Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee – August 20, 2025

The Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. The committee received the June/July department update and Q2 rental report, heard a presentation from Newtown Recreation, welcomed a new member, and unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• The committee unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Department Update (June/July 2025)

• Park Place Senior Center reported June/July totals: 52/48 social programs, 53/62 fitness programs, 105/110 total programs, and 1,229/1,448 total participants.
• June Summer Concert (Carpool) drew about 2,500 attendees; the June movie drew 200 people; the July movie was canceled due to lightning.
• Juneteenth drew about 2,500 attendees with excellent vendor feedback. Independence Day drew an estimated 12,000–15,000 attendees, with Hot Flash performing, 15 food trucks, and an LED screen for additional concert viewing.
• Fly fishing classes had 5 participants and free clinics had 60 participants at Cauley Creek Park; the first Eco Anglers event at Shakerag drew 14 kids.
• Youth pickleball camp filled 7 of 8 slots; weekly round-robin pickleball classes are full. Free outdoor fitness had 496 participants in June and 625 in July.
• JCAT sent 32 swimmers to the GRPA state swim meet in Columbus and won 47 medals.
• Upcoming events include Summer Concerts on September 6 and October 4, Patriot Day on September 11, Pupapalooza on September 13, and Adaptive Dance on September 20 at Newtown Amphitheater.
• Parks construction updates included the Boardwalk at Town Center and Newtown Trail resurfacing.
• Staff provided an FYI on updated Athletic Association Policies and Procedures: updated department references, a new requirement for associations to have a director, and updated background check language.
• A committee member asked about open play at Cauley Creek; staff said they maintain a field availability whiteboard but do not publicize it to avoid overuse.
• Some committee members voiced support for giving Johns Creek residents priority registration across all city activities, not just baseball.
• Staff noted family pickleball nights are being added at Cauley Creek and Newtown parks.

Q2 Rental Report

• April–June 2025 rental totals by park: Cauley Creek $18,333.75; Morton Road $11,555.00; Newtown $9,301.25; Ocee $5,738.75; Shakerag $20,372.50.
• Estimated field use by sport (self-reported by renters): Cricket $22,592.50; Soccer $7,721.25; Baseball $1,755.00; Lacrosse $675.00.
• Staff clarified that rentals are outside athletic association priority use; associations report separately. Committee members requested future reports include summarized pickleball totals and 5K trail revenue.
• A committee member asked about association reinvestment funds; staff responded associations are in compliance and the reinvestment is documented annually.
• A committee member noted cricket's popularity and asked about expansion. Staff said there are no current expansion plans, but a budget request was submitted to improve cricket batting cages at Shakerag.

Chair Update & New Member Introduction

• The acting chair recognized Chair Shafiq Jadavji's years of service and noted he is stepping away to run for Johns Creek City Council. Staff will place chair/vice chair selection on the next meeting agenda.
• New member Lisa Burton introduced herself, describing her long-time residency in Johns Creek and past involvement in youth sports and the Public Safety Awareness Academy.

Newtown Recreation Presentation

• Brandon Allen and Ari Maver Doglu, directors of Newtown Recreation and Johns Creek Sports Association, presented. Newtown Recreation has operated at Newtown Park since 1999 and, since 2024, also holds contracts for Cauley Creek and Shakerag programs.
• They reported annual participation of roughly 1,800 soccer players, 500+ cricket players, 400+ flag football players, 300+ baseball players, and about 250 tennis players. They also run a lacrosse league with over 500 teams and about 7,000 participants across Georgia, mostly played at school fields.
• They described a two-week priority registration period for Johns Creek residents, guaranteeing spots to residents who register in that window; non-residents may register afterward.
• Facility priorities they identified: lights on baseball/soccer fields at Newtown (acknowledging likely community opposition), turf or improved multipurpose fields, an additional full-size cricket pitch at Cauley Creek, improved field configuration/access/concessions at Cauley Creek, and an indoor facility.
• They noted cricket participation includes a substantial share of non-residents: high school cricket is about 90% non-resident and youth cricket about 20–30% non-resident.

Key Outcomes

• The committee unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes.
• Staff will research resident priority registration practices for athletic associations and report back.
• Staff will add pickleball totals and 5K trail revenue summaries to future rental reports.
• Staff will set chair/vice chair election or selection for the next meeting.
• No formal votes were taken on Newtown Recreation's facility suggestions; the presentation and committee feedback were received for consideration.