 at 11 a.m.
“I am excited to unveil this upgrade which brings the upper baseball complex to current standards,” said Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “I also believe the new playground and pavilion near the Community Building will be a big hit.”
Improvements and additions to the park include:
– New inclusive and accessible playground
– Laser grading and new sod on diamond fields
– New batting cages and bullpens
– New Pavilion with seating for 36
– New flooring and interior/exterior paint for Community Building
– Repaved and leveled park entrance and upper parking area
– Sealed and restriped lower parking area
The budget for the refurbishment was $3.13 million and funding was provided by SPLOST VIII. The project consultant was Woolpert Design and the contractor was Diversified Construction.
Amenities at Midway Park and all Parks & Recreation facilities can be found by visiting parks.forsythco.com.
New amenities will be unveiled at Eagle’s Beak Park ribbon cutting Aug. 16
News August 5, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The facelift at Eagles Beak Park is complete and County Commissioners and the Parks and Recreation Department will hold a ribbon cutting Tuesday (Aug. 16) at 3 pm. to celebrate the occasion.
The new amenities, including an inclusive playground, a 1.25-mile paved walking trail, and historical signage marking the Trail of Tears will be unveiled along a scenic river overlooked by a picnic pavillion.
Jim Pryor
“Eagles Beak Park combines history and beauty along the Etowah River, and we are very excited to provide access to another great natural resource in Forsyth County,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor.
The additions to the park have been made possible through a Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant in the amount of $2.25 million. Eagle’s Beak Park is one of 14 statewide recipients of the inaugural Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) grant. The County’s contribution to the grant is $769,000, which is paid through the County’s Landfill Host Fee fund.
“To be selected in the first year of this new grant program is a testament to our great staff who worked hard on the application,” said Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills,
“When I first heard that this opportunity was available, I thought about Eagle’s Beak, located on the Trail of Tears. I knew this would be a perfect place to honor the rich Native American history of the area and have a park where parents can teach their children about it. The park will also be the northwest starting point for the North Subarea Trail System which will run east across the County to connect with Lake Lanier once completed.”
Construction was provided by the Bayne Development Group, and the architect for the new amenities was Hayes-James & Associates.
Eagle’s Beak Park, located in northwest Forsyth County, also has amenities such as a canoe/kayak launch on the Etowah River, a 1.3-mile nature trail and restroom facilities.
UFA soccer returns to Polo Fields
News July 28, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — United Football Academy soccer will return to the Polo Fields next month.
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pryor and his staff worked out a one-year contract with United Athletics Inc. to lease a 25-acre section at the Polo Fields for $$88,000 yearly, which could be renewed annually through 2024.
UFA had leased the property for its matches for many years until the county purchased the property in 2021. Until then, UFA leased the field from the property owner for $114,000 a year which included all maintenance work.
The current contract, Pryor said, calls for UFA to perform all trash and utility service, maintain 12 acres of the playing surface and bring in portable restrooms and lights.
County Manager complimented Pryor and his staff and said, “This is a good deal for the county.”
Sawnee Park ribbon cutting moved to Jan. 19
Press Release January 12, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. Forsyth County officials will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19, to dedicate facility improvements at Sawnee Mountain Park (3995 Watson Rd.).
The event was originally scheduled for Jan. 14.
Improvements to the park include baseball/softball complex improvements, a new inclusive playground, refurbished tennis courts as well as updates to the concession stand and restrooms. The parking lot was also seal coated and restriped. A new pavilion, also a part of the renovation project, is expected to be installed at a later date.
“We are excited to unveil the new additions and renovations to Sawnee Mountain Park,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “This is a growing area in west Forsyth, so we are thrilled to provide more recreation opportunities, including a new large, inclusive playground, to the residents in this area of the County.”
Most amenities at the park closed for renovations on May 10 and are now open to the public.
The project budget was $3.25 million and was made available from SPLOST VIII funds. The consultant for the project was Robertson Loia Roof, PC and the general contractor is Build Line, LLC.
