Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on May 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting covered updates on park facilities, programming, and a detailed discussion on potential adjustments to Q4 2026 special events, including Diwali, the Holly Jolly Block Party, and the Arts Festival. Committee members provided feedback on event formats, partnerships with the Medley development, and the city's role in supporting outside organizations. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The meeting minutes from April 15, 2026, were approved unanimously via motion by Committee Member Via, seconded by Committee Member Shama.

Discussion Items

• Department Update: Interim Director Chris Haggard reported on recent activities: Park Place Senior Center programs (128 programs, 1,678 participants in April), 5K races (Christ Church and Woodward Academy), Easter Bunny Hop (3,000 attendees), and the Boardwalk Grand Opening/Concert (2,500–3,000 attendees). Upcoming events include Touch a Truck (May 16, 3,000 attendees), Summer Concert Series (June 5), and Movie in the Park/FIFA game (June 12). Park facility improvements were highlighted: wayfinding signage at Morton Road and State Bridge Park, Ocee Park overhead netting, Autrey Mill animal enclosures, Morton Road rubber trail seal coating, Newtown Park clubhouse addition, Ocee Park tennis and basketball court resurfacing, and Shakerag Park cricket cage netting. Discussion included the Cauley Creek rubber trail condition and drainage issues. Committee members praised the city's social media communication on park enhancements.

• Potential Adjustment for Q4 2026 Special Events:

  • Diwali (November 7): Staff presented two options: a performance-heavy event with a light walk (lights left up for a week) or a vendor market. The Medley development is opening that week and cannot co-host in 2026. Committee members expressed strong support for the lights approach, citing its draw and ability to connect to the Boardwalk. A few members suggested adding some vendors to complement the lights. The committee also noted that the market format in 2025 was underwhelming. Staff will relay feedback to the Diwali event committee.
  • Holly Jolly Block Party: Medley plans a tree lighting on November 27; the city's event was originally December 4. Staff recommended collaboration with Medley as a supporting partner. Committee members favored letting Medley take the lead for 2026, while the city could host a smaller, low-cost event with elementary school choir performances, hot chocolate, and a candlelight walk connecting the Boardwalk tree to Medley. Ideas included lighting trees at all three locations (Boardwalk, Newtown Park, Medley) simultaneously. The committee emphasized community feel over a large event.
  • Arts Festival (September 26): The event planning committee has rebranded it as "Johns Creek Arts on the Boardwalk," focusing on interactive painting, live performances, and performing arts activities. Committee members approved the concept and name, noting it avoids confusion with the previous vendor-focused festival. Suggestions included adding chalk art zones and low-impact craft activities. The event will save $7,500–$10,000 in field rental costs compared to previous venues.
  • Requests from Other Organizations: Staff reported increased inquiries from nonprofits and other groups seeking city partnership or sponsorship for events. Committee members discussed the need for a policy to evaluate requests based on reach, alignment with city goals, financial contribution, and resource impact. Several members advocated focusing on the city's own events first. Suggestions included creating a list of requests, establishing tiers of support, and streamlining the special event permit process for nonprofits. The committee agreed to revisit the topic after gathering more data.

• Other Business: A committee member raised concerns about repeated crashes at the Bell Road roundabout (Belmore Park neighborhood) and suggested adding lighting to improve visibility. Staff agreed to discuss the matter offline.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The April 15, 2026, meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• Diwali Direction: Committee leaned toward a performance-heavy event with a light walk; staff will coordinate with the Diwali committee for finalization.
• Holly Jolly Approach: Committee supported collaboration with Medley and a small, community-focused city event; staff will develop low-cost options.
• Arts Festival Endorsement: Committee endorsed the rebranded "Johns Creek Arts on the Boardwalk" and the committee's plan; staff will proceed with implementation.
• Partner Event Policy: Committee advised staff to compile a list of current requests and develop criteria for future partnerships; no immediate policy action taken.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.