Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on July 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. The meeting covered departmental updates on events and facility improvements, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a detailed discussion on proposed ordinance changes to regulate e-bikes and electric scooters in City parks.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the meeting minutes from May 20, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Departmental Update (Presented by Assistant City Manager Chris Haggard):

  • Park Place Senior Center programs showed increased participation compared to 2025, with 1,436 total participants in June 2026 versus 1,229 in June 2025.
  • Major events: International Festival (May 2, 5,100 attendees), Boardwalk Grand Opening Concert (May 8, 2,500 attendees), Touch a Truck (May 16, 3,000 attendees), Concert at Newtown Park (June 5, 2,500 attendees), Movie in the Park/Soccer Watch Party (June 12, 2,000 attendees), and Juneteenth (June 20, 3,500 attendees).
  • Free outdoor fitness programs had 462 participants in May and 551 in June.
  • July 3rd Independence Day event drew an estimated 15,000 attendees; staff noted parking and pedestrian safety improvements for next year.
  • Facility improvements completed: Morton Road Park rubber trail coating, Shakerag Park cricket cage rebuild, Abbotts Hill Elementary basketball goals and sidewalk, and opening of the pedestrian tunnel under Medlock Bridge at the Boardwalk.
  • Upcoming projects: Autrey Mill animal enclosures, Newtown Park clubhouse addition, Ocee Park tennis court rebuilding and basketball court resurfacing, Cauley Creek parking lot expansion (85 spaces).
  • Staff introduced a new formal process for Boy Scout/Girl Scout Eagle/Gold projects and a memorial bench program.

• E-Bikes and Scooters in the Parks (Ordinance Amendment Discussion):

  • Staff presented a proposed amendment to Chapter 38 of the City Code to prohibit operation of e-bikes and electric scooters within City parks, with designated parking areas near entrances. Exceptions for mobility devices, emergency personnel, and authorized city employees.
  • Two options for the Boardwalk, which functions as both a park and a regional trail: Option 1 – treat as a park with full prohibition; Option 2 – allow e-bikes/scooters except during City events. Staff recommended Option 2, and City Council had reached consensus on Option 2 at a prior work session.
  • Committee members expressed strong support for the ordinance, citing safety concerns, liability, and incidents of reckless riding. Some members noted the need for clear signage and education, especially at multi-entrance parks like Newtown. A member suggested adding a bike rack at Morton Road Park near the basketball court. Staff noted that enforcement will involve police, who have already been issuing citations for e-bike violations on sidewalks.
  • The committee discussed the classification of e-bikes (Class 1, 2, 3) and noted that Class 3 e-bikes (capable of 28+ mph) are already illegal for minors without a driver's license. The proposed ordinance would apply to all e-bikes and scooters.

Key Outcomes

• The committee unanimously approved the May 20, 2026 meeting minutes.
• The committee provided feedback on the e-bike ordinance amendment, which will be summarized for City Council consideration at the July 27, 2026 Council meeting. No formal vote was taken by RPAC.
• Staff noted that parking facilities (bike and scooter racks) will be installed at key park entrances, with locations identified for Newtown Park (2), Ocee Park (1), Cauley Creek Park (2), Shakerag Park (1), and Boardwalk Park (4 locations, including existing racks). Morton Road Park will be added based on committee input.
• The committee was informed of Sandra Pastorello's resignation, reducing membership to 10 members.