More Parks & Recreation news can be found by following @forsythcountyparksandrecreation on Facebook.
Sawnee Mountain Park ribbon cutting set for Jan. 14
Press Release January 5, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County officials will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, to dedicate facility improvements at Sawnee Mountain Park (3995 Watson Rd.).
Improvements to the park include baseball/softball complex improvements, a new inclusive playground, refurbished tennis courts as well as updates to the concession stand and restrooms. The parking lot was also seal coated and restriped. A new pavilion, also a part of the renovation project, is expected to be installed at a later date.
“We are excited to unveil the new additions and renovations to Sawnee Mountain Park,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “This is a growing area in west Forsyth, so we are thrilled to provide more recreation opportunities, including a new large, inclusive playground, to the residents in this area of the County.”
Most amenities at the park closed for renovations on May 10 and are now open to the public. The
project budget was $3.25 million and was made available from SPLOST VIII funds. The consultant for the project was Robertson Loia Roof, PC and the general contractor is Build Line, LLC.
More Parks & Recreation news can be found by following @forsythcountyparksandrecreation on Facebook.
Lanierland Park to close for major expansion project
News December 28, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Lanierland Park (6115 Jot-Em-Down Rd.) will be temporarily closed on Jan. 10 to allow for earth moving work to be completed for a $16.5 million expansion project at the park. The park will be closed for one month, weather permitting.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we make improvements to the park this year,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “When it opens later this year, Lanierland will be one of the County’s premier parks. It will have something for everyone to enjoy.”
The construction is a part of phase two of the park’s master plan which includes the following additions to Lanierland Park:
- Eight tennis courts
- Four pickleball courts
- Four baseball/softball fields
- Miracle League baseball/softball field
- All-inclusive playground
- Hard and soft surface trails
- Football/lacrosse fieldhouse
- Additional parking
The consultant for the project is Lose Design, and the general contractor is Astra Group Inc. The project is being funded by SPLOST VIII and impact fees. The project is expected to be completed by late Fall 2022. Details of phase two of the park’s master plan can be found here, and 3D images of how the park will look once completed can be found here.
Updates on the project and more Parks & Recreation news can be found by following @forsythcountyparksandrecreation on Facebook.
Matt Community Park public input meeting scheduled Sept. 8
Press Release September 6, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –Forsyth County Parks & Recreation will host a second community input meeting for resident feedback on proposed plans for a future recreation center at Matt Community Park on Sept. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Coal Mountain Park Community Building, 3560 Settingdown Rd.
An online survey is also available for residents to highlight program components of interest to them that they would like to see included in the center.
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation currently has three recreation centers located at Central, Fowler and Old Atlanta Parks. Each center offers basketball gymnasiums, indoor walking track, fitness equipment, fitness classes, instructional classes and community rooms.
“We are excited to welcome the community’s input on what the recreation center at Matt will provide for the community in northwest Forsyth,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor.
The Matt Community Park Recreation Center master plan design is being funded by SPLOST VIII and Impact Fees. Other amenities at Matt Community Park include four synthetic-turf rectangular fields, a playground, three pavilions, restrooms, a multi-use trail and six lighted tennis courts. Matt Community Park opened in Aug. 2016.
Parks & Rec offers new esports programs
Press Release July 27, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FORSYTH COUNTY Ga. — Registration is now open for video game leagues. Residents eight years and older can now enjoy and compete in Forsyth County Parks and Recreation’s esports leagues.
“We are very excited to offer this new avenue of recreation for our residents,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “This is another step toward expanding our programs to have something for everyone.”
Esports is defined as a form of competition using video games and has shown to enhance participants’ teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, leadership and confidence.
Registration is currently open for two leagues:
• Fortnight 1v1 (free to enter)
• Rocket League 1v1 ($30 per person) Both leagues will run for six weeks beginning mid-August, and more leagues will be available in the fall. All leagues are currently online only. GG Leagues, a digital hosting service for gaming leagues, will facilitate all County leagues, and all interested individuals will need to create a registered account with GG Leagues to participate.
