Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on September 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. Chair Jillian Phillips presided. Roll call showed near-perfect attendance (Paul Via and Christi Wynn absent). No public comments were offered.

Chair Update

Chair Phillips encouraged use of the JC Now app to report park issues (e.g., fallen trees) and announced the annual Boards and Committees Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00 PM (dinner at 6:30). She also highlighted the upcoming Fulton County Schools fall break and invited families to enjoy the parks, noting recent trail improvements at Autrey Mill.

New Recreation and Parks Director Introduction

Assistant City Manager Chris Haggard introduced Michael King as the new Recreation and Parks Director. King is a Johns Creek resident with 20 years of parks and recreation experience, most recently as director in Brookhaven. He holds two degrees in parks and recreation. King stated he wanted to serve the community where he lives and where his two daughters attend Abbots Hill Elementary (where his wife also teaches).

Departmental Update (Michael King)

• Park Place Senior Center: Programs and participation numbers for July/August 2026 were up compared to 2025, with thousands of participants. Activities included a trip to Wolf Mountain Winery and a sunflower farm.
• Events: Independence Day 250 on July 3 drew an estimated 15,000 attendees; Movie in the Park (Zootopia 2) on July 10 had 300 attendees; Summer Concert Series (Guardians of the Jukebox) on August 7 had 2,000 attendees; Adaptive Dance (Galactic Gala theme) on August 21 had 50 attendees.
• Programming: The JCAT swim team sent 36 swimmers to the GRPA state swim meet, bringing home 3 first place, 1 second place, and 8 third place medals. Free outdoor fitness had 485 participants in July and 464 in August.
• Upcoming Events: Pup-a-Pallooza Sept 19 (12-3 PM at Newtown Park), Arts on the Boardwalk Sept 26 (1-4 PM), Summer Concert with Johns Creek Symphony Oct 3 (doors 6 PM, show 7 PM at Newtown Park), North Fulton Special Needs Field Day Oct 10 at Cauley Creek Park, and Trunk or Treat Oct 21 (6-8 PM at City Hall). Food vendors are not planned for the September events; the October concert may have vendors.

Facilities Update (Chris Haggard)

• Completed Projects: Ocee Park tennis and basketball court resurfacing; Ocee Park Lang Field turf (partnership with OPAA); Cauley Creek futsal fence extension; Autrey Mill Summerour House painting (deck repainted with a move toward consistent paint colors across park buildings); Newtown Park Clubhouse addition.
• Under Construction: Cauley Creek parking lot expansion at the pickleball courts—rock placement next week, asphalt to follow.
• Future Projects: Cauley Creek Makerspace (design plans under review, aiming for permit in weeks); Newtown Park bathroom renovation; Autrey Mill amphitheater seating modification (cutting a center aisle for weddings); wayfinding signage now installed at the Boardwalk and starting at Cauley Creek.
• E-Bike Ordinance: Bike racks have been installed at park entrances in response to the council’s ordinance prohibiting e-bikes and e-scooters on park trails. Enforcement is ongoing with police assistance. Some public misunderstanding exists—the ordinance allows e-bikes on sidewalks and trails outside parks. The committee discussed signage and parking locations.
• Park Acquisitions: The city acquired the historic Medlock Bridge Road property (not open to the public) and the Horse Farm on Jonesbridge Road (leased back to current operators for at least a year; possible future rec center discussions).

Discussion Items

• Cauley Creek Sidewalk Connection: Committee member Alan Varghese asked about extending the sidewalk from the soccer fields to the new pickleball parking lot. Haggard said no immediate plan but noted a long-term master plan for Cauley Creek is being developed this year at council’s request; the 5K trail currently connects the areas.
• Rotating Park Visits: Haggard proposed holding every other meeting at a park for a tour. The committee agreed to begin with Cauley Creek. Because the regular October 21 meeting conflicts with Trunk or Treat, the committee decided to cancel that meeting and hold an informal quorum (announced to the public) on October 14 at 6:15 PM at Cauley Creek. City Clerk Allison Tarpley will send details and adjust calendars. Future park visits will be scheduled based on project milestones.

Key Outcomes

• July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (motion by Lisa Burton, second by Martin Jelleme).
• October Meeting Changed: The October 21 regular meeting is canceled; an informal park tour at Cauley Creek will take place on October 14 at 6:15 PM (no formal agenda, open to public).
• New Director Welcomed: Michael King officially introduced and begins leading recreation and parks.
• Projects Continue: Cauley Creek parking lot, makerspace, and other facility improvements are in progress; the committee will be briefed on makerspace plans at a future meeting.
• E-Bike Enforcement: Staff will continue outreach about the ordinance and monitor for issues over the next 3-6 months.
• Calendar Reminder: City Clerk will send draft 2027 meeting calendars for the committee to review.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.