Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee Meeting - October 15, 2025

On October 15, 2025, the Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met at City Hall at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a public comment from a former committee member, a department update with attendance and event statistics, the appointment of a new Chair and Vice-Chair, approval of prior meeting minutes, a presentation from the Rotary Club of Johns Creek, a vote to renew the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Facility Use Agreement, approval to reschedule the November meeting, and a discussion on the 2026 meeting calendar (deferred to November).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shafiq (former RPAC Chair): Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve on RPAC for over seven years, encouraged the committee to remain ambitious in their work, and thanked the Parks Department. He noted that while RPAC provides input, final decisions rest with City Council.

Discussion Items

• Department Update (Director Erica Madsen): Reported on programming and events for August and September 2025:
  • Park Place Senior Center: 1298 participants in August, 1380 in September across 114 and 119 programs respectively.
  • Summer Concert Series: REMakes (August) – 1,200 attendees; Purple Experience (September) – 1,900 attendees.
  • Pupapalooza: 350 attendees.
  • Patriots Day: 200 attendees, featuring a keynote from JCFD Captain Matthew Broderick.
  • Cauley Creek Park: Three 5K rentals in August, four in September.
  • Adult Softball: 7 teams registered.
  • Free Outdoor Fitness: 402 participants.
  • Eco Fishing: Two sessions (August 2 and 30) with 20 participants each, both with waitlists.
  • Adaptive Dance: Over 50 participants.
  • Diwali Market (October 11): Estimated 3,000 attendees; committee member Shri raised concerns about declining attendance and suggested expanding the format.
  • Upcoming events: Trunk or Treat (Oct 22), Literary Fair (Nov 15), Holly Jolly Block Party (Dec 5).
  • Project updates: Wayfinding signage at Shakerag (August), building repairs at Autrey Mill, new sidewalk at Cauley Creek, and the boardwalk behind City Hall (turf installed).
• Chair Update: Vice Chair Phillips provided no additional items beyond what was on the agenda.
• Rotary Johns Creek Presentation (Elizabeth Salisbury): Described Rotary’s mission of “service above self” and the four-way test. Highlighted local partnerships including Patriots Day, Trunk or Treat (22,000 pieces of candy), Interact Clubs at Johns Creek and Autrey Mill high schools, a pickleball tournament, and human trafficking prevention initiatives. Invited committee members to attend Rotary meetings.
• Renewal of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Facility Use Agreement:
  • Director Madsen explained the agreement is between the City and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association, which runs programming (summer camps, homeschool, rentals). The current agreement expires Dec 31, 2025. Proposed changes include removal of reversion clauses for buildings, updates to the organization’s mission, and adjusted reporting dates. The association reinvests 5% of programming fees into park improvements, often via volunteer hours.
  • Committee discussion: Noted typographical errors (effective date shown as 2023, should be 2025; “Property” and “history” misspelled). Member Adam Cleary questioned the three-day notice requirement for fundraising events; staff confirmed it has worked well. Member Martin Jelleme noted the five-year history and that the only real change was the building reversion clause. Member Paul Nolan expressed desire for the City to similarly support other nonprofits offering youth programs. Member Jillian Phillips asked what happens if the association cannot meet the 5% reinvestment; staff responded that such a situation would be discussed at the time. The committee supported renewal.
• Rescheduling November 19, 2025 Meeting: Staff requested moving the November meeting from November 19 to November 12, 2025, to allow RPAC feedback on the 2026 special events calendar before the ACE Committee and City Council work session. Discussion: Member Paul Nolan noted he cannot attend on Nov 12, but attendance policy would apply. Member Adam Cleary suggested Nov 11 (Veterans Day holiday) or a different day; staff noted Nov 11 is a holiday and another meeting conflicts with Planning Commission. The committee voted to approve the date change.
• 2026 Meeting Calendar (Bimonthly Proposal): Staff presented a recommendation to shift from monthly to bimonthly meetings (6 per year), noting an average of 4 cancellations per year historically. Committee members expressed concerns: Jillian Phillips argued the committee’s role is already limited and reducing meetings would further diminish its effectiveness; Paul Nolan noted it is easier to cancel a meeting than to add one; Kendrick McWilliams pointed out that cancellation data shows June and July are often canceled, so a bimonthly schedule might lead to a long gap (Feb to Aug). Martin Jelleme suggested a compromise of 8 or 9 meetings. The committee ultimately decided to defer a decision to the November 12 meeting, and staff will bring a draft monthly calendar for discussion. A motion to table was approved.
• Other Business: The December meeting was briefly discussed; Director Madsen indicated she would review potential agenda items and the committee may consider a social element.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair: Gillian Phillips was nominated and elected as Chair; Martin Jelleme was nominated and elected as Vice-Chair. Both were approved unanimously.
• Approval of August 20, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Erin Eggerton, seconded by Paul Nolan; passed unanimously.
• Renewal of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Facility Use Agreement: Motion to approve subject to typo corrections, seconded; passed unanimously. Staff will forward feedback to City Council.
• Rescheduling November 19 Meeting to November 12, 2025: Motion approved by majority (no dissenting votes recorded). The change is effective for this year.
• 2026 Meeting Calendar: Deferred to the November 12 meeting. Staff will present a monthly calendar draft for consideration.