Ribbon cutting ceremony set for Big Creek Greenway extensions June 3
Press Release May 29, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County officials will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open two segments of the Phase V portion of the Big Creek Greenway at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 3.
“We are excited to offer these extensions of the Greenway that will eventually connect the trail system from the southern County border to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Jim Pryor.
One of the two segments of Phase V opening June 3 will extend the Greenway from the intersection of Kelly Mill Road and Johnson Road to Canton Hwy. (SR 20), a distance of 2.27 miles. The other segment of Phase V opening June 3 originates at the intersection of SR 20 and the Spot Road Connector. That segment travels along the Spot Road Connector, Doc Bramblett Road and Spot Road, ending at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Visitor Center, a distance of 2.48 miles.
In the future, an additional one-mile segment of Phase V will run parallel to SR 20, connecting all portions of the Greenway. This segment will be constructed at a later date as part of the planned GDOT widening of Canton Hwy.
When complete, Phase V of the Greenway will extend the multi-use trail an additional 5.7 miles from Kelly Mill Road to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center (4075 Spot Road), making the entire Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway just over 16.5 miles in length.
Parks and Recreation Dept. continues to add to Therapeutic Recreation programs
News February 15, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
Forsyth County, Ga. – Forsyth County Parks & Recreation’s therapeutic recreation added ten new programs, saw a year-over-year membership growth of 32% and offered several new out-of-school programs in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therapeutic recreation, which launched in March 2018, offers programs for individuals with specific needs in order to develop leisure and recreation skills, enhance socialization, independence and overall quality of life.
“We are very excited about the future of the therapeutic rec programs,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jim Pryor. “We have seen great interest from the Forsyth County community in the offerings created over the past three years and we are working on creating more opportunities for 2021 and beyond.”
To help identify future offerings and opportunities to better serve patrons, Parks & Recreation is asking for participants, or those interested in therapeutic recreation programs, to complete a brief survey found by clicking here.
More information on therapeutic recreation programs, including participant information, can be found by clicking here, or by calling (770) 205-4635. The current programs offered through therapeutic recreation include adaptive sports and fitness programs, special events and camps.
All current Forsyth County Parks & Recreation offerings, including Therapeutic Recreation, can be found by clicking here. Volunteer opportunities are also available for various programs offered.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Forsyth County seeks public input on amenities at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
News August 30, 2020
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County is conducting an on-line survey to determine which amenities the community would like to see featured at an overlook at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
“We are really excited about this,” says Karen Shields, Director of Communications for the Forsyth County Government. “We are looking to engage the community. We are looking to have the community look at the proposed amenities and let us know what they think, what they would like to see, or don’t want to see.”
Input is being done through the Parks and Recreation website. Participants will be able to view a narrated presentation about the project, see proposed options, as well as participate in a survey to express their opinion. The survey will be open between now and September 10.
“A power point presentation can be found on that website with a project information board. It kind of looks at what the area might be and what amenities might go there,” explains Shields.
Also, to clear up any confusion, the proposed overlook will not be at the same place as the Indian Seats, but is instead located at the former Barker House property, which was acquired by the county along with 12.8 acres in 2003.
“Sawnee Mountain is a landmark in Forsyth County. It’s really a great treasure in our community. It’s a location that brings people from all over metro Atlanta to hike Sawnee Mountain for those spectacular views. This is one way we can enhance that, by putting amenities at that overlook area,” says Shields.
Parks and Recreation Director, Jim Pryor, also hopes residents will give their input. “We encourage residents to provide feedback for this beautiful overlook area at one of our most popular and treasured parks.”
For more information on the current amenities offered at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (4075 Spot Rd.), or to find a link to the survey mentioned above, please visit parks.forsythco.com/Sawnee-MountainPreserve.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com