Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee Summary – April 15, 2026

The Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:36 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. Chair Phillips and Vice Chair were absent; an Acting Chair was appointed by the committee. A quorum was present with members Christy, Lisa, Richard, Paul, Alan, and others. No public comments were received. The meeting covered departmental updates, approval of previous minutes, and discussion of cricket programming options and rental fees for The Boardwalk at Town Center.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes (March 18, 2026): Motion by Member Burton, seconded by Member McWilliams, to approve the minutes as presented. Passed unanimously.

Departmental Update (March 2026)

• Park Place Senior Center: 128 programs (61 social, 67 fitness) with 1,801 participants in March 2026. New activities included a visit to the High Museum of Art and pinochle lessons.
• Athletics: Johns Creek Sports Association (JCSA)/Newtown Rec in full swing; Ocee Park Athletic Association (OPAA) started practices and games.
• 5K Events: Gigi’s Playhouse 5K held at Cauley Creek Park.
• Events:
  • Battle of the Bands: Approximately 500–600 attendees, 11 bands. Youth winner: Music Authority’s Eclipse (opener for May 8 concert). Adult winner: Everyday Dogs (opener for September 12 concert).
  • Daffodil Days: Approximately 2,500 attendees; Mayor recognized community groups for volunteerism.
• Programming: Round Robin pickleball resumed with 21 participants. Free Outdoor Fitness started March 8 with 232 participants in March.
• Upcoming Events (May–June 2026): International Festival (May 2, Heisman Field), Boardwalk Town Center Grand Opening Concert (May 8), Touch a Truck (May 16, City Hall parking lot).
• Park Facility Improvements:
  • Newtown Park basketball court: demolished, rebuilt, resurfaced, restriped — completed.
  • “The Wall That Heals”: Enhanced by pro bono donation (Triscapes) with expanded concrete area, resodding, and azaleas.
  • Autrey Mill: Building and grounds improvements ongoing (drainage, animal habitat project before summer camps).
  • Upcoming April improvements: Morton Road Park wayfinding signage, Newtown Park Clubhouse addition (two offices replacing deck, permits obtained), Ocee Park overhead safety netting installation (in progress), Shakerag Park cricket cage improvements (construction ~2 weeks out), State Bridge Park wayfinding signage.
• Committee Size Update: Council reduced the board from 15 to 11 members (target eventually 9). An excused absence policy was adopted (absences due to job-related obligations not excused; must be submitted prior to meeting).

Discussion: Cricket Programming and Field Rental Options

• Background: Cricket has grown significantly in Johns Creek, but current programs serve a high proportion of non-residents (staff reported ~40% residents, 60% non-residents). An administrative guideline requiring a minimum resident percentage was implemented January 1, 2026, but JCSA indicated the approach may not work.
• Three Options Presented:
  1. JCSA-run Cricket League (Staff Recommended): JCSA would directly run a cricket league similar to its soccer and baseball leagues, with defined seasons, age groups, and scheduling. This model aims to increase resident participation and align with other city sports.
  2. Staff-Managed Rentals: Return to the pre-2023 model where staff rented fields to organizations (residents get priority), but past experience showed potential dissatisfaction and difficulty ensuring resident access.
  3. Status Quo (JCSA with Partner Organizations): Continue current partnership with three cricket providers (North Atlanta Cricket Association, Johns Creek Cricket Association, Sixers Cricket) while monitoring the new resident percentage requirement. Considered likely to fail based on initial feedback.
• Committee Comments: Members acknowledged the unique nature of cricket (pickup games as practice, older participant base) and expressed support for Option 1 as the most logical approach to prioritize resident access, especially for youth. The committee agreed that Option 1 should be recommended to Council.

Discussion: The Boardwalk at Town Center – Rental Fees

• Proposal: Establish rental fees for three areas (Bandshell, West Overlook, North Overlook) at The Boardwalk at Town Center, which opened March 18, 2026. Staff recommended tiered rates consistent with the Newtown Park Amphitheater pricing:
  • $100/hour for Johns Creek residents, Johns Creek-based nonprofits, and Johns Creek businesses (Bandshell requires 2-hour minimum).
  • $150/hour for non-resident individuals and nonprofits not based in Johns Creek.
  • $200/hour for organizations and businesses not based in Johns Creek.
• Additional Fees: Base rental is in addition to Special Event fees (ranging $250–$7,500 depending on attendance and organization type) and incidentals (damage deposit $500, Park Supervisor $50/hour, etc.).
• Usage Rules and Regulations: Drafted to mirror Newtown Park rules but adapted for the commercial/office context (hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri/Sat, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun–Thu; noise limit 70 dB; alcohol permitted with permit; public access must remain open).
• Committee Discussion: Members questioned likely uses (weddings, corporate gatherings, graduation parties) and noted that the pricing is competitive. Staff clarified that multiple simultaneous rentals may be possible but careful management needed to keep park accessible. The committee supported the fee structure and rules, noting that adjustments can be made as demand is observed.

Key Outcomes

• Cricket Programming: The committee supported staff’s recommendation (Option 1 – JCSA-run cricket league) to be presented at the April 20, 2026 City Council Work Session.
• Boardwalk Rental Fees: The committee endorsed the proposed fee schedule and usage rules, which will be forwarded to Council for consideration at the April 20 Work Session.
• Next Steps: Staff will present RPAC’s feedback and recommendations to the Mayor and Council on both